Finnish Christmas Star Pastries

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240g) prune jam or fruit preserves 1 cup (240g) prune jam or fruit preserves
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Add the sour cream to the mixture and gently knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into squares, approximately 3x3 inches.
5. 5.
   Make diagonal cuts from each corner of the square towards the center, leaving a small space in the middle.
6. 6.
   Place a teaspoon of prune jam or fruit preserves in the center of each square.
7. 7.
   Take one corner of the square and fold it over the filling, pressing it lightly onto the opposite corner. Repeat with the remaining corners, creating a star shape.
8. 8.
   Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Allow the pastries to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prune jam — Ensure the prune jam is smooth and free from large chunks to make it easier to fill the pastries.
• Sour cream — Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor in the dough.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky pastry texture.
• Flour — Measure the flour accurately and avoid packing it into the measuring cup to prevent a dense dough.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting the pastries for a smooth and even coating.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, try using different fruit preserves such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the pastries before baking.
• Serve the Finnish Christmas Star Pastries warm with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• These pastries can also be frozen after baking. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish Christmas Star Pastries as a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table or enjoy them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Finnish Christmas Star Pastries on a festive platter, dusted with powdered sugar. The star-shaped pastries will create an eye-catching display, perfect for any holiday gathering.