A small batch of yummy lucia buns

Although I have been really busy in the run up to christmas, I really wanted to find some time for a little christmas baking. Usually I like to fit in a batch of gingerbreads and a yule log, but I have found myself really stretched this year with this Sunday just gone being my only free day until Christmas eve. As the 13th is St Lucia’s Day in Sweden and we weren’t able to attend the Lucia service at the Swedish church in London over the weekend, I decided to bake a small batch of Lussekatter.

Lussekatter, or St. Lucia buns are really delicious saffron buns, yummy with some coffee or, as it’s the run up to christmas, some mulled wine or glögg.

I tried making some last year, but I don’t think I kneaded the dough for long enough and since I have been working in my breadmaking skills this year I thought I would give them another try. I think they turned out much better!

a much softer and less chewy bun this year!

I was also lucky enough to find a recipe in one of my baking books for a smaller number of buns, my Swedish cakes and cookies book always seems to give the amounts for making hundreds of the buns (and gingerbreads). The recipe for these came from 1001 cupcakes, cookies and tempting treats and I have to say that this book has yet to steer me wrong.

All in all I am pretty pleased with these tasty little buns and I’m glad I managed to find some time to squeeze in a little christmas baking!

and here's a little close up of the gorgeous little golden things!