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Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Pastries) – Easy Traditional Holiday Recipe

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Joulutorttu are traditional Finnish Christmas pastries made with flaky, buttery puff pastry and sweet prune jam. Shaped into festive pinwheels and dusted with powdered sugar, these beautiful treats are perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approximately 8–9 oz / 225–250 g)
  • 1/2 cup prune jam or prune preserves
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out if necessary to create an even rectangle.
  3. Cut the pastry into approximately 3-inch (7.5 cm) squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  4. Make diagonal cuts from each corner of every square toward the center, stopping approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) before reaching the middle.
  5. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of prune jam in the center of each pastry square.
  6. Fold every other corner toward the center to create a pinwheel shape. Gently press the folded corners together in the middle to secure them.
  7. Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  8. Lightly brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg, avoiding the jam filling.
  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Traditional Finnish joulutorttu are filled with prune jam, but apricot, raspberry, or plum preserves can be used for variation.
  • Keep the puff pastry cold while shaping to ensure a light, flaky texture.
  • A small amount of water or egg wash can help secure the folded pastry corners.
  • Avoid overfilling the pastries, as excess jam may spill during baking.
  • For the best texture, serve the pastries on the day they are baked.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Unbaked pastries can be frozen on a baking sheet and transferred to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
  • Ingredient quantities, preparation times, and nutrition are estimates for a standard puff pastry version rather than verified values from the linked recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/joulutorttu-finnish-christmas-pastries-easy-traditional-holiday-recipe/