Explore the World Through 20 Traditional Christmas Recipes
Christmas is celebrated in unique and meaningful ways across the globe, and food plays a central role in every tradition. From comforting classics to festive specialties passed down through generations, each dish tells a story of culture and celebration.
Explore holiday flavors from around the world and discover new inspiration to bring global warmth and tradition to your own Christmas table.
Gugelhupf
This Gugelhupf, or Kugelhopf, is a traditional German sweet yeast bread that is often served for breakfast or afternoon tea with coffee for dunking. It is served around the holidays, for occasions when company comes.
Get the Recipe: Gugelhupf.
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.
Get the Recipe: Vanillekipferl.
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).
Cozonac (Romanian Christmas Bread)
Get a taste of tradition with Cozonac, a beloved Romanian Easter Bread. This sweet and aromatic loaf, filled with nuts and dried fruits, will add warmth and joy to your holiday table!
Get the recipe: Cozonac (Romanian Christmas Bread).
Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons)
Haselnussmakronen, or German hazelnut macaroons, are an incredibly easy, light, and flavorful cookie that will delight your taste buds. 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).
Ischler
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.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies.
Christmas Poinsettia Focaccia Bread
This no-knead poinsettia focaccia bread is so pretty, and it looks like something from the display cabinet in a bakery. What you’re going to love is how super-easy this Christmas focaccia is to make. It looks like a work of art and would make a lovely holiday table centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Poinsettia Focaccia Bread.
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).
Homemade Chocolate Chip Italian Panettone
Italian panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas season cake that is fluffy and buttery and traditionally baked with raisins and dried fruit. Nowadays, it is also baked with chocolate chips and hazelnuts. a perfect twist for chocolate lovers.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Chip Italian Panettone.
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.
Pitka (Bulgarian Christmas Bread)
Baking Bulgarian Pitka Bread (Koledna Pitka) is a tradition in Bulgaria during the festive Christmas period.
Get the Recipe: Pitka (Bulgarian Christmas Bread).
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.
Get the Recipe: Saffron & Pistachio Swedish Skorpor (Christmas Biscotti).
Spanish Three Kings Cake
In Spain we share our Christmas presents on Three Kings Day, the same day we share our Three Kings Cake (Roscón de Reyes), a tender and buttery sweet bread.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Three Kings Cake.
Pan de Jamon (Venezuelan Ham Bread)
This beloved Christmas bread from Venezuela is one of the most delicious and popular dishes to eat during the Christmas holiday. Pan de Jamon (Ham Bread) combines sweet and savory ingredients to create a mouthwatering experience.
Get the Recipe: Pan de Jamon (Venezuelan Ham Bread).
Homemade Speculaas Cookies
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.
Ligurian Focaccia
Ligurian focaccia is perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside! It’s baked in extra virgin olive oil and topped with sweet San Marzano tomatoes. It’s easy to make and the most delicious and satisfying snack!
Get the Recipe: Ligurian Focaccia.
Panettone
Panettone, or Italian Christmas bread, is a wonderful recipe from Italy that is ideal for Christmas. Although there are lots of ingredients and steps needed to make traditional Italian panettone, this recipe is straightforward to follow.
Get the Recipe: Panettone.
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.
