Cornish Saffron Buns
Golden, fragrant buns enriched with saffron, butter, and dried fruits. A Cornish specialty traditionally enjoyed with tea, their vibrant colour and subtle spicing make them stand out on any pastry spread.
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Print PinServings: 12 Buns
Calories: 275kcal
Cost: £5.00
Equipment
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Small Bowl, for melting butter
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Stand Mixer (or elbow grease)
- 1 Baking Tray
Ingredients
- 300 ml Whole Milk 10 fl oz
- 1 g Saffron threads ½ tsp
- 75 g Unsalted Butter softened (2½ oz)
- 500 g Strong White Bread Flour 1 lb 2 oz
- 75 g Caster sugar 2½ oz
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 7 g Instant Yeast ¼ oz
- 100 g Currants 3½ oz
- 50 g Mixed Peel 1¾ oz
- 1 each Large Egg beaten
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming, remove from heat, and add saffron. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, then strain. (see note below)
- Melt butter gently and set aside. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm saffron milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Bring together into a dough.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and prove for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Knock back the dough, then knead in the currants and mixed peel. Divide into 12 equal portions and shape into buns. Place on a lined baking tray, cover, and prove for a further 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6. Bake the buns for 15–18 minutes until risen and golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Presentation
- Serve warm, split, and buttered with a pot of strong tea. For a modern touch, brush lightly with saffron syrup for shine and a more pronounced golden hue.
Notes
Note: If you like, leave the saffron threads in the milk when mixing….it’s too good (and expensive) to waste!
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 207IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
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