15 Foreign Christmas Cookies Perfect for Holiday Baking
These foreign Christmas cookies are a fun way to explore holiday traditions from around the world. Each one has a unique flavor that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even keeping all to yourself. Each cookie is easy to make and adds a special touch to your holiday spread.
Hildabrötchen | Spitzbuben Shortbread Cookie With Jam
Hildabrotchen or Spitzbuben are traditional German Christmas cookies, known for their delightful filling of sweet currant jam. The dough is incredibly easy to work with, making the baking process enjoyable and resulting in beautifully crafted cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Hildabrötchen | Spitzbuben Shortbread Cookie With Jam.
Vanillekipferl
Vanillekipferl, the delicate, crescent-shaped cookies dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, are a classic treat deeply rooted in the heart of European baking traditions. Originating from Austria, these cookies have become a beloved staple during the holiday season, transcending borders to be enjoyed in homes across the globe.
Get the Recipe: Vanillekipferl.
Ischler
These Ischler Törtchen are a decadent treat featuring rich chocolate-covered almond shortbread cookies filled with a sweet and tangy apricot jam. A cherished family favorite, these vintage Christmas cookies bring a touch of old-world charm to your holiday table, making them a beloved tradition that’s both delicious and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Ischler.
Traditional Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies
There’s something heavenly about making a spiced baked good during the holiday season. Your whole kitchen fills with an aroma that’s festive. Transport yourself to a European Christmas market with these traditional Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies. The cookies have a nutty cocoa flavor that’s mixed with seasonal spices. They bake into a soft cookie with a little crunch – thanks to the bits of walnut. It’s a unique recipe that our family loves to enjoy every Christmas season.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies.
Pepperkaker (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)
Pepperkake means pepper cakes. Unlike the gingerbread cookies that are very popular in Europe, these cookies have ground black pepper, which gives it a touch of spiciness.
Get the Recipe: Pepperkaker (Norwegian Christmas Cookies).
Traditional German Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)
Few places celebrate the holidays quite like Germany. Christmas markets offer up beautiful ornaments and gifts as well as a wide variety of festive treats. None is more beloved than lebkuchen, a sweet treat filled with nuts, candied citrus, and spices, then dressed in a rich sugar or chocolate glaze. This recipe for Traditional German Lebkuchen is sure to bring a dash of good cheer to your holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Traditional German Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread).
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are a classic Italian treat with rich almond flavor. The dough is rolled in pine nuts, making them soft with a bit of crunch!
Get the Recipe: Pignoli Cookies.
Empire Biscuits
Empire Biscuits are a delicious and popular biscuit or cookie made of two shortbread cookies sandwiched around a generous portion of jam filling, then topped with icing and a cherry. These cookies are internationally loved and known by various names, but no matter what you call them, they are amazingly tender and tasty!!
Get the Recipe: Empire Biscuits.
Buttery Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Learn how to make buttery cinnamon shortbread cookies the easy way with this simple recipe. Shortbread is the ideal treat to make if you are short on eggs, since it calls for no eggs. Looking for an easy eggless dessert to bake? This cinnamon shortbread cookie recipe has got you covered. With this cinnamon shortbread recipe, you can have delicious, melt-in-your-mouth goodness on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
German Christmas Stollen Cookies
Transport yourself to a German Christmas market with these delicious German Christmas stollen cookies. As a bite-sized version of a traditional Dresdner stollen recipe, these bites offer the same classic dried fruit and citrus flavors that you love in the classic Christstollen. Perfect as a gift during the holiday season!
Get the Recipe: German Christmas Stollen Cookies.
Coconut Crescent Moon Cookies Recipe
This traditional Croatian recipe teaches you how to make Coconut Crescent Moon Cookies (kiflice) using a rich butter-coconut dough, shaped into crescents or bows, baked until golden, then dusted with a sweet vanilla-iced sugar coating.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Crescent Moon Cookies Recipe.
Homemade Speculaas Cookies (Speculoos Cookies Recipe)
Ready to make irresistible Speculaas cookies (Speculoos) or the original Biscoff Cookies the easy way? You should put these buttery and spiced treats on your baking list this holiday season or whenever you want to give the gift of unique homemade cookies.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Speculaas Cookies (Speculoos Cookies Recipe).
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These Mexican Wedding Cookies (also known as “snowballs”, Mexican Polvorones cookies, Russian Tea Cookies, or Pecan Sandies) offer a buttery pecan shortbread cookie ball that’s coated in sweetly soft powdered sugar – resembling powder-soft early snowfall, officially welcoming the Christmas season!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies.
Saffron & Pistachio Swedish Skorpor (Christmas Biscotti)
These saffron and pistachio Swedish skorpor are a delightful twist on traditional biscotti, bringing a taste of Sweden’s holiday spirit to your kitchen. Infused with warm saffron and topped with crunchy pistachios, these crisp, twice-baked cookies are simple to make and perfect for dipping into coffee or tea. With their unique flavor and festive golden color, these skorpor make a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift that will stand out among seasonal treats.
Get the Recipe: Saffron & Pistachio Swedish Skorpor (Christmas Biscotti).
Haselnussmakronen, German Hazelnut Macaroons
Haselnussmakronen, or German hazelnut macaroons, are an incredibly easy, light, and flavorful cookie that will delight your taste buds. Made primarily from ground hazelnuts, these delightful treats are naturally gluten and dairy-free, making them a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. Each bite offers a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are not only simple to make but also bring a touch of elegance to any dessert table or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Haselnussmakronen, German Hazelnut Macaroons.
