napikeksejä

Napikeksejä are a type of small, round Finnish biscuit known for their button-like appearance. The name derives from the Finnish word nappi, meaning button, and the cookies are traditionally associated with home baking and everyday teatime, as well as festive seasons in Finland.

Typical napikeksejä dough is a simple shortcrust-like mixture made from flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, often enriched with vanilla or cardamom for aroma. Some recipes include a touch of milk or yogurt and optional almond meal to add depth. The dough is rolled out to a few millimeters thick and cut into small round discs. In some versions, cookies are formed with a tiny hole or an impression to resemble a button; others are plain discs. The texture ranges from crisp to tender, depending on the fat content and bake time.

There are several common variations. A jam-filled version is popular in some regions, where a spoonful of fruit filling sits between two rounds before sealing and baking. Chocolate-coated napikeksejä are another variation, offering a sweet contrast to the buttery base. Some recipes finish cookies with a light dusting of sugar, a glaze, or a thin icing.

Napikeksejä are typically served with coffee or tea and are a familiar sight in Finnish homes during holidays and gatherings, as well as in daily baked goods. They store well in an airtight container for about one to two weeks and can be frozen for longer storage. Cultural significance centers on family baking traditions and the simple, versatile nature of the cookie. See also Finnish biscuits and traditional Christmas cookies.