Swedish Saffron Rolls

My husband, who was born and raised in Sweden, makes these pretty, warm sweet Saffron rolls each winter. Swedish Saffron Rolls (or Saffron Buns) are a traditional, sweet bread served at the holidays, but I think they are delicious year round—especially in the cold weather. I also love them around Easter time, as a delicious sunny, spring treat. Sweet, earthy saffron provides the warm, yellow shade, as well as sweet, spicy aroma in these yeasty, wheat rolls, which can brighten up the dreariest day. It’s amazing how the spice saffron has worked its way into food cultures around the world. And these Swedish traditional yeast rolls are a perfect example. These saffron buns are rolled into scalloped, curvy shapes before they are baked. You can also decorate these saffron rolls with raisins before baking, as is traditional in Sweden.

Peter got this saffron bun recipe from his mother, which we revised into a completely vegan version quite easily. My kids just crave them, and they disappear in our house very quickly. These Swedish Saffron Rolls are just delicious served warm with coffee for a snack or dessert. Pop them in the microwave before serving for a few seconds to fluff and warm them up. Make a big batch, and freeze them in airtight containers to enjoy all season long.

Step-By-Step Guide:

Swedish Saffron Rolls

---

(31 votes, average: 4.42 out of 5)
Loading...

4.4 from 31 reviews

• Author: The Plant-Powered Dietitian
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including raising time)
• Yield: 40 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These classic yeasty, vegan Swedish Saffron Rolls—filled with the golden aromas of saffron—are traditionally served in Sweden during the holidays.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) vegan butter sticks (i.e., Miyoko’s)
• 2 cups plant-based milk, unflavored
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon (1 gram) saffron threads
• About 6 cups all-purpose, wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice butter sticks into pieces, reserving one tablespoon for brushing rolls before baking. Place in a small pot, add plant-based milk, and heat just until lukewarm (about 110 F).
2. Measure salt and sugar into a large mixing bowl.
3. Grind saffron, using a mortar and pestle, and add to the bowl.
4. Add 5 cups of flour, yeast, and the warm liquid from the pot to the bowl. Use an electric mixer and blend well. Add additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until you achieve a soft dough that is not sticky to the touch (avoid too much flour so that it isn’t too dry). Place some of the remaining flour on a clean surface. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead on the floured surface for 5 minutes.
5. Place dough in a clean bowl, cover, and rise in a warm (but not hot) place for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the dough, divide it into smaller sections, and roll the dough into ropes about 1-inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 8-inch lengths. Shape into curled rolls (see photo).
7. Place the rolls on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and brush rolls lightly with it.
9. Allow rolls on baking sheet to rise in a warm (but not hot) location for 30 minutes, until they have enlarged.
10. Bake at 400 F for 5-10 minutes, until golden and tender.
11. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes

May garnish rolls with raisins before baking in step 10.

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the wheat flour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22.5 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 2.4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

For other traditional plant-based Swedish recipes, check out these:

Peter’s Pepparkakor
Vegan Jansson’s Temptation (Swedish Potato Casserole)
Swedish Beet Potato Apple Salad