joululimppu

Joululimppu, meaning “Christmas loaf” in Finnish, is a traditional Finnish yeast bread baked for the Christmas season. It is typically an enriched loaf with a soft crumb and a mildly sweet flavor, often flavored with cardamom. Recipes vary by region and family, but the loaf is commonly associated with festive baking and holiday meals.

A typical dough uses flour (often a mix of white and a smaller amount of rye or whole wheat), milk or water, butter, eggs, sugar, and yeast. Cardamom is a common spice, with some versions including vanilla, cinnamon, or orange zest. Dried fruits such as raisins or currants, and sometimes chopped almonds or candied citrus peel, are frequent additions. The dough is shaped into a long loaf and baked in a loaf pan or as a free-formed loaf, producing a golden crust and a tender crumb.

Joululimppu is usually served in thin slices with butter and can also accompany cheese, coffee, or glögi (mulled wine) during Christmas gatherings. The loaf can be stored wrapped to retain moisture and freshness for several days.

Variations exist across households: some bakers use more rye for denser texture, others prefer a lighter white version; some include additional spices or omit dried fruit. While closely related to other Nordic holiday breads, joululimppu remains a distinct Finnish Christmas staple, reflecting regional tastes and family traditions.