Lussekatter or Lucia Rolls are the saffron flavored buns from Sweden. These are traditionally made with an enriched dough and rolled into lovely S shape. Saffron in the recipe infuses unique flavors and give the buns a lovely yellow hue.
Course Bread, Breakfast
Cuisine Swedish
Keyword Christmas Breads, Saffron Buns
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Inactive Time 2 hourshours
Total Time 2 hourshours40 minutesminutes
Servings 18buns
Author Syama
Ingredients
4CAll Purpose/ Bread Flour(500g)
1CMilk (+ a little more as needed)
1/4TspSaffron 15- 20 strands
4TbspButter
1 1/4TspFine Sea Salt (8g)
2 1/4TspYeast (7g or 1 pkt)
4TbspSugar
2Eggs
1 - 2TbspRaisins/Currants
Instructions
Crush the saffron. Heat 1/4 C milk and sprinkle the crushed saffron on top. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
While the saffron is infusing the milk, warm another 1/4 C milk to 110°F, or just warm to touch. Mix in 1 tsp sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside to activate.
Separate one egg into yolk and white. Reserve the white. Add the remaining egg to the yolk and beat lightly.
Measure the flour, sugar and salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, the cooled saffron infused milk, and the egg mix to the well. Slowly knead the dough adding the butter and enough of the remaining milk to make a smooth dough. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 4 minuts in the stand mixer, until it become soft and pliable. Form into a ball. Place in a large covered bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled - about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces . Roll each piece into long ropes - 12 to 14" in length. Turn the ends to form an S shape with curled ends or form into 8s. Insert a raisin/ currant into the grooves. Place the shaped buns on a baking tray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Preparing an egg wash by beating the reserved egg white and 1 tsp of water together. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. If desired sprinkle sugar on top. Transfer the buns to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.