Traditional Swedish Recipe for St. Lucia Buns Perfect for the Holidays

St. Lucia Buns, also known as Lussekatter, are a traditional Swedish saffron-flavored sweet bread usually served during the holiday season. These soft and buttery buns, shaped into an S-shape, are perfect for celebrating St. Lucia Day or simply enjoying as a festive treat. This recipe will guide you through the process of making authentic St. Lucia Buns from scratch, allowing you to capture the essence of Swedish heritage in your home.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup candied citron or orange peel
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

1. In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads with a mortar and pestle. Stir in 1 tablespoon of warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and ground cardamom.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining milk until warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and add the saffron mixture and melted butter.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope and shape it into an S-shape.
8. Place the shaped buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each bun for rising. Press a raisin into the center of each curl.
9. Cover the buns again with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Brush each bun with beaten egg and sprinkle candied citron or orange peel on top.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let the St. Lucia Buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

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