Scandinavian Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tarts

Experience the classic Nordic delight of Scandinavian raspberry jam shortbread tarts—a recipe that honors tradition while delivering buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant berry flavor.

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll master authentic shortbread technique, learn how to customize with your favorite preserves, and discover how to serve these irresistible tarts for fika, holidays, or everyday treats.

Ingredients Checklist

With just a handful of ingredients, these tarts showcase Scandinavian baking at its finest. Choose quality, and each bite will sing with buttery, fruity flavor.

• For the Shortbread:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (preferably superfine)

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a Swedish twist)

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• For the Jam Filling:

  • 3/4 cup high-quality seedless raspberry jam (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a pinch of ground cardamom for depth

• For Finishing:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

  • Fresh raspberries or edible flowers, for garnish

Ingredient Notes & Variations:

• Jam: Try lingonberry, strawberry, or black currant for authentic Scandinavian flavors.

• Butter: Use European-style butter for a richer, more authentic crumb.

• Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be substituted with excellent results.

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based baking block; check that your jam is vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shortbread tarts require a gentle hand and a little patience, but the reward is a bakery-quality treat every time. Follow these steps for best results:

• Prep the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat cold, cubed butter and sugar together just until creamy and pale (2–3 minutes). Add vanilla extract and mix briefly. Sift in flour and salt; mix on low or fold by hand until the dough just comes together. If dough seems dry, knead gently in the bowl. Don’t overwork—stop once it’s uniform.

• Chill: Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 45 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making the crust tender and easier to handle.

• Roll & Line: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into rounds slightly larger than your tart pans (or mini muffin tin wells for smaller tarts). Gently press dough into pans, patching cracks with scraps if needed. Prick bottoms with a fork.

• Pre-bake (Optional for Crispness): For an extra-crisp base, blind bake tart shells for 7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), then cool slightly.

• Prepare Jam Filling: In a small saucepan, warm jam with lemon juice (and zest or cardamom if using) over low heat until just pourable. Stir well. For a glossy finish, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

• Fill & Bake: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of jam into each tart shell, spreading gently. Don’t overfill—jam will bubble slightly as it bakes. Bake for 15–20 minutes (or 11–14 minutes for minis), until edges are pale gold and jam is gently set.

• Cool: Cool tarts in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove gently (use the removable base, or twist lightly). Cool completely for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Results

A few essential practices make all the difference between good and truly great Scandinavian tarts:

• Work with cold butter for a crisp, tender crumb.

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and sticking.

• Avoid over-mixing after adding flour—handle dough as little as possible.

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the jam or crust.

• If making mini tarts, reduce bake time and watch closely to prevent overbrowning.

• Store-bought jam can be elevated with lemon juice, zest, or a drop of vanilla.

• If your dough cracks while lining pans, patch it gently; shortbread is forgiving.

• Always let tarts cool before dusting with powdered sugar for a professional look.

 

Serving Suggestions

Scandinavian raspberry jam shortbread tarts are equally perfect for cozy family gatherings or elegant occasions. Here are serving ideas to make them shine:

• Classic Fika: Serve tarts with strong coffee or tea on a simple wooden tray for a true Nordic coffee break.

• Holiday Platters: Arrange mini tarts on a tiered stand with fresh berries and mint for a festive touch.

• Dessert Pairing: Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.

• Gift Giving: Place cooled tarts in parchment-lined gift boxes, tied with ribbon—a charming homemade present.

• Party Bites: Offer alongside Swedish cinnamon buns, almond cakes, or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Final Thoughts

Scandinavian raspberry jam shortbread tarts are a celebration of simple pleasures: rich, buttery pastry and bright, tangy berry jam. This recipe brings Nordic tradition into your kitchen, with options for customizing to every palate or dietary need. Remember to handle the dough gently, use quality ingredients, and let the tarts cool fully for the best crumb. Enjoy these little treasures with a cup of coffee, at a gathering, or as a thoughtful homemade gift—they’re sure to delight every time.