Best 6 Lussekatter Swedish Saffron Buns Recipes

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Lussekatter, also known as Swedish saffron buns, are a traditional Swedish pastry enjoyed during the Christmas season. These sweet, saffron-infused buns are shaped into an "S" or a spiral and topped with raisins or currants. Lussekatter are a symbol of light and prosperity during the darkest time of the year and are often served with a cup of warm glögg, a traditional Swedish mulled wine. If you're looking to bring a touch of Swedish tradition to your holiday table, Lussekatter are a must-try. Their golden hue and delicate flavor will surely impress your friends and family.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LUSSEKATTER (SWEDISH SAFFRON BUNS)



Lussekatter (Swedish Saffron Buns) image

For best results, make your saffron milk and start soaking your raisins 1 hour before you would like to start your bread.Yield: 24 (4 inch long) buns

Provided by Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere

Categories     Bread

Time 3h8m

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ tsp saffron threads
2 Tbsp milk
½ c raisins
1 ½ c milk, (warmed to 80F)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
¾ c sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, (melted and cooled)
1 egg, (lightly beaten)
½ tsp salt
6 -6 ½ c unbleached all purpose flour
1 egg
2 Tbsp water

Steps:

  • Place the saffron threads in a small bowl and carefully grind them into a fine powder using the back of a spoon (or use a mortar and pestle). Add 2 Tbsp of milk and set the mixture aside for an hour or two, stirring occasionally, to let the saffron dye the milk.
  • Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Set them aside to plump.
  • Place the warmed milk in a large mixing bowl. Mix in a few Tbsp of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over top of the milk and let it stand until the yeast has softened and begins to foam, 5-10 min.
  • Mix in the remaining sugar, melted and cooled butter, beaten egg, and prepared saffron milk.
  • Add the salt and flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Add just enough flour so that the dough comes together to a knead-able consistency.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for 5-6 minutes, adding more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to your hands. Once the dough is smooth and soft, shape it into a ball and place it into a clean, greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft free place for 60-90 min, until doubled.
  • Once risen, turn the dough out on the counter and knead it a few times. Divide the dough into 24, roughly even, pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, roll each ball into a 6 inch snake. Finally, roll each snake longer, to about 13-14 inches. (This dough has a tendency to spring back on you, which is why we roll it out in stages. Giving it time to relax will make it easier to get your long snake.)
  • For each snake, spiral the ends in opposite directions to form a scrolled "S". Place the scrolled "S" onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
  • Drain your raisins and place them on a paper towel to dry. (Pat them dry if necessary.) Put one raisin in the middle of each spiral.
  • Continue with the remaining dough.
  • Beat together the egg and water for your egg wash. Brush the mixture on the buns.
  • Let the buns rise in a warm, draft free place for 20-30 minutes, or until the buns are puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
  • Near the end of this last rising time, preheat your oven to 425F.
  • Bake the buns for 8-10 min minutes, until golden.
  • Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before enjoying the warm rolls!
  • (These rolls are best if eaten within 2-3 days.)

RECIPE: LUSSEKATTER - SWEDISH SAFFRON BUNS



Recipe: Lussekatter - Swedish Saffron Buns image

Provided by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Categories     Baking

Number Of Ingredients 9

3.5 oz (100g) butter
1 1/4 cup (3dl) milk
5.3 oz (150g) quark. Can be substituted with fromage blanc.
1 oz (25g) fresh yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 dl) white sugar
2 eggs (one for the dough and one or brushing)
5.5 cups (13 dl) flour
Raisins for decoration

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the milk and heat the mixture. Test the temperature with your finger. It should be slightly warm, but not too hot. Add the yeast, remove the pan from the heat and stir until the yeast is dissolved.
  • If you are using saffron threads (recommended) remember to grind them before use. This can be done with a mortar and pestle or an electrical grinder. You can also just use the backside of a spoon on a cutting board, but make sure that the threads are properly ground, so the color and flavor come out.
  • Add salt, sugar and saffron.
  • Pour the mixture into a big bowl and add the quark. Beat the egg lightly before adding it to the mixture.
  • Add the flour little by little. The dough should be tender, and you probably do not need to use all the flour.
  • Knead the dough 15 minutes or until it feels is smooth and supple. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.Knead the dough thoroughly again.
  • Take a piece of dough, the size of a scone, and roll it into a 6in (20cm) long "snake". Shape the dough snake into an "S", and curl the ends a little extra (see pictures below). Flatten the Lussekatt a little with your fingers. Place the Lussekatt on baking paper on a baking tray.
  • Repeat this procedure until the dough has been used. It will get you around 15-25 lussekatter.
  • Let the buns rise again on the baking tray for 20 minutes.
  • Brush the buns with egg and decorate with raisins.
  • Bake the buns in the oven for approx. 8 minutes at 395°F (200°C) in a convection oven (435°F (225°C) in a conventional oven). Keep an eye on the Lussekatter in the oven. The baking time depends on the size. If your Lussekatter are on the taller side (larger than an ordinary scone), increase the baking time.

Nutrition Facts :

LUSSEKATTER



Lussekatter image

Lussekatter is the most vital part of a Swedish Christmas! Made in time for Saint Lucia day they're eaten all through the holidays, and usually made in the traditional "Lussekatt" shape shown here. This is my 100% authentic, tried and tested, all-time best recipe - and it's easy to make without quark and nuts.

Provided by Emmeline Kemperyd

Categories     Dessert     Fika

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 Tbsp saffron threads (loosely packed, see notes for using ground saffron instead)
1 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp rum (or other alcohol/water)
1.75 oz fresh yeast (room temperature, see notes for using dry yeast instead)
2.1 cups milk (room temperature)
⅘ cups salted butter (room temperature, softened, cut in pieces)
¾ cups sugar
7 cups flour (or slightly more or less + more for baking out)
80 raisins (soaked in water)
1 egg

Steps:

  • Start by grounding saffron and sugar with a mortar and pestle, or a bowl and a spoon. Then mix with the rum and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
  • Crumble the yeast into a large bowl. Add milk, mix, then add in room temperature butter in pieces and mix again, trying to mash up the butter pieces a bit as you go.
  • Mix in sugar and the saffron mixed with sugar and rum. Add a little water to the bowl or glass that held the saffron mix, swoosh it around, and pour in to make sure you get as much of the saffron flavor as possible. Then mix.
  • Start adding the flour. Add a bit at a time until it is all mixed in. When it's getting hard using a spoon to mix, start using your hands instead.
  • When all the flour is added, start kneading the dough. Knead for at least 10 minutes, or longer if you can. When done it should come away easily from the sides of the bowl. Do not add more flour! If it's too sticky, you just haven't kneaded enough. Once done, cover with a kitchen towel and set aside to rise for 60 minutes.
  • After 60 minutes, check to see if the dough has risen sufficiently. It should be about double in size. If not, let it rest a bit longer.
  • When the dough has risen, place a piece of parchment paper on top of an oven tray. Spread a little flour on a clean surface and take a small piece of dough - enough for one Lussekatt. Roll it out into a 20 cm/7-8'' long snake shape and roll the edges in to create the classic Lussekatt shape (see pictures and detailed instructions in post). Then place on the parchment paper, taking care to space them out so that they have room to rise about 50% more. Continue until you've created all the Lussekatts.
  • Drain the raisins and place two in each Lussekatt, one at the middle of each spiral. Then cover with a kitchen towel and set aside for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • When the Lussekatter have risen by 50%, mix together your egg and remove the kitchen towel. Brush the Lussekatter with the egg.
  • Bake in the middle of the oven for 8 minutes, until golden, then remove and place on a cooling rack or kitchen towel to cool. Cover with a kitchen towel. Repeat until you've baked all your Lussekatter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 73 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SAINT LUCIA BUNS - LUSSEKATTER - SAFFRON BUNS



Saint Lucia buns - Lussekatter - Saffron buns image

A Swedish Tradition On 13 December the Swedes celebrate the Italian Saint Lucia with a remarkable enthusiasm, surpassing any Italian festivities devoted to the same lady. One mandatory constituent in the celebrations is a saffron-flavoured bun, in Swedish called a lussekatt, a "Lucia cat". The shape of this bun might vary somewhat, but is always based on bread designs dating back to earlier Christmas celebrations in Sweden. A Swedish Traditional Recipe from The Santesson Family, www.santesson.com

Provided by Margareta

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 1h8m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

300 ml milk
1 g saffron
50 g baker's yeast
150 g sugar
125 g butter or 125 g margarine
700 g all-purpose flour
1 egg
salt
raisins

Steps:

  • Melt butter or margarine in a pan and add the milk and the saffron.
  • Warm the mixture to 37 oC (100 oF).
  • Use a thermometer; the correct temperature is important!
  • Pour the mixture over the finely divided yeast; then add the remaining ingredients (except for the egg and the raisins), which should have a temperature of 21-23 oC (72-75 oF).
  • Mix into a smooth dough.
  • Cover the dough with a piece of cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes.
  • Knead the dough, divide it into 25-30 pieces and form each piece into a round bun.
  • Let the buns rest for a few minutes, covered by a piece of cloth.
  • Form each bun into a string, 15-20 cm long, then arrange the string in a suitable shape, e.g. an S or double S. Regardless of the shape, the ends of the string should meet.
  • Press a few raisins into the dough.
  • Cover the"Lucia cats" with a piece of cloth and let them rise for 40 minutes.
  • Whip the egg together with a few grains of salt, and paint the"Lucia cats" with the mixture.
  • Bake them for 5-10 minutes in the oven at 250 oC (475 oF) until golden brownish yellow.

SWEDISH SAFFRON BUNS (LUSSEBULLAR) RECIPE BY TASTY



Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussebullar) Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: milk, sugar, saffron thread, active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cardamom, large eggs, sour cream, unsalted butter, raisin

Provided by Alix Traeger

Categories     Bakery Goods

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup milk
½ cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
1 teaspoon saffron thread
¼ oz active dry yeast
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 large eggs, divided
¼ cup sour cream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
raisin, or chocolate chips

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the saffron threads. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the milk is steaming, remove from the heat and let cool to 110˚F (43˚C).
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let bubble, about 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cardamom.
  • Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the milk, 2 eggs, sour cream, and butter. Stir to combine, then, once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to incorporate fully.
  • Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead until the dough is springy, about 5 minutes.
  • Place the dough in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough and flip onto a clean surface.
  • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball about 2 inches (5 cm) wide, then roll into a cylinder about 12-14 inches (30 cm) long
  • Swirl the dough into a S shape starting at one end until the middle and then the other end.
  • Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Beat the remaining egg and brush over the dough swirls. Place a single raisin or chocolate chip in the center of the swirls on each end.
  • Bake the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Carbohydrate 52 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 8 grams

SAFFRON BUNS - (LUSSEKATTER)



Saffron Buns - (Lussekatter) image

Lussekatter other wise known as Saffron Buns are an old traditional favorite in my Swedish grandmother's family, my stepdad's mother. They are usually eaten on December 13, which is called Lucia Day.

Provided by litldarlin

Categories     Breakfast

Time 1h37m

Yield 6-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 teaspoons yeast
2 cups milk
3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
4 -5 cups flour
1 -2 g saffron
1/4 cup raisins (use for decorations)

Steps:

  • These ingredients are the same as for cinnamon rolls, follow the same directions.
  • Add the saffron to the liquid and mix.
  • Add the egg as the dough is kneaded.
  • Take a piece of dough; roll it out into a long string, thick as your finger and about 4-5 in (10-12 cm) long.
  • Roll up both ends in opposite circles until they meet about midway.
  • Place a raisin into the center of each circle.
  • Let the "lussekatt"'s rise about 30-40 min in a nondrafty area.
  • My grandmother always put a warm towel over the dough to help it to rise faster.
  • Baste with whipped egg.
  • Bake in 420-440 °F (200-225 °C), or until golden brown.
  • Not sure how many this will serve, grandmothers recipes never had that information written down.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 662, Fat 27.8, SaturatedFat 16.8, Cholesterol 107.6, Sodium 606.5, Carbohydrate 90, Fiber 3, Sugar 20.5, Protein 13.8

Tips:

  • Use fresh saffron for the best flavor. If using dried saffron, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
  • Be sure to proof the dough in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will ensure that the buns are light and fluffy.
  • When shaping the buns, be sure to tuck the ends under to create a smooth surface. This will help the buns keep their shape during baking.
  • Bake the buns until they are golden brown. If you overbake them, they will become dry and hard.
  • Serve the buns warm with butter or jam.

Conclusion:

Lussekatter are a delicious and traditional Swedish pastry that is perfect for the holidays. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their bright yellow color and sweet, slightly spicy flavor, lussekatter are sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.

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