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St. Lucia Buns

5.0(345)

These saffron-hued sweet buns, called Lussebullar, are a staple of the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia's Day, a winter-solstice celebration. The recipe is from Jennifer Jansch, whose children serve their parents the buns every Dec. 13, when the holiday is observed.

by Sam Sifton

Open original recipe

Breads, Side Dish

Servings

30 buns.

Total time

1h 30m

Calories / serving

194 kcal

Ingredients (9)

serves

6 ounces butter, meltedbutter
2 1/2 cups lukewarm milkmilk
3/4 teaspoon saffronsaffron
1 cup sugarsugar
1.7 ounces fresh yeastyeast
1/2 teaspoon saltsalt
2 pounds wheat flour, or as neededflour
Beaten egg, for brushingegg
Raisins, for garnish.raisins

Instructions (4 steps)

01Place the butter and milk in a medium bowl. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the saffron with a pinch of the sugar, and stir into the mixture. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little of the lukewarm butter mixture, then add the remaining butter mixture, the remaining sugar and the salt.
02Gradually add enough of the flour (almost all of it) to make a workable dough, kneading for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook. Shape into a ball, sprinkle with a little flour and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes.
03Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, and knead in additional flour if the dough is sticky. Shape as desired into buns, braids or lengths. Place on lined baking sheets, and allow to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400.

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