Saffron and Vanilla Buns

Golden, fragrant, and irresistibly soft, these Saffron and Vanilla Buns bring a touch of luxury to your baking. Infused with the warm, floral notes of saffron and the sweet aroma of vanilla, these buns are a delightful twist on classic Scandinavian saffron bread. Perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or an indulgent afternoon treat, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at enriched dough for the first time, this recipe will fill your kitchen with a heavenly scent and reward you with pillowy, golden-hued perfection.

30 - 40 buns

Ingredients

• 50 g fresh yeast
• 150 g butter
• 2 packs of saffron (1/2 g each)
• 1 1/2 dl sugar
• 5 dl milk
• 250 g quark or yoghurt (10%)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
  
• 17 dl/1020 g all-purpose flour 

Filling

For brushing and topping

• 1 egg
• Nib sugar

Equipment

• Cast Iron Pizza/Baking Pan

Instructions

1. Crumble the yeast into a bowl.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
3. Crush the saffron with a little of the sugar in a mortar. Stir the saffron into the melted butter. Add the milk and heat to about 37°C/98°F.
4. Mix the butter and milk mixture with the yeast until the yeast has dissolved. Add sugar, quark, salt, and eggs and stir. Work in almost all the wheat flour and knead the dough for about 5 minutes in a machine or 10 minutes by hand. 
5. Let it rise under a baking cloth for 45 minutes.
6. Filling: Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
7. Place the dough onto a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 2 parts (for 35-45 pieces).
8. Roll out each part onto a floured work surface approx. 30 x 60 cm (12" x 24"). Spread on half the filling on each. Fold the cake in half lengthwise (30 x 30 cm/12" x 12"), and press it lightly with your hand. Cut 2-3 cm wide strips. Twist them and then twirl them into a bun. Place the buns on cast iron pizza/baking pans or baking sheets lined with baking paper. Cover them with a baking cloth and let rise for approx. 30 minutes.
9. Set the oven to 250°C/482°F.
10. Brush the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with nib sugar.
11. Bake the buns in the middle of the oven for approx. 8 minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack covered with a kitchen towel.

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