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St. Lucia Saffron Buns

St. Lucia Saffron Buns

Delightful St. Lucia Saffron Buns infused with warm saffron flavor, perfect for brunch and festive occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • ¾ teaspoon Saffron threads This delicate spice adds a luxurious flavor.
  • 1 cup Whole milk Warmed to activate yeast.
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons Active dry yeast Essential for leavening.
  • ½ cup Granulated sugar Adds sweetness for a good rise.
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter Melted for richness.
  • 2 large Eggs Provides structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors.
  • 4 to 4 ½ cups All-purpose flour Add more as needed.
Filling and Topping
  • 24 pieces Raisins or currants Sweet bits hidden in the dough.
  • 1 piece Beaten egg For egg wash.
  • 2 tablespoons Pearl sugar Optional for topping.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • whisk
  • rolling pin

Method
 

Making the Buns
  1. Warm 2 tablespoons of milk and steep saffron threads for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Combine remaining warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar, let sit for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Mix saffron milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt into yeasted mixture.
  4. Gradually add flour and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover dough and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  6. Divide dough into 12-16 pieces and shape into spirals.
  7. Press raisins into each spiral and allow to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle pearl sugar if desired.
  9. Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast. Knead thoroughly for best texture.

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