The holiday season is filled with sweet treats, and around the world, Christmas cookies play a big role in bringing joy and tradition to the festivities. From spicy gingerbread in Germany to buttery pastries in Poland, each country has its own beloved holiday cookies and desserts. Here’s a roundup of 12 traditional Christmas cookies from around the globe.
1. Lebkuchen – Germany
Lebkuchen are spiced, gingerbread-like cookies made with honey, nuts, and warm spices. Often glazed or coated in chocolate, they are a festive favorite in Germany, especially during Christmas markets.
2. Kolaczki – Poland
These buttery, fruit-filled pastries are a Polish holiday classic. Made with dough that encases jams like plum, raspberry, or apricot, Kolaczki are a sweet, flaky treat enjoyed throughout the Christmas season.
3. Biscotti – Italy
Crisp and crunchy, Italian Biscotti are twice-baked cookies often made with almonds. Perfect for dipping in coffee or dessert wine, these cookies are a holiday staple in Italy.
4. Spritzgebäck – Germany
Spritzgebäck are buttery, crumbly cookies shaped using a pastry press. Often decorated with chocolate or sprinkles, they’re a favorite German treat during the holidays.
5. Russian Tea Cakes – U.S. (Russian Origins)
These nutty, powdered-sugar-dusted cookies are a Christmas tradition in the U.S. Made with finely chopped nuts and a crumbly texture, they’re also known as Snowball or Mexican Wedding Cookies.
6. Pfeffernüsse – Germany/Netherlands
Pfeffernüsse are small, spiced cookies made with molasses, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper. They have a unique, bold flavor and are often dusted with powdered sugar.
7. Bolo Rei – Portugal
Though more of a cake than a cookie, Bolo Rei is a Portuguese holiday favorite. This crown-shaped cake, filled with candied fruits and nuts, is a festive symbol of the Three Kings.
8. Churros – Mexico
Churros, deep-fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar, are a popular Christmas treat in Mexico. Often served with hot chocolate for dipping, they’re both crispy and sweet.
9. Mince Pies – United Kingdom
Mince pies are small pastries filled with a spiced fruit mixture called mincemeat. A beloved British holiday treat, these pies are often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
10. Turron de Navidad – Spain
Turron is a Spanish Christmas nougat made with almonds, honey, and sugar. Available in hard (Alicante) and soft (Jijona) varieties, it’s a festive favorite in Spain.
11. Stollen – Germany
This dense, fruit-filled bread is studded with nuts and marzipan, and dusted with powdered sugar. A traditional German treat, Stollen is often shared on Christmas Eve.
12. Kourabiedes – Greece
Kourabiedes are Greek shortbread-like cookies made with butter and almonds, then dusted with powdered sugar. These crumbly, buttery treats are a Christmas tradition in Greece.
Christmas cookies bring festive cheer around the world, each one reflecting the flavors and traditions of its country. Whether you’re baking gingerbread in Germany or enjoying the nutty sweetness of Kourabiedes in Greece, these holiday treats make the season even sweeter. Try adding some international favorites to your holiday spread this year and enjoy a taste of Christmas around the world!
