Cornish Saffron Buns
Golden yellow buns coloured and scented with saffron, full of currants and peel and glazed while hot. Three hours, mostly waiting.
Method
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Crush the saffron, add it to the warm milk and leave to steep for 30 minutes, until deep golden.
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Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt and spice in a large bowl. Rub in the butter, then add the saffron milk and egg and mix to a soft dough.
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Knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then knead in the currants and peel.
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Cover and leave to rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
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Divide into 12 pieces, shape into buns and set on lined trays, well apart.
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Cover and prove for 30 minutes, until puffy.
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Heat the oven to 190°C / 375°F.
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Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown.
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Brush the hot buns with the sugar glaze and cool on a rack.
Chef’s Tips
- Steep the saffron in the warm milk for the full 30 minutes. It releases its colour slowly.
- A pinch is enough. Too much tastes medicinal.
- Glaze the buns while hot for a glossy, sticky finish.
Pairing Suggestions
- Butter
- A pot of tea
- A slice of clotted cream
Storage & Reheating
Best fresh. Keep in a tin 3 days and split and toast. Freeze for 2 months.
Common questions
How long does Cornish Saffron Buns take to make?
About 50 minutes of hands-on work — 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking — plus 2 hours of steeping the saffron and proving the dough, so allow 2 hours 50 minutes from start to finish. The recipe serves 12.
What are the key tips for making Cornish Saffron Buns?
Steep the saffron in the warm milk for the full 30 minutes. It releases its colour slowly. A pinch is enough. Too much tastes medicinal. Glaze the buns while hot for a glossy, sticky finish.
What should I serve with Cornish Saffron Buns?
Butter; A pot of tea; A slice of clotted cream.
Can Cornish Saffron Buns be made ahead or frozen?
Best fresh. Keep in a tin 3 days and split and toast. Freeze for 2 months.
Is Cornish Saffron Buns suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Cornish Saffron Buns?
About 254 kcal per serving, with 6 g protein, 44 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.