Saffransbullar (Swedish Saffron Buns)
Saffransbullar are traditional Swedish saffron buns that are often enjoyed during Lucia celebrations on December 13th, but they’re delicious year-round, especially around the holidays. These buns are soft, sweet, and infused with saffron, giving them their signature golden color and festive flavor.
Here’s a recipe for making saffransbullar at home!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 gram saffron threads (or 1/2 teaspoon saffron powder)
- 1/4 cup milk (for dissolving the saffron)
- 1 cup milk (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast (or one packet)
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
- 1 large egg (for the dough)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top before baking)
Optional:
- Raisins (for garnishing, traditional for adding to the buns)
- Pearl sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top of the buns)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Saffron:
- In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 1/4 cup of milk. Gently heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave for about 30 seconds until it’s warm (but not boiling). Stir to dissolve the saffron and set it aside. This releases the color and flavor of the saffron.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large saucepan, heat the 1 cup milk over medium heat until it’s warm (not hot, about 100°F or 37°C). Add the butter to the milk and stir until it melts completely.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and salt until dissolved.
- Add the saffron-infused milk (from step 1) into the mixture and stir until combined.
- Let the mixture cool down a little if it’s too hot (it should feel warm to the touch, not hot). Once it’s cool enough, add the egg and mix well.
3. Add Yeast and Flour:
- Sprinkle the dry yeast over the milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want the dough to be soft and a little sticky, but not too wet.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough to release the air and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into small portions (about 12-16 depending on how large you want your buns).
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12 inches). Twist the dough into a shape of your choice—traditionally, they are shaped like an S or figure-eight, but you can also form them into spirals or snails.
- Place each shaped bun onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re adding raisins, press a few into the center of the bun or on top for decoration.
6. Let the Buns Rise:
- Cover the shaped buns with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
7. Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
- If desired, sprinkle with pearl sugar for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
8. Bake:
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown. The tops should be golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
Tips & Variations:
- Raisins: Traditionally, Swedish saffransbullar are often decorated with raisins. You can place them on top of the buns before baking or inside the rolls for a more traditional look.
- Filling Options: You can add a little marzipan or cream cheese filling inside the buns for a richer flavor, though this isn’t traditional.
- Storing: These buns freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with vegan butter, the milk with plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk), and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions:
- Traditional Swedish Coffee Break: Serve these with a hot cup of coffee or tea, just like Swedes do during their fika (coffee break).
- Perfect for Holidays: Saffransbullar are a classic holiday treat and perfect for Christmas or any special occasion that calls for a touch of festive flavor.
Enjoy the warm, golden, saffron-infused flavor of these delicious Swedish buns!
