nutulukud

Nutulukud are a type of traditional Estonian baked good, often made during festive occasions. They are small, sweet pastries typically shaped like a simple knot or a figure-eight. The dough is usually made from a rich mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, sometimes enhanced with spices like cardamom or nutmeg.

The characteristic knot shape is achieved by rolling out a thin strip of dough, twisting it in the middle, and then tucking the ends. This distinctive form is a key identifier of nutulukud. After baking until golden brown, they are often dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with a simple icing.

Nutulukud are commonly associated with Christmas and other celebrations in Estonia. Their sweet and buttery flavor makes them a popular treat for both children and adults. While the basic recipe remains consistent, regional variations may exist, with some families adding nuts, dried fruits, or different flavorings to their nutulukud. They are generally considered a comfort food, evoking feelings of tradition and warmth.