The Juiciest Saffron Buns of the Holiday Season with Almond Paste

Here's how:

• 1

  Saffron Buns

  Grind the saffron with 1 tablespoon of the sugar in a mortar, then add water. Let it sit.

  Crumble the yeast into a large bowl and mix with the milk, butter, and saffron liquid, along with the remaining sugar, salt, and flour. Knead the dough for about 15 minutes by hand or 10–15 minutes in a mixer, then let it rise under a cloth for 60 minutes.

• 2

  Filling

  Grate the almond paste and mix it with butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar.

  Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and knead the dough lightly.

  Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured work surface, spread the filling on top, and fold the long sides together.

  Cut into strips about 2 cm wide. Twist and twist the strips together, tucking the ends under the bun. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise, covered with a cloth, for 30 minutes.

  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

  Brush the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with almonds and sugar pearls.

  Bake in the center of the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the buns are golden brown.