Description
Panecillos de azafrán de Santa Lucía, also known as Lussekatter, are traditional Swedish saffron buns that are soft, sweet, and shaped like an ‘S’. Perfect for celebrating St. Lucia’s Day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup raisins (for decoration)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and saffron threads. Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom. Add the softened butter, egg, milk mixture, and saffron water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long rope, then twist it into an ‘S’ shape.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Before baking, place a raisin in each swirl of the ‘S’ shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough.
- You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg