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Saffron yellow St. Lucia Buns in an "S" shape, sprinkled with sugar and garnished with dried cranberries, on a cooling rack with a dark blue background with Christmas decorations.
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4.75 stars (4 ratings)

Lucia Buns

A centuries-old Scandanavian tradition, these soft, slightly sweet, saffron-scented Lucia buns are delicious with a cup of coffee!
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Resting Time:35 minutes
Total Time2 hours 27 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Keyword: Lucia buns
Servings: 18 pastries
Calories: 137kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grind the saffron in a mortar & pestle or on a small bowl or plate with the back of a spoon.
  • Heat the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat, until steaming.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ground saffron and 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
  • Allow the mixture to cool to the temperature of a warm bath.
  • Stir in the yeast and set aside until foamy (about 5 minutes).
  • Place the sugar, flour, sour cream, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer, and mix together on low speed (with the dough hook attachment) until combined.
  • Pour in the warm milk mixture and continue to mix until the dough forms a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
  • Add the soft butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed.
  • When all the butter has been added, turn the mixer up to medium-low and continue to knead until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl (this may take as much as 10 to 15 minutes).
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to proof in a warm place until doubled in volume (about 1 hour).
  • Punch down the dough, knead for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface, and divide it into 18 equal portions.
  • Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 12 inches long.
  • Roll one end of the dough in a clockwise direction until it reaches the middle. Roll the other end of the dough in a counterclockwise direction until it reaches the middle, so you have a shape that resembles a tightly rolled "S."
  • Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl.
  • Lightly brush the egg wash on the risen dough shapes.
  • Place a cranberry at the center of each swirl, and sprinkle the unbaked pastries with pearl sugar or nonpariel sprinkles.
  • Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 55mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.2mg