National Dish Finland: Kaurakeksit (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Kaurakeksit, the golden oat biscuits that Finland bakes for almost every occasion. Crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle and gently sweet, they come together in a single bowl from storecupboard staples. Finns serve them with strong coffee, at family gatherings and on festive tables alike — a small, unfussy bake that carries a great deal of Nordic warmth. Once you have made a batch, they have a habit of becoming a weekly fixture.
About Kaurakeksit
Kaurakeksit, the traditional Finnish oat biscuits, speak not only of Nordic baking but also of the country’s famously generous hospitality. They strike a happy balance between wholesome and genuinely indulgent. Made with good rolled oats, they offer a satisfying crunch and a mellow sweetness that suits any moment of the day. Whether alongside a cup of coffee or as a sweet addition to a celebration spread, Kaurakeksit bring a touch of Nordic character into your kitchen.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g rolled oats
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g butter or vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Optional: 50 g raisins or nuts
Shopping for the ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. Fresh rolled oats are stocked in every supermarket, and health food shops or wholefood stores are worth a look too. Choose good-quality butter or a decent plant-based alternative, as the fat carries much of the flavour. Many of these ingredients are also sold in larger bags and tubs, which is handy if you plan on baking more than one batch — and you almost certainly will.
Preparing the dish
Before you start baking, heat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking parchment or a silicone mat so the biscuits do not stick. It pays to weigh out and lay out every ingredient in advance so the baking process runs smoothly from start to finish. The straightforward method makes these biscuits ideal for beginner bakers and for baking with children.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.
- Add the egg and mix well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the rolled oats, the baking powder and the salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture a little at a time, mixing thoroughly.
- Optional: fold in raisins or chopped nuts.
- Spoon small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Kaurakeksit suitable for anyone with a gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance, a couple of simple swaps do the job. Use certified gluten-free oats and replace the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. This lets you tailor the recipe to particular dietary needs while still turning out a delicious result. Nothing is lost in the process — the flavour stands up perfectly well to these substitutions.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, adapting the recipe is equally straightforward. In place of the egg, use a chia egg — 1 tablespoon of chia seeds stirred into 2½ tablespoons of water — to bind the biscuits. The butter can simply be swapped for a good vegetable oil. These small adjustments mean the traditional Kaurakeksit fit neatly into a plant-based diet, much like the fruit-led Marjakiisseli that often follows a Finnish meal.
More tips and tricks
A few insider touches can noticeably improve both flavour and texture. Experiment with spices such as cinnamon or vanilla for extra aroma. It also helps to cool the biscuits on a wire rack after baking so they keep their crisp texture. If you prefer a softer, chewier biscuit, shorten the baking time by a minute or two and let them firm up on the tray.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The best thing about Kaurakeksit is how flexible the recipe is. Add whatever you fancy — chocolate chips, dried fruit or a handful of different nuts. You can also cut back on the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Play with the proportions until you land on your own favourite version, then bake it again and again.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have everything to hand, there is no need to worry — Kaurakeksit take kindly to substitutions. Instead of sugar, try agave syrup for a natural sweetness. When it comes to fats, other vegetable oils work well too, shifting the flavour slightly while still delivering an excellent result. A spoonful of Puolukkahillo folded through the mixture is another way to change things up entirely.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the experience, a few drinks suit these biscuits particularly well. A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee is the classic Finnish choice. For something different, offer herbal tea or hot chocolate. Pairings like these do more than complement the flavour — they turn a simple snack into a proper little occasion, especially alongside a bowl of warm Kaurapuuro on a cold morning.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation matters as much as the baking itself. Arranging the biscuits in pretty bowls or on a rustic wooden board makes for an inviting display. You can also pack them into paper bags tied with a length of ribbon if you are giving them as a gift. Small details of this kind often make the biggest difference to how a bake is received.
A bit of history
Kaurakeksit have a long history in Finnish baking and are popular with locals and visitors alike. They are part of everyday life, most often shared in relaxed company over coffee. Their simplicity and reliance on natural, unprocessed ingredients reflect the core values of Finnish cuisine. Kaurakeksit stand for a healthy, flavourful way of eating that has been passed down through generations.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Kaurakeksit
All in all, Kaurakeksit are a wonderful example of Finnish baking. These oat biscuits are quick and easy to make, and they leave plenty of room for creative variation. Thanks to their flexible ingredients and simple method, they suit a wide range of dietary needs. Enjoy your Kaurakeksit on your own or with friends and family — they have a way of winning over hearts and palates in equal measure.
