Pumpkify LLC

St. Lucia Day, celebrated on December 13th, is a beloved holiday in Sweden. It’s a time of light and warmth, where girls dress in white robes and wear crowns of candles, bringing coffee and these delicious saffron buns to their families.

St. Lucia Buns, or “Lussekatter” (meaning “Lucy cats”), are a traditional treat that are both beautiful and delicious. They are soft, fluffy, and infused with the warm flavors of saffron and cardamom. Typically topped with two raisins (see Tips & Variations), but I prefer them without. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

150g butter or margarine (approximately 

• 150g butter or margarine (approximately 1 ⅓  sticks)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 5 cups milk
• 50g yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon baking ammonia (or ammonium carbonate)
• About 16 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-2 envelopes saffron
• 1 teaspoon sugar or
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 egg for brushing
• raisins

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk: Warm the milk to lukewarm (about 105-110°F).
2. Proof the yeast: In a large bowl, crumble the yeast and dissolve it in the warm milk.
3. Melt the butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
4. Combine ingredients: Add the sugar, egg, baking ammonia, melted butter, and saffron to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.  
8. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Shape each rope into a “S” shape, then form a small loop at one end to create the “head” of the cat.
9. Second rise: Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Brush and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the buns with the beaten egg.
11. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Cool: Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• Vanilla filling: 

1. 1 cup (2 sticks) room-temperature butter or margarine
2. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3. 4 teaspoons vanilla sugar
4. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a large rectangle.
5. Spread the filling evenly over each rectangle.
6. Roll up the dough the long way. 
7. Cut the dough into equal-sized rolls. 

• For extra flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough along with the saffron.
• Make them festive: Decorate the buns with raisins, candied peels, pearl sugar, or slivered almonds.
• Serve warm: Enjoy these buns warm with butter, jam, or coffee.

These St. Lucia Buns are a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday celebration. Happy baking!