Description
Persian Saffron & Cardamom Buns are sweet, fluffy, and aromatic pastries made with saffron and cardamom, two essential spices in Persian cuisine. These buns are often enjoyed as a treat during special occasions, gatherings, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
- ¼ tsp saffron threads, steeped in 1 tbsp hot water
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup (50g) softened butter
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- Optional: 2 tbsp crushed pistachios or chopped dates
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp rosewater or milk
- Optional: crushed dried rose petals or pistachios for garnish
Instructions
1. Infuse the Saffron
- Steep saffron threads in hot water for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
2. Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cardamom.
- Add warm milk, saffron water, eggs, and softened butter.
- Knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
3. Prepare the Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cardamom into a spreadable paste.
- Stir in pistachios or dates if using.
4. Shape the Buns
- Roll dough into a rectangle (~12×16 inches).
- Spread filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish or muffin tin.
5. Final Rise
- Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffed.
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Cool slightly before glazing.
7. Glaze
- Mix powdered sugar with rosewater or milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm buns and garnish with rose petals or pistachios.
Notes
These fragrant buns are delicately flavored with saffron and cardamom, making them a luxurious treat for breakfast, tea time, or special occasions. Enjoy them warm, plain, or lightly drizzled with a sweet glaze.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread / Sweet Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Saffron Cardamom Buns, Persian Cardamom Buns, Saffron Rolls, Cardamom Sweet Buns, Persian Saffron Pastry