How to Make Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)
Golden, fragrant, and just slightly sweet, saffron buns are a fantastic Scandinavian tradition. In Sweden, they are often made to celebrate St. Lucia’s Day on December 13, but their warmth and aroma make them perfect for any occasion. The “taste” magic lies in the addition of saffron, the world’s most precious spice, which gives them their deep yellow colour and subtle honey-floral fragrance.
This recipe for traditional saffron buns or Lussekatter makes soft, buttery buns that are best enjoyed fresh from the oven with butter and a hot drink.
Ingredients to make 12 saffron buns
This traditional recipe will make 12 delicious buns:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, preferably whole milk
- ½ teaspoon saffron
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) of active dry yeast
- 3 ½ – 4 cups (420–480 g) of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (75 g) of unsalted butter
- 1 large egg for the dough
- 1 large egg for the egg wash
- A handful of raisins or currants, which ever you prefer
How to make saffron buns
1. Gently infuse milk with saffron
Firstly, you should gently heat your milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Carefully crush the saffron threads together with a pinch of sugar using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. Then stir this into the warm milk. Let the milk sit for around 10 minutes, the milk will take on a gorgeous golden hue.
2. Activate the yeast
When the saffron milk has cooled to lukewarm, stir in your yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let this rest until it becomes foamy, this will take about 5 to 10 minutes. This process activates the yeast and will ensure your buns achieve a good rise.
3. Mix the dough
Take a large bowl, add your flour, any remaining sugar, and salt and mix. Then add the saffron milk, softened butter, and 1 egg stirring as you go. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for around 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. Allow the dough to rise
Place the dough in a bowl dusted with flour or lightly greased, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size, this will take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Create your buns
Flatten your dough and then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each of these into a roll about 8 to 10 inches long. Then shape into an “S” curve, curling the ends inward. Place the buns onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. For decoration, place a raisin in the centre of each bun.
6. Rise again
Cover your buns loosely with a towel and let them rise until slightly puffy, this will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
7. Bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush each bun with beaten egg to give them a shiny glaze. You should bake for around 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
8. Enjoy your saffron buns
Once out of the oven allow your buns to cool slightly before serving. Saffron buns are best enjoyed warm, with butter or jam, and pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot mulled wine.
Recipe extras
Try preparing your buns the night before
You can prepare your dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. This saves time but can also improve the flavour of the buns.
Freezing your buns
Saffron buns freeze well. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight bag or container and pop in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a warm oven for around 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their softness and incredible fragrance.
Try adding cardamon for an extra-special twist
Traditionally, these buns are exquisite with nothing more than saffron. But if you’d like a little extra warmth, try adding ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom. It blends beautifully with saffron while keeping the character of the buns.
But most of all … enjoy
A great Scandinavian tradition, baking saffron buns is more than just a recipe, it’s a tradition of warmth, light, and togetherness during the darker months of the year … enjoy.
Where can you buy saffron?
Sara Saffron offer a full range of premium quality, authentic saffron for incredible freshness, deep colour, pungent aroma and superb flavour. In our expert opinion this is the finest saffron you can buy.
Our award winning saffron comes direct from the best farms in the Middle East and includes Pushal, Negin, Super Negin and Organic saffron.
