As the chill of winter sets in, there’s something heartwarming about gathering in the kitchen to create sweet memories. One year, I found myself in a flurry of holiday preparations, searching for the perfect treat that would capture the spirit of Christmas. That’s when I stumbled upon Finnish Christmas Stars—delicate pastries that are as enchanting to look at as they are to eat.
This delightful recipe features a tender ricotta pastry filled with luscious prune jam, each star-topped creation promising to bring joy to your festive table. The magical mix of buttery goodness and the hint of sweetness in the jam is simply irresistible. They may look sophisticated, but trust me, these little stars are easier to make than you think, allowing you to impress your guests without any stress. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of Finnish Christmas Stars—your holiday baking will never be the same!
Why are Finnish Christmas Stars so special?
Delightful flavors: The creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with sweet prune jam, creating a taste sensation that’s truly unique.
Simple to make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these festive stars effortlessly, making them perfect for any skill level.
Crowd-pleaser: These charming pastries will have your guests raving, ensuring they won’t want to leave your holiday gathering empty-handed.
Perfect for gifting: Pack them in festive boxes, and they make delightful homemade treats for your friends and family.
Versatile: They can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven or dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish! Add this unique dessert to your holiday lineup; it’s sure to impress everyone around the table!
Finnish Christmas Stars Ingredients
• Your journey to delightful Finnish Christmas Stars begins here.
For the Dough
- Whole milk ricotta cheese – adds creaminess and richness to the pastry.
- Unsalted butter – use cool-room temperature butter for a light and flaky texture.
- All-purpose flour – essential for binding the dough; make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup for accuracy.
- Fine sea salt – enhances the flavor of your pastry.
- Ice water – helps to control the dough texture, ensuring it comes together without being too sticky.
For the Prune Jam
- Prunes – the star of the filling, adding a naturally sweet and fruity flavor.
- Granulated sugar – balances the tartness of the prunes; adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter jam.
- Lemon juice – a splash brightens the flavor of the jam beautifully.
- Water – enough to cover the prunes; helps to soften them for the perfect jam consistency.
For the Finishing Touch
- Egg (optional) – for an egg wash that gives the stars a golden, glossy finish.
- Milk or cream (optional) – adds richness to the egg wash.
- Powdered sugar – for dusting; transforms your finished pastries into a festive treat.
With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating beautiful Finnish Christmas Stars that will surely brighten your holiday baking!
How to Make Finnish Christmas Stars
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Beat together: In a large mixing bowl, use handheld electric beaters to cream the butter and ricotta together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a delightful base for your dough!
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Mix in: Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring well until combined. The dough may seem dry at this stage, but don’t worry, it will come together!
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Drizzle water: Slowly drizzle in some ice water while continuing to mix. Only add enough water to create a cohesive dough that holds together without being sticky.
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Wrap the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Shape it into a disk, wrap it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge to chill for 3 hours or even overnight.
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Make prune jam: While the dough chills, place the chopped prunes in a small saucepan, covering them with water. Add granulated sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering and stirring occasionally until the jam reduces significantly and becomes thick and jammy, about 20-25 minutes.
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Cool the jam: Once the prune jam reaches the right consistency, remove it from heat and allow it to cool. If you are not using it soon, cover and store it in the fridge.
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Roll out the dough: When ready to use the dough, remove it from the fridge. If it’s too cold to roll, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
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Preheat oven: While you wait, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Flat surface: Lightly flour your work surface and place the chilled dough on it. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick into a rectangle approximately 12 x 24 inches.
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Cut squares: Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. From your rolled-out rectangle, you should yield around 32 squares.
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Make cuts: For each square, make four 3/4 inch cuts starting from one corner and moving toward the center, creating a star shape.
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Fill tarts: Scoop around 1/2 tsp of the prune jam into the center of each square. Fold one cut corner to the middle over the jam and repeat with alternating corners to form a star shape.
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Transfer to baking sheet: Gently transfer each filled tart onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to give them space to expand.
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Optional egg wash: If desired, beat the egg with the milk in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to apply a light egg wash on top of each star for a beautiful glaze.
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Bake: Bake your Finnish Christmas Stars for 8-11 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
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Cool down: Allow the pastries to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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Dust and serve: Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that perfect festive touch before serving.
Optional: Serve warm as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Finnish Christmas Stars?
As you indulge in the delightful flavors of these sweet pastries, let’s explore some perfect companions to elevate your festive gathering.
- Mulled Wine: This spiced drink complements the buttery pastry and sweet prune filling, adding warmth to your holiday celebration.
- Hot Cocoa: A rich, creamy cup of cocoa is a comforting contrast to the delicate stars, making them feel even more indulgent together.
- Roasted Nuts: Crunchy, savory nuts provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the stars, creating a lovely balance of textures.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like Brie or tangy goat cheese; their creaminess enhances the overall flavor experience of the pastries.
- Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or tart raspberries add a burst of freshness, brightening the sweet richness of the Finnish Christmas Stars.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, velvety ice cream will pair beautifully with the warm pastries, creating an irresistible dessert duo.
- Sparkling Water: A light, bubbly drink offers a refreshing palate cleanser, allowing the flavors of the pastry to shine through.
- Lemon Tart: The zesty brightness of a lemon tart provides a perfect tangy complement to the sweet prune filling, balancing the meal beautifully.
- Shortbread Cookies: These buttery treats echo the pastry’s richness, making them an ideal addition to your festive spread.
Expert Tips for Finnish Christmas Stars
Chill the dough: Always chill the dough for at least 3 hours; it helps solidify the butter, making for a tender, flaky pastry.
Watch the jam: When making the prune jam, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Stir occasionally until it reaches a thick, jammy consistency.
Rolling out dough: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. If the dough is too soft, let it chill again before rolling.
Cutting accurately: Make even cuts in the squares to ensure uniform baking and a nice star shape while folding.
Don’t overcrowd sheets: Space the tarts on the baking sheet to allow room for puffing during baking; this ensures they won’t stick together.
With these tips in hand, you’re set to create the most delightful Finnish Christmas Stars that will steal the show this holiday season!
How to Store and Freeze Finnish Christmas Stars
Room Temperature: Store leftover Finnish Christmas Stars in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, these pastries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week; just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked tarts by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the stars after freezing, bake them from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Make Ahead Options
These Finnish Christmas Stars are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap after shaping it into a disk and refrigerating. Additionally, the prune jam can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring its delightful flavor remains just as sweet and tangy. When ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften slightly, then roll, cut, and fill them as instructed before baking. This way, you’ll enjoy all the joy of holiday baking without the last-minute rush!
Finnish Christmas Stars Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own creative twist on these delightful pastries!
- Nut-free: Substitute the ricotta with a blend of cream cheese and yogurt for a smooth, nut-free filling.
- Fruit Medley: Swap prunes for dried figs or apricots; their unique sweetness will brighten each star with a fruity zing.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough; this warm spice profile will elevate the festive flavor beautifully.
- Vegan Delight: For a plant-based version, use vegan butter and an almond or cashew cream in place of ricotta.
- Sudden Citrus: Incorporate zest from orange or lemon into your prune jam for a refreshing burst of citrusy brightness.
- Loving Layers: Roll the dough with a light layer of powdered sugar before folding to introduce a delightful contrast of sweet textures.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts or oats on top before baking for an inviting crunch that enhances the stars’ charm.
- Heat Lover: Drizzle a touch of chili oil over the jam before filling for a surprising, spicy twist that will leave taste buds tingling!
With these variations, you can make this beloved recipe truly your own!
Finnish Christmas Stars Recipe FAQs
What type of ricotta should I use for Finnish Christmas Stars?
You should use whole milk ricotta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. It gives your pastry that rich, delightful texture that complements the sweet prune jam perfectly! I often find that using fresh ricotta enhances the overall taste, making these stars truly special.
How should I store leftover Finnish Christmas Stars?
Store any leftover Finnish Christmas Stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer keeping them fresh longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze Finnish Christmas Stars?
Absolutely! For best results, freeze the unbaked tarts. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just cook them from frozen in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden.
What if my dough is too sticky or dry?
If your dough seems too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on the dough while rolling it out. Conversely, if it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of ice water at a time, mixing until it becomes cohesive but not sticky. The key is to find that perfect balance for a tender, flaky pastry.
Are Finnish Christmas Stars suitable for people with allergies?
These pastries contain dairy and gluten, making them unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. For alternatives, you could try using lactose-free ricotta or gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may vary slightly. Always check labels to avoid allergens.
How do I know when my prune jam is ready?
You’ll want to simmer the prunes until the mixture reduces and thickens, achieving a “jammy” texture. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. The key visual cue is that it should hold its shape on a spoon and not be too runny. Stir occasionally to avoid any burning!
Delicious Finnish Christmas Stars to Brighten Your Holiday Baking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, use handheld electric beaters to cream the butter and ricotta together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring well until combined.
- Slowly drizzle in some ice water while continuing to mix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Shape it into a disk, wrap it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge to chill for 3 hours or even overnight.
- While the dough chills, place the chopped prunes in a small saucepan, covering them with water. Add granulated sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the jam reduces significantly, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the prune jam from heat and allow it to cool.
- When ready to use the dough, remove it from the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes if too cold to roll.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick into a rectangle approximately 12 x 24 inches.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch squares, yielding around 32 squares.
- For each square, make four 3/4 inch cuts starting from one corner and moving toward the center.
- Scoop around 1/2 tsp of the prune jam into the center of each square. Fold one cut corner to the middle over the jam and repeat with alternating corners.
- Gently transfer each filled tart onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.
- If desired, beat the egg with the milk in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to apply a light egg wash on top of each star.
- Bake your Finnish Christmas Stars for 8-11 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow the pastries to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.