Baked Saffron Buns, also known as Lussekatter in Sweden, are soft, golden buns delicately flavored with saffron and traditionally shaped into spirals or “S” curves. They’re often baked around St. Lucia Day (December 13) but are delicious any time you want something cozy, fragrant, and just a little bit fancy.
🌼 Baked Saffron Buns (Swedish Lussekatter Style)
🕒 Time:
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Prep: 25 minutes
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Rise: 1½–2 hours
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Bake: 10–12 minutes
🍽 Yields: 12–14 buns
🧾 Ingredients:
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½ tsp saffron threads
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2 tbsp hot water or warm milk (for blooming saffron)
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¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warm
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¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
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¼ tsp salt
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1 large egg
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¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
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Optional: raisins or currants, for decorating
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1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Bloom the saffron:
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Lightly crush the saffron threads and soak in 2 tbsp hot water or milk for at least 10 minutes (or longer for more flavor and color).
2. Activate the yeast:
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In a bowl, combine warm milk (not hot!), sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the dough:
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In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour and salt.
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Add yeast mixture, bloomed saffron (liquid and all), softened butter, and egg.
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Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise:
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the buns:
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Punch down the dough and divide into 12–14 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a rope (~8–10 inches long), then curl both ends in opposite directions to form an S shape.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and tuck raisins into the center of each swirl (optional but traditional).
6. Second rise:
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Cover shaped buns loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush buns with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden. Let cool slightly.
🍯 Serve warm with:
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Butter
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Mulled wine (glögg)
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Tea or coffee
🧊 Storage:
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Best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months — just reheat in the oven or microwave.
