Saffron Buns (Lucia Buns)

Add Your Own Photo to this Recipe

36
Servings

2.5h
Prep Time

20m
Cook Time

2h 50m
Ready In

Recipe: #36066

December 11, 2020

Categories: Breads, Oven Bake, Yeast Rolls more

recipe by:
ellie

"Traditional buns to be served on St. Lucia's Day (December 12). Recipe source: The Finnish Cookbook"

Original recipe yields 36 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (59.6 g)
Calories 141.7
Total Fat - 3 g
Saturated Fat - 1.4 g
Cholesterol - 30 mg
Sodium - 89.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 25.7 g
Dietary Fiber - 2.8 g
Sugars - 7.2 g
Protein - 4.8 g
Calcium - 29.7 mg
Iron - 1.1 mg
Vitamin C - 0.1 mg
Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step 1

In a bowl combine the egg and sugar. In a bowl dissolve yeast in the water. In a separate bowl or measuring cup add salt to the milk.

Step 2

In a large bowl combine the egg, yeast mixture and milk mixture; and then beat or stir in 4 cups of flour.

Step 3

Stir in butter and then add remaining flour, mixing until a stiff dough is formed. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth.

Step 4

Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat all sides and then let rise until doubled (1 - 1/2 hours). Punch down and let rise again until doubled.

Step 5

To shape into the Lucia Buns, on a floured board, pinch off pieces of dough about 2 inch or so (about size of an orange) and roll into strands 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. With a sharp knife, cut dough from both ends toward the center, leaving 1/2 inch uncut in the center.

Step 6

Turn each send out and up towards the middle (the buns will look like a four-leaved clover).

Step 7

Put a raisin in the center of each leaf (you need to push in the raisin or they will fall off when baked).

Step 8

Repeat for remainder of the dough.

Step 9

Place buns of a lightly greased baking sheet and let rise for 20 minutes or until puffy.

Step 10

Bake in a 375 degrees F oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11

Prepare glaze by placing coffee and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove form heat and brush on the buns while they are still warm.