As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with nostalgia and warmth, invoking memories of gatherings with loved ones and the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. One such delightful creation that brings joy and flavor to any festive occasion is the Finnish Christmas Stars, or Joulutorttu. These delicate pastries, with their star-shaped design and luscious prune jam filling, have a way of impressing everyone at the table while being surprisingly easy to make.
I first discovered this beautiful recipe on a brisk December day, inspired by the festive spirit of the season. As I kneaded the buttery dough and crafted the charming shapes, I felt a sense of connection to both tradition and creativity. Not only are these tarts a stunning centerpiece, but they also strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, thanks to the rich prune filling.
Join me in creating these Finnish gems that are as fun to make as they are to eat—perfect for both seasoned chefs and those new to holiday baking. Grab your apron, and let’s bring the festive cheer into your kitchen with these delightful Joulutorttu!
Why will you love Finnish Christmas Stars?
Delightful Presentation: The star shape adds a festive touch, making these treats a show-stopper at any holiday gathering.
Unique Filling: The combination of prune jam and a hint of lemon creates a sweet yet tangy taste that will surprise your palate.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can impress friends and family.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for serving at holiday parties, gift-giving, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
Crowd-Pleaser: These tarts cater to both traditionalists and those looking to try something new, ensuring everyone leaves happy!
Ingredients for Finnish Christmas Stars
Get ready to create delightful treats that will brighten your holiday festivities!
For the Dough
• Whole milk ricotta cheese – adds a creamy texture that keeps the pastry tender.
• Unsalted butter – let it soften to create a fluffy dough that melts in your mouth.
• All-purpose flour – the backbone of your dough; ensure it’s sifted for lightness.
• Fine sea salt – a little salt enhances the sweetness of the tarts beautifully.
• Ice water – cold water helps keep the dough from becoming tough when mixing.
For the Prune Filling
• Prunes, pitted and chopped – these create a rich, sweet filling that’s the star of the tart!
• Granulated sugar – balances the natural sweetness of the prunes; adjust to taste.
• Lemon juice – a squeeze of juice brightens the flavor and adds a lovely tang.
• Water – just enough to cover your prunes for the perfect jam consistency.
For the Egg Wash (optional)
• Egg – gives the tarts a golden, shiny finish when baked.
• Milk or cream – use for an extra rich egg wash that enhances the color.
To Serve
• Powdered sugar – a light dusting makes these Finnish Christmas Stars irresistible!
Now that you have your ingredients prepped, let’s dive into making these lovely Joulutorttu!
How to Make Finnish Christmas Stars
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Beat Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and whole milk ricotta cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step creates the perfect base for your dough.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to your butter-ricotta mixture. Gently mix until well combined; the dough may appear a bit dry at this stage, which is normal.
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Add Water Slowly: Gradually drizzle in the ice water while mixing. Continue to beat until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring it’s neither too wet nor too dry.
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Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Shape it into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, which will keep it fresh while chilling.
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Chill the Dough: Place the wrapped dough in the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 3 hours, or even overnight for the best flavor and texture.
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Make the Prune Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the pitted and chopped prunes, enough water to cover them, granulated sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until simmering.
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Simmer Until Jammy: Keep stirring occasionally until the prune mixture thickens and achieves a jam-like consistency. This should take about 10-15 minutes; then, remove from heat and let it cool.
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Prepare for Rolling: Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes if it feels too cold to roll.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll Out the Dough: Roll your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick, aiming for a rectangle approximately 12 inches by 24 inches. This will allow you to cut out enough squares for your tarts.
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Cut the Squares: Cut the rolled dough into 3-inch squares—this should yield 32 squares, arranged in a grid of 4 squares by 8 squares.
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Create the Star Shape: Make four diagonal cuts in each square (3/4 inch long) from each corner toward the center. This will make folding easier to create the star shape.
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Add Filling: Place about 1/2 tsp of the cooled prune jam in the center of each square.
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Fold to Form Stars: Fold in one cut corner towards the center, then fold in alternating corners to form the star shape, pinching to seal the edges gently.
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Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully move each star-shaped tart to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
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Optional Egg Wash: If desired, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture over the tarts for a beautiful golden finish.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-11 minutes, or until the tarts are golden brown and enticing.
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Cool on Rack: Once baked, cool the tarts on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack—this helps maintain their crispness.
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Dust with Sugar: Just before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar to give them that festive touch that everyone will love!
Optional: These are delightful served warm with a dollop of whipped cream!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Finnish Christmas Stars
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful tarts and make them your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive treat. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
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Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based ricotta and vegan butter to keep the creamy texture while making these suitable for dairy-free diets. They’ll still be a hit at any gathering!
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Sweetener Swap: Experiment with honey or maple syrup in the prune filling for a natural sweet touch. This can add a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the tanginess beautifully.
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Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive twist that will enhance the holiday cheer in every bite. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Nutty Crunch: For an extra texture twist, sprinkle some crushed nuts, like walnuts or almonds, in the center with the prune filling before folding. This adds a delightful crunch to your star.
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Berry Bliss: Swap prune filling for a mix of berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity explosion. Their tartness pairs wonderfully with the buttery pastry.
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Zesty Addition: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the dough or filling for a refreshing, citrusy zing that elevates the taste profile and balances the sweetness.
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Chili Kick: For adventurous eaters, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling to create a sweet-heat sensation that will excite the taste buds!
Expert Tips for Finnish Christmas Stars
- Dough Chilling Time: Always chill the dough for at least 3 hours or overnight; this allows the flavors to meld and keeps the tarts tender.
- Rolling Thickness: Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Too thin and they’ll burn; too thick and they’ll be doughy instead of flaky.
- Prune Jam Consistency: Make sure your prune jam is thick enough. It should hold its shape without being runny to avoid soggy tarts.
- Star Assembly: When folding, pinch each corner securely to ensure they stay closed during baking. A gentle touch will keep the pastry looking beautiful.
- Egg Wash Benefits: Brush with an egg wash for a glossy finish that adds a lovely golden color to your Finnish Christmas Stars.
How to Store and Freeze Finnish Christmas Stars
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Finnish Christmas Stars at room temperature for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh and flaky.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the tarts in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to maintain moisture without becoming soggy.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked stars for up to 1 month. Assemble them, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to an airtight container.
Reheating: To reheat, bake thawed tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm, keeping their delightful texture intact.
Make Ahead Options
These Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu) are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts seeking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and chilling it in the refrigerator; just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. Additionally, the prune jam filling can be made 3 days ahead—simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its rich flavor and prevent moisture loss. When it’s time to bake, just roll out the dough, cut, fill, and shape your stars before popping them into the oven for a treat that is just as delicious as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Finnish Christmas Stars?
As these delightful pastries emerge golden from the oven, you’ll want to create a full festive experience around their sweet charm.
- Spiced Mulled Wine: Perfectly warming and aromatic, this drink complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the prune filling, enhancing the holiday spirit.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy, spiced ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the flaky pastry and rich filling, bringing a delightful chill to the warmth of the tarts.
- Hot Apple Cider: Its sweetness and nostalgic flavors pair beautifully with the pastries, evoking memories of holiday cheer shared with loved ones.
- Candied Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, these nuts add texture and a buttery richness that elegantly balances the luscious prune filling.
- Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop of this light and airy cream adds a touch of luxury, making each bite of the tarts even more indulgent.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh assortment of berries and citrus brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast.
These pairings will certainly make your holiday gatherings even more memorable!
Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu) Recipe FAQs
What type of prunes are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose high-quality, moist pitted prunes for your filling. Look for those that are plump and shiny, avoiding any with dark spots or dryness, as these may lack flavor and sweetness.
How should I store Finnish Christmas Stars once they are baked?
I often keep my Finnish Christmas Stars at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you need to store them longer, they can go in the fridge for up to 5 days, just remember to wrap them well to prevent sogginess!
Can I freeze Finnish Christmas Stars?
Yes, you can! For the best results, prepare the unbaked tarts, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them in a single layer. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough a bit crumbly, don’t worry! Add a tablespoon of ice water at a time while mixing until it comes together into a cohesive ball. The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Remember, chilling helps, so be patient!
Is there a way to make these tarts healthier?
Very! For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar in the prune filling or replace it with honey or maple syrup for a lovely, natural sweetness. Additionally, substituting coconut oil for butter can give a unique flavor while keeping things light.
Can pets eat any part of these tarts?
It’s best to keep these tarts away from your pets. Prunes can be harmful to dogs and may cause digestive issues. As for the dough, the butter and sugar are also not suitable for pets. Stick to pet-friendly treats for your furry friends!
These helpful FAQs will enhance your culinary journey as you whip up these delightful Finnish Christmas Stars. Enjoy every bite!
Delicious Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and whole milk ricotta cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the butter-ricotta mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually drizzle in the ice water while mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disk, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- For the prune filling, combine the prunes, enough water to cover them, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until simmering, then stir until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Let the prune mixture cool.
- Once chilled, bring the dough to room temperature if too cold to roll.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Make four diagonal cuts in each square from the corners towards the center.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of the cooled prune jam in the center of each square.
- Fold in one cut corner to the center and then alternate folding corners to form the star shape.
- Transfer the stars to the baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
- If desired, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush over the tarts.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the tarts on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.