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Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Star Pastries) are a traditional Finnish holiday treat, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. These delicate pastries are shaped like stars and filled with sweet prune or plum jam. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry and fruity filling makes them irresistible! Here’s a recipe to make these beautiful pastries at home:
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup prune jam (or plum jam, or apricot jam for a variation)
- 1 tablespoon water (to loosen the jam, if needed)
Optional Garnish:
- Cinnamon (a light sprinkle, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, it may come already rolled out.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares, about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) per side. You should be able to get around 8 squares from one sheet of puff pastry.
3. Form the Stars:
- To create the “star” shape, make a small cut about halfway from each corner of the square (without cutting all the way through to the center). The cuts should create a cross-like shape at each corner of the pastry square.
- Gently fold every other corner toward the center to form a star shape. Press the center down lightly to hold the folds in place.
4. Add the Filling:
- Place about 1 teaspoon of prune or plum jam in the center of each pastry. If the jam is too thick, you can mix in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up slightly.
5. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Brush the edges and tips of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
6. Bake the Pastries:
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, allow the Joulutorttu to cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and optionally a light sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve these warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Jam Variations: Traditional prune jam is most common, but you can also use apricot, plum, or even raspberry jam for a twist.
- Flaky Pastry: If you want an even flakier texture, try using all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
- Decorative Touch: For a festive look, add a small star-shaped cookie cutter on top of the center of the jam for an extra decorative touch.
Enjoy:
These Joulutorttu pastries are a perfect addition to any holiday table. They’re not only beautiful but also delicious, with the sweet, tart fruit filling perfectly complementing the buttery, flaky pastry. A classic Finnish treat to enjoy with a warm drink or after a hearty Christmas meal!
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