Finska pinnar (Finnish sticks) are a type of cookie made from shortcrust pastry. The cookies are shaped like small and oblong sticks, hence the name. Pearl sugar and crushed almonds are placed on top of the cookies but despite the name, the pastry is a Swedish invention and really has nothing to do with Finland. No one seems to know where the name comes from so if you do, please let us know. Similar pastries are found in several countries and in Denmark, they are called finskbrød. Finnish sticks are perfect to bake when you want something simple, yet delicious. Let’s make some and enjoy this Sunday afternoon. 

All you need is: 4.5 dl wheat flour, 0.5 dl sugar, 200 g butter, 5 bitter almonds, 1 egg, 0.5 dl chopped almonds, 0.75 dl pearl sugar

1. Set the oven to 175 degrees.

2. Put the flour and bitter almonds in a bowl or in a pile on the baking table. Make a hole in the mixing and add sugar and butter, cut into pieces into the hole. Work everything together into a dough with your hands or a fork. If the dough is sticky, let it rest covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 min.

3. Roll it into finger-thick lengths. Place them next to each other and brush them with beaten egg or egg white.

4. Sprinkle chopped almonds and pearl sugar on top. Cut the lengths into 4-5 cm long pieces. Place the cookies on a tray, greased or lined with baking paper.

5. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 10 minutes