Tiivikud

Tiivikud are a traditional Estonian type of pastry, often associated with Christmas celebrations. These small, bird-shaped cookies are typically made from a simple dough of flour, butter, and sugar, sometimes enriched with egg or sour cream. The distinctive shape is achieved by pressing the dough into pre-made wooden molds, which are carved into various bird forms.

After being molded, the tiivikud are baked until golden brown and crisp. Traditionally, they are often glazed with a thin sugar icing or dusted with powdered sugar after baking. The flavor is generally mild and sweet, designed to complement festive drinks like mulled wine. The process of making tiivikud can be a family activity, with generations passing down the skill of using the molds and creating the dough. While strongly linked to Christmas, they can also be found at other festive occasions or as a general sweet treat in Estonia. The molds themselves are often considered decorative items and heirlooms.