Traditional Sweet And Savory Finnish Christmas Past

Name: Traditional Sweet And Savory Finnish Christmas Pastries “Joulutortut”
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the savory pastries; 4 (5by 5-inches) Puff pastry squares; 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta, drained; 1/2 cup good quality feta (Greek or French); 1large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 teaspoons fresh dill, diced; 4 scallions, only the green part, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white or black pepper; 1 large egg yolk mixed with some water, for egg wash; Sesame seeds, toasted, for the top; For the sweet pastries; 4 (5by 5-inches) Puff pastry squares; 1/2 cup Plum Jam; 1/3 cup fine ground walnuts; 2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of coarse salt; Confectioners' sugar for dusting the tops

Servings: persons

For the savory pastries
4 (5by 5-inches) Puff pastry squares
3/4 cup whole milk ricotta, drained
1/2 cup good quality feta (Greek or French)
1large egg yolk
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh dill, diced
4 scallions, only the green part, chopped
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white or black pepper
1 large egg yolk mixed with some water, for egg wash
Sesame seeds, toasted, for the top
For the sweet pastries
4 (5by 5-inches) Puff pastry squares
1/2 cup Plum Jam
1/3 cup fine ground walnuts
2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of coarse salt
Confectioners' sugar for dusting the tops

1
["To make filling for savory pastries: In a medium mixing bowl combine ricotta, feta, egg yolk, lemon zest, dill, scallions and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is homogeneous. Set a side.", "To make filling for sweet pastries: In a small mixing bowl combine Plum jam, walnuts, lemon or orange zest, vanilla and salt. Stir well until the mixture is homogeneous. Set a side.", "Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2
Line two cookie baking sheets with parchment paper.", "Make cuts from the corners of each square about half way to the centre; place a spoonful of savory filling in the centre and fold every second section into the centre, pinch tightly to form a windmill or a star shape, (which mine don't look like).
3
Photo #4 shows how the pastries should look.", "Place on the baking sheet; brush with egg yolk; sprinkle with sesame seeds and transfer to the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden.", "Repeat the same process with the sweet filling, only there is no need to brush them with the egg wash, since they will be dusted with confectioners' sugar.", "Serve warm or at room temperature for breakfast or brunch with a fragrant cup of tea or fresh espresso."]

248

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the savory pastries, 4 (5by 5-inches) Puff pastry squares, 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta, drained, 1/2 cup good quality feta (Greek or French), and more.

Yes, Traditional Sweet And Savory Finnish Christmas Pastries “Joulutortut” falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Traditional Sweet And Savory Finnish Christmas Pastries “Joulutortut”

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions