Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu)
These delicate, buttery cookies with a sweet raspberry jam filling are a traditional Finnish treat, especially enjoyed during the Christmas season. Known for their charming star shape, Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu) are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or any other jam of your choice)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ricotta together until well combined and soft. The ricotta helps to give these cookies a unique texture, making them rich and tender.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together and is well blended. You should have a soft, smooth dough that isn’t too sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2-3 hours. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Roll the Dough:
- After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and divide it into two halves.
- Roll one half of the dough at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8″ thickness. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, dust it lightly with flour.
- Cut the Dough:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled-out dough into 3-inch squares. Aim for even cuts so the cookies bake uniformly.
- Add the Raspberry Jam:
- Place about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam (or any jam of your choice) in the center of each square. Be sure not to overfill, as the jam will spread while baking.
- Form the Star Shape:
- Use a small knife to make a slit at each corner of the square, making sure not to cut all the way through the center.
- Brush the corners of the dough with an egg wash (beat the egg and use a pastry brush for this).
- Take every other corner of the square and gently pull them towards the center, folding them over the jam. Press down lightly after each fold to seal the edges of the star shape.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the formed cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the entire cookie with the remaining egg wash to give it a golden finish as it bakes.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar before serving. This adds a lovely finishing touch to the pretty stars.
Tips:
- Jam Options: While raspberry jam is the traditional filling, feel free to experiment with other jams such as apricot, plum, or strawberry for a different flavor.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It makes rolling out the dough much easier and ensures a crisp, delicate texture.
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time for the holiday season.
Enjoy your Finnish Christmas Stars (Joulutorttu) with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful holiday treat!