Makes 40 buns.
- Prep time: 40min
- Cook time: 10min
- Total time: 50min + dough rising time
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Lussekatter are traditionally eaten on Saint Lucia’s Day, also known as the Festival of Lights, in Sweden. Saint Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13, but I think these buttery saffron buns are perfect all year.
Ingredients:
- 200g butter
- 1g saffron
- 300ml milk
- 200ml heavy cream
- 14g (2 sachets) dried yeast (or 50g fresh yeast)
- 1 large egg
- 180g sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1kg flour
- 1 lightly beaten egg, for egg wash
- raisins for decoration
Directions:
Melt the butter, then add the saffron, milk, and cream and heat until just warm. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried yeast. If you’re using fresh yeast, crumble it into a mixing bowl. Stir in some of the liquid until the yeast dissolves, then add the rest of the liquid. Stir in the egg, sugar, and salt until the egg is fully incorporated. Work in the majority of the flour (reserve some for later) to form a smooth dough. It should still be a little sticky, but not too bad.
Allow the bowl to rise for 45-60 minutes, covered with a clean cloth. It should more than double in size. If necessary, work in the remaining flour after the dough has risen. Divide the dough into 40 equal parts and roll each one into a snake with your palms. Form a “S” with spirals at each end by curling the ends in opposite directions.
Place the buns on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Allow some space between them as they rise even higher. Cover with a cloth and set aside for 30-45 minutes to rise. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Celsius. Brush each bun with a beaten egg and insert two raisins into the “S” spirals. Depending on their size, bake for 7-10 minutes. They taste best when eaten on the same day. If you have any leftovers, they can be easily frozen.
Commentary.
Cinnamon rolls, almond paste rolls, saffron rolls… You make all of them. During the holidays, your apartment smells like a Scandinavian bakery. The aroma of warm winter spices lingers in the air for days, reminding you that the holidays are approaching.
Babies and buns… They make people happy