joulutortut

Joulutortut, meaning Christmas tarts, are a traditional Finnish pastry associated with the Christmas season. The standard version is made from puff pastry and filled with prune jam (luumuhillo); variations may use currant jam, apple, or almond paste.

The dough is rolled thin and cut into shapes, typically circles or squares. A star-like form is created by folding the pastry edges toward the center to produce multiple pointed edges, with jam placed near the center before baking. The pastries are baked until golden and often dusted with icing sugar.

Joulutortut are a common item in Finnish home baking and are frequently found in Christmas markets and festive gatherings. They are usually served as a sweet accompaniment to coffee or tea and can accompany other holiday treats and beverages such as glögi during the Christmas season.

Variations exist beyond the classic prune-filled version. Some cooks experiment with different fillings or glazes, and some regions have their own slight twists on the shaping or presentation. Nevertheless, the star-shaped puff pastries remain a recognizable symbol of Finnish Christmas baking and are widely prepared and enjoyed across the country.