Finnish Star Sweet Bread

This soft, golden bread is a Finnish holiday favorite. Infused with cardamom and shaped into a star, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas breakfast or as a centerpiece on your holiday table. This is a family generational recipe passed from my great grandparents.


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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

4–4 ½ cups (500–560 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cardamom (or freshly ground seeds from 6–8 pods for stronger flavor)

½ tsp salt

1 large egg

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted


For the Filling:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon


For the Topping:

1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Pearl sugar or sliced almonds (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting



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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.


2. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, cardamom, and salt. Mix well.


3. Add flour gradually until dough is soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.


4. Knead by hand (8–10 min) or in a mixer with dough hook (5 min) until smooth and elastic.


5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.



Step 2: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.

Step 3: Shape the Star

1. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a circle about 10–12 inches wide.


2. Place first circle on parchment paper. Spread ⅓ of the filling on top.


3. Layer the second circle, spread filling, repeat with third. Place fourth circle on top.


4. Place a small glass in the center (to mark). Cut dough into 16 equal strips, radiating outward.


5. Take 2 strips at a time, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch ends together. Repeat all around to form a star shape.



Step 4: Rise & Bake

1. Cover star with a towel and let rise 30 minutes.


2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).


3. Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with pearl sugar or sliced almonds if using.


4. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.



Step 5: Finish

Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.


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🌟 Tips & Variations

Orange zest in the filling adds a festive citrus touch.

Jam-filled version: Spread lingonberry or raspberry jam between layers instead of cinnamon sugar.

Make ahead: Shape the star, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.



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✨ This Joulupulla star bread is not only a treat to eat but also a showstopper on the Christmas table. Soft, buttery layers with cardamom spice make every bite feel festive.