Scandinavian Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tarts

Scandinavian Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tarts are a beautiful and timeless dessert that celebrates the elegance and simplicity of Nordic baking traditions. With a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust and a jewel-like center of sweet-tart raspberry jam, these delicate tarts offer a refined bite of comfort and nostalgia. Whether served for a cozy fika (coffee break), a festive holiday gathering, or as a lovely tea-time treat, these tarts evoke warmth, tradition, and the understated sophistication that defines Scandinavian pastries.

Each tart delivers a perfect harmony of rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and fruity raspberry brightness. Their compact size and inviting appearance make them perfect for sharing or gifting, and they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your baking journey, these Scandinavian Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tarts will delight both eyes and palate—simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a crisp edge and tender center
• Sweet-tart raspberry jam filling adds color, brightness, and contrast
• Beautiful, petite tarts perfect for fika, gifting, or special occasions
• Minimal ingredients and easy preparation with big flavor payoff
• Classic Scandinavian dessert that’s versatile and customizable

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 small tarts
• Serving Size: 1 tart

Nutritional Information (Per Tart, Approx.)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Tart Shells

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (80g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (for a subtle Nordic spice note)

For the Raspberry Jam Filling

• 1/2 cup high-quality raspberry jam (seedless or seeded, based on preference)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness

For Garnish (Optional)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Finely chopped almonds or slivered almonds
• Fresh raspberries or mint sprigs for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Shortbread Dough

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
• Mix in vanilla extract and cardamom (if using).
• Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until smooth.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tart Shells

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 12-cup tart pan or mini muffin tin. You can also use individual tartlet pans.
• Divide chilled dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and press gently into each tart cup, shaping the dough up the sides to form a well.

3. Add Raspberry Jam

• Spoon 1 to 1½ teaspoons of raspberry jam into the center of each tart shell.
• Optional: Stir in a little lemon zest into the jam before filling for extra citrus brightness.
• Be careful not to overfill, as jam may bubble over while baking.

4. Bake the Tarts

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges of the shortbread are lightly golden and set.
• Remove from oven and allow tarts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Once completely cooled, dust tarts with powdered sugar.
• Optional: Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds or garnish each tart with a fresh raspberry and mint leaf for added elegance.
• Serve at room temperature with coffee, tea, or alongside other traditional Nordic cookies.

Ingredient Background

Butter

• Central to the shortbread’s tender texture and rich flavor, butter is the heart of Scandinavian baking.
• Be sure to use high-quality, unsalted butter for best results.

Raspberry Jam

• A traditional and beloved fruit preserve in Nordic cuisine, raspberry jam adds fruity acidity and natural sweetness to balance the richness of the crust.
• Choose a jam with a strong raspberry flavor and minimal added sugar for best contrast.

Cardamom

• A subtle nod to Scandinavian spice traditions, cardamom lends a warm, aromatic complexity that complements the buttery crust and jam.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: This helps the shortbread hold shape and ensures a crumbly, tender texture.
• Don’t Overwork: Handle dough gently to avoid making it tough.
• Uniform Tart Shells: Press dough evenly into tart molds to avoid thin spots or uneven baking.
• Watch the Edges: Bake until just golden for that classic shortbread texture—avoid overbaking.
• Let Cool Completely: This allows the shortbread to firm up and the jam to set properly before serving or storing.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Lattice-Top Mini Tarts: Add thin strips of shortbread dough over the jam in a criss-cross pattern before baking.
• Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies: Use the same dough to make thumbprint cookies with a jam center.
• Tartlet Sampler Platter: Make a variety with different jams like lingonberry, apricot, or blackberry.
• Rustic Round Tart: Use a single 9-inch tart pan and slice into wedges for a more traditional presentation.
• Holiday Gift Boxes: Package individual tarts in small bakery boxes with ribbon for a homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Success

• If dough cracks while pressing, simply press it back together—shortbread is forgiving.
• Use a tart tamper or bottom of a small glass to help press dough evenly.
• Line the bottom of tart molds with parchment circles for easy removal.
• If jam spreads too much during baking, spoon in a touch more after baking while still warm.
• Dust powdered sugar only once cooled, or it will melt into the jam.

Recipe Variations

• Almond Shortbread Tarts: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with finely ground almond flour for added nutty richness.
• Lemon-Raspberry Tarts: Add a thin layer of lemon curd under the raspberry jam for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Raspberry Tarts: Drizzle cooled tarts with melted dark chocolate.
• Spiced Winter Tarts: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm seasonal flavor.
• Gluten-Free Shortbread Tarts: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Let come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer

• Freeze fully baked and cooled tarts in a single layer. Transfer to a container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use low-sugar raspberry jam or make homemade jam with natural sweeteners.
• Replace part of the butter with Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter crust.
• Add whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber and nutty depth.
• Reduce powdered sugar in the dough and rely more on jam for sweetness.
• Add chia seeds to jam for a nutrient boost and thicker texture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Nordic Fika Table: Pair with cinnamon buns, Swedish almond cake, and coffee.
• Tea Party Dessert Tray: Serve alongside shortbread cookies, macarons, and lemon scones.
• Holiday Cookie Exchange: Wrap individually for beautiful homemade gifts.
• Spring Brunch Platter: Garnish with fresh berries and mint for a seasonal touch.
• Wedding or Baby Shower: Present in tiered trays for an elegant display.

Special Equipment

• Tartlet pans or mini muffin tin
• Mixing bowls and spatula
• Tart tamper (optional)
• Wire cooling rack
• Sieve for powdered sugar dusting

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of jam?

Yes—lingonberry, apricot, blackberry, or strawberry jam all work well.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is highly recommended for best texture and easier handling.

3. Can I use store-bought tart shells?

You can, but homemade shortbread crust adds much more flavor and texture.

4. Can I make these in advance?

Yes—make the tarts a day ahead and store in an airtight container.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—double all ingredients and use two tart pans or bake in batches.

6. Can I make a single large tart instead?

Yes—press dough into a 9-inch tart pan and bake slightly longer (25–28 minutes).

7. How do I keep the jam from bubbling over?

Avoid overfilling, and slightly chill filled tarts before baking if needed.

8. Can I add a crumble topping?

Yes—sprinkle a little shortbread crumble or almond streusel over the jam before baking.

Conclusion

Scandinavian Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tarts offer a delightful balance of buttery richness and vibrant fruitiness in a bite-sized, elegant package. With their rustic charm and refined simplicity, they’re a perfect expression of traditional Nordic baking—warm, inviting, and beautifully understated. These tender tarts are not only easy to prepare but also highly versatile, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert spread or a thoughtful gift for loved ones.

Whether you’re sharing them over fika, serving them at a celebration, or enjoying one quietly with a cup of tea, these little tarts bring comfort, joy, and timeless flavor to any occasion. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this cozy, classic recipe time and again.

Print