Description
Soft, golden St. Lucia Saffron Buns are a traditional Scandinavian holiday bread infused with fragrant saffron, enriched with butter and eggs, and shaped into beautiful spiral designs. Lightly sweet and fluffy, they are perfect for Christmas mornings, winter brunches, or cozy afternoons with coffee.
Ingredients
3/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 cup whole milk, warmed
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
24 raisins or currants
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons pearl sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Warm 2 tablespoons of the milk and steep the saffron threads for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Combine remaining warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit until foamy.
3. Add saffron milk, remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
4. Gradually add flour and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let dough rise covered for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
6. Divide into 12 to 16 pieces and shape into S spirals.
7. Press raisins into centers and let rise 30 to 45 minutes.
8. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle pearl sugar if desired.
9. Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Soak saffron in warm milk to maximize flavor and color.
Keep dough slightly tacky for soft texture.
Reheat gently with moisture to restore freshness.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Sweet Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg