Saffron Sugar Buns
Soft, golden, and infused with fragrant saffron and vanilla, these sugar-dusted buns are a luxurious treat perfect for tea time or brunch.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus rising & chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 buns
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Scandinavian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Saffron Bloom:
0.25 g saffron threads (about ¼ tsp)
10 g granulated sugar
30 g hot whole milk
Dough:
370 g bread flour
30 g granulated sugar
6 g instant dry yeast
6 g salt
Bloomed saffron (from above, cooled)
155 g whole milk (at 80°F / 27°C)
1 large egg
65 g butter, cubed and softened at room temperature
Vanilla Butter Filling:
75 g unsalted butter, softened
50 g granulated sugar
1 tsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 scraped vanilla bean)
Egg Wash & Finish:
1 egg (for egg wash)
Melted butter (for brushing)
Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Make the Saffron Bloom: Grind saffron threads with sugar using a mortar and pestle. Stir in hot milk and let bloom for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add saffron bloom, warm milk, and egg. Knead with dough hook on low speed for 10 minutes until cohesive.
Add cubed butter gradually, kneading until fully incorporated. Continue kneading for 10–20 minutes until dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise at room temp (ideally 80°F) for 1 hour until increased by 60%.
Chill dough in the fridge for 1–2 hours until fully doubled.
Make Vanilla Butter Filling: Combine softened butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla until smooth.
Shape the Buns: Roll chilled dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Fold dough in half lengthwise. Cut into 9 even strips.
Stretch and twist each strip, then form into a knot and tuck ends underneath. Place on parchment-lined trays.
Cover loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes at room temperature until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush with egg wash and bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
Finish: Brush warm buns with melted butter, then roll in granulated sugar once cool enough to handle.
Notes
Blooming the saffron deepens its flavor and color—don’t skip it!
Chilling the dough after partial proofing helps with shaping and structure.
These buns are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be gently reheated the next day.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/saffron-sugar-buns/
