Ingredients

2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 - 2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast , one envelope is fine
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 egg
1 egg , beaten with 1 tbl water for glaze
Viipuri - Finnish Christmas Pretzel, also known as Joulutorttu in Finnish, is a traditional Finnish pastry that is often enjoyed during the Christmas season. These pretzels are shaped like stars and are made from a sweet yeast dough that is flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. They are typically served with plum jam and sprinkled with powdered sugar. While they may look difficult to make, they are actually very easy and can be made with just a few ingredients that are readily available. Enjoy these pretzels with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for the perfect festive treat.

Instructions

1.In a small saucepan, heat milk, sugar, butter and salt until butter is melted, set aside and let cool.
2.In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, cardamom and nutmeg.
3.Add milk mixture and egg to the flour mixture and mix until well combined.
4.Add in enough flour (about 1/2 cup) so that the dough is soft and not too sticky.
5.Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3-4 minutes.
6.Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about an hour.
7.Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 pieces.
8.Roll each piece into a long strip and twist into a pretzel shape.
9.Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for about 20-30 minutes.
10.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the pretzels with beaten egg and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

PROS

These Finnish Christmas pretzels are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season.

They are soft, fluffy and sweet with a hint of spice from the cardamom and nutmeg.

They are also very easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

CONS

These pretzels are high in sugar and carbohydrates, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

They also contain gluten, so they are not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Viipuri – Finnish Christmas Pretzel is not particularly healthy, but it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.
The cardamom and nutmeg in this recipe have been linked to supporting digestive health and reducing inflammation.

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