How to Make Joulutorttu: A Taste of Finnish Christmas Magic

Joulutorttu, the star-shaped pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are synonymous with Christmas in Finland. These delightful treats, with their flaky crust and sweet prune filling, are not just delicious but also fun to make! Whether you have a Finnish heritage or simply want to add a touch of Nordic charm to your holiday baking, this guide will equip you with everything you need to create your own batch of joulutorttu.

Gather Your Ingredients for a Taste of Finland

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup dried prunes, pitted
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar

Tools of the Trade

You’ll need a few essential tools to make your joulutorttu-making experience a breeze:

• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Let’s Bake! A Step-by-Step Guide to Joulutorttu Heaven

Now comes the exciting part – bringing our joulutorttu to life! Follow these simple steps:

1. Creating the Flaky Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork it.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Sweet Prune Filling:

1. While the dough chills, prepare the prune filling. Combine the prunes, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the prunes are soft.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork or immersion blender to mash the prunes into a coarse paste. Set aside to cool completely.

3. Shaping and Baking the Joulutorttu:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the chilled dough into four equal portions. Working with one portion at a time (keep the rest refrigerated), roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough circle into 8 equal wedges.
4. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled prune filling onto the wider end of each wedge.
5. Fold one corner of the wide end over the filling towards the opposite corner, forming a cone shape. Press gently to seal. Then, fold the two remaining corners towards the center, overlapping them slightly to create the star shape.
6. Place the shaped joulutorttu onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
9. Let cool completely on a wire rack before dusting generously with powdered sugar.

Tips and Tricks for Joulutorttu Perfection

• For a flakier crust: Ensure your butter is cold and work it into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture.
• Prevent soggy bottoms: Don’t overfill the pastries with the prune filling.
• Get creative: You can experiment with different fillings like almond paste, poppy seed filling, or even raspberry jam.