Golden Lussekatter (Swedish Saffron Buns): A Festive Treat
3 hours 15 minutes
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About Golden Lussekatter (Swedish Saffron Buns): A Festive Treat
Embrace the warmth and joy of the Swedish holiday season with Lussekatter, also known as St. Lucia's Cats. These golden, S-shaped saffron buns are a feast for the senses, promising a subtly sweet flavor and a captivating aroma.Infused with fragrant saffron, these delightful treats embody the spirit of light and celebration. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, each bite offers a taste of Swedish tradition.From blooming the saffron to shaping the iconic "S," this recipe guides you through every step, ensuring soft, fragrant buns that will brighten any festive gathering.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep3 hours
Cook15 minutes
Total3 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Saffron Mixture
- 1/2 tsp Saffron Strands
- 1 Tbsp Milk hot
Dough Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Butter melted, plus 2 tsp for brushing
- 3 Tbsp Jaggery Powder or sugar or honey
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Active Yeast dry
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg plus 1 for egg wash
Garnish
- 16 Raisins
Instructions
- Crumble the saffron strands into 1 tablespoon of hot milk. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to bloom. This releases the saffron's vibrant color and flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining milk, melted butter, jaggery (or sugar/honey), and salt. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm. This prevents the yeast from being killed by high temperatures.
- Add the active dry yeast to the lukewarm mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate. Stir in the bloomed saffron milk.
- Add half of the all-purpose flour and one egg to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Grease the surface of the dough with 1 teaspoon of melted butter to prevent it from drying out during proving.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until puffy but not quite doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, each about the size of an egg.
- Roll each portion into a rope about 8 inches long.
- Shape each rope into an "S" or figure-8. Roll both ends of the rope in opposite directions to create the classic Lussekatter shape.
- Tuck a raisin into the curve of each end of the "S".
- Place the shaped buns on a greased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each. Cover and let them rise in a warm place for another 60-90 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the risen buns. This egg wash will give them a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Brush the baked buns with the remaining 1 teaspoon of melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This adds flavor and keeps them soft. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- To help your dough rise, place it in a microwave that has been heated (empty) for 3 minutes on full power. This creates a warm, humid environment for the yeast.
- Never add yeast to hot liquid. Let the liquid cool until it's warm to the touch.
- Don't add salt before the yeast activates, as salt can inhibit yeast activity.
- Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the flour for extra flavor.
- There's no visual cue for doneness inside the bread, so bake it at the specified temperature for the specified time.
- If your dough is crumbly, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it binds.
- For a stronger saffron flavor and color, grind the saffron threads with a pinch of sugar before steeping them in warm milk.
- If you prefer a richer texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- Traditionally, raisins are used in the curls of Lussekatter. For a Scandinavian twist, try dried cranberries or candied orange peel.
Expert Tips
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can result in tough buns.
- Brush the baked buns with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
- Experiment with different glazes, like a simple sugar glaze or a citrus glaze, for added sweetness and flavor complexity.
Storage Instructions
- These buns freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap after they have cooled completely.
- To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11g
Parinaaz Marolia
Articles: 58
7 Comments
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I’m thrilled to try this recipe!
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
Looks so appetizing! Thank you for posting.
Such a perfect dish! Thank you.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.
This is your star recipe. As if done by a professional.
Good recipe! However i would also like to give this a try without eggs and use whole wheat flour instead of apf. Are eggs a must in this recipe?