Lussekatter Buns and Speculoos Cookies: Festive Recipes with Old-World Charm

There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread or spiced cookies filling your home during the holidays. Some recipes are more than just delicious; they carry stories and traditions that connect us to the past. Lussekatter buns and speculoos cookies are two such treats, steeped in the warmth of Swedish and Dutch customs.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Lucy’s Day, St. Nicholas Day, or simply looking for festive recipes to enjoy with your loved ones, these delightful baked goods will bring a touch of old-world charm to your table.

In this post, you’ll find simple recipes for lussekatter buns and speculoos cookies, along with the history behind these beloved treats and their connection to Advent traditions.

Swedish Lussekatter Buns

What Are Lussekatter Buns?

Lussekatter buns are a Swedish saffron bread traditionally served on St. Lucy’s Day (December 13). These golden, lightly sweetened buns are shaped into signature "S" swirls (I like to tell the children they stand for the saint; tradition has them represent eyes - but that's another story. Some are also in the shape of swirled crosses, reminding us of Christ, and are often adorned with raisins. They’re soft, fragrant, and perfect with a cup of tea, but of course. Unless you are Swedish, coffee is a must. One of our Farmhouse Teas, Not Coffees, would be a good compromise.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bake lussekatter buns:

• Saffron for that vibrant color and subtle floral flavor.
• Sourdough to help the dough rise.
• Butter, maple syrup, and milk (we use coconut milk) for a rich and tender texture.
• All-purpose Einkorn flour or even whole wheat, as I mention in my video, to bring it all together.

Making lussekatter is as rewarding as eating it. The dough is soft and easy to work with, and shaping the buns into their classic swirls is a fun activity for the whole family. Our kids enjoy making them every year.

Speculoos Cookies

What Are Speculoos Cookies?

Speculoos cookies are spiced, crisp treats that hail from Dutch and Belgian traditions. These cookies are often baked for St. Nicholas Day (December 6) and are recognizable for their intricate designs created using carved molds most often in the shape of Saint Nicholas himself. Their flavor is warm and inviting, with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg taking center stage.

A Brief History

Speculoos cookies are deeply tied to the legacy of St. Nicholas, a Catholic Bishop known for his generosity. Traditionally, children would leave their shoes out on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, waking to find gifts, treats, or coins inside. Baking these cookies is a way to honor that tradition while enjoying their rich, spiced flavor even if you don't have the vintage wooden cookie mold. Any cookie cutter will do! Or even make them into rectangles. These cookies are also sometimes known as the Biscoff brand you find at the store.

Ingredients for Speculoos Cookies

• Butter and maple syrup for a buttery sweetness.
• A mix of spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom—for a cozy, winter flavor.
• Einkorn Flour for even more buttery flavor and crispness.
• Molds or cookie cutters for shaping.

Speculoos cookies are perfect for gift-giving or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table. Pair them with hot cocoa or a homemade chai for the perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lussekatter & Speculoos

What are lussekatter buns?
Lussekatter buns are Swedish saffron buns shaped into "S" swirls, traditionally baked for St. Lucy’s Day on December 13.

What do speculoos cookies taste like?
Speculoos cookies are crisp and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sometimes cardamom, giving them a warm, festive flavor.

Do I need special molds for speculoos cookies?
While traditional speculoos cookies are shaped with carved molds, you can use regular cookie cutters or press patterns with a fork for a simpler version.

Can I make lussekatter without saffron?
While saffron is key to the signature flavor and color of lussekatter, you can substitute turmeric for color, though the flavor will be different and I personally would not recommend the swap.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?
Yes! Both recipes are straightforward and beginner-friendly, especially with a little patience and preparation.

Old-World Traditions

While the recipes for lussekatter and speculoos are timeless, their roots are in traditions that have been celebrated for centuries.

Swedish Traditions

• St. Lucy’s Day: On December 13, the eldest daughter in a Swedish family often wears a crown of candles and serves lussekatter buns to loved ones. This practice honors St. Lucy, a saint whose name means “light.”

Dutch and German Traditions

• St. Nicholas Day: Children place their shoes by the door on December 5, hoping to find speculoos cookies, chocolate coins, and small gifts. The day celebrates St. Nicholas’ saintliness in caring for those much in need, along with the miracles that he worked in Christ's honor.

Baking these recipes is more than a kitchen task—it’s an opportunity to connect with traditions and create something meaningful. Whether you’re shaping lussekatter buns or stamping speculoos cookies, each step invites a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Let’s keep the Advent season with treats that tell a story, one bite at a time. If you would like to craft and make more herbal recipes with us make sure that you download our free e-book Handmade Christmas (Nov-Dec). I can't wait to hear what you made and how it went!