Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I’m one of those people who starts putting up decorations in November and I want it to last as long as possible! In my mind there are five seasons; spring, summer, autumn, Christmas and winter!
It’s a time for joy, celebration, traditions, family and indulging in delicious treats. I’m sure each family has their own treats that might not be traditional at all (we always have cheesecake on Christmas Day!) but Christmas is a wonderful chance to try different traditional Christmas treats from around the world.
Every country has its own unique traditions, flavours and sweets that mark this special season. From spiced pastries to chocolate masterpieces, Christmas treats provide a glimpse into the cultural heart of each region.
Let’s take a culinary journey and explore the most iconic Christmas treats from around the world. If you’re lucky enough to visit any of these places around Christmas time, you must bring a sample back for your friends and family (except the pavlova from Australia, that definitely won’t travel well!)
1. Chocolate: A Universal Christmas Delight
Chocolate plays a central role in Christmas celebrations worldwide. While chocolate from every corner of the globe is undeniably delicious, Italian chocolate is definitely among the best!
In Italy, artisanal chocolate is a cherished tradition, exemplified by Venchi. Founded in 1878, Venchi creates luxurious chocolate treats using time-honored techniques and high-quality ingredients. Their Christmas chocolate collection includes festive pralines, gianduja-filled delights, and beautifully wrapped chocolate gifts, embodying the Italian flair for craftsmanship. Whether used as stocking stuffers, paired with wine, or gifted in elegant boxes, chocolate remains an essential part of holiday cheer.
2. Panettone (Italy)
Italy’s beloved Christmas cake, panettone, is a sweet bread studded with candied fruits, raisins, and citrus zest. This tall, domed dessert originates from Milan and can be found worldwide now that we all know how delicious it is.
The texture of panettone is soft and airy, thanks to a lengthy fermentation process. Italians often pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or a dollop of mascarpone cream. It’s more than a dessert; it’s a symbol of festive cheer, often gifted in decorative boxes during the holiday season.
3. Bûche de Noël (France)
The French Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log, is a rolled sponge cake shaped like a log. Traditionally made with chocolate buttercream, it’s decorated to resemble a festive log, complete with powdered sugar for snow and edible decorations like holly leaves or pretty woodland mushrooms. The dessert symbolizes the Yule log burnt in hearths during ancient winter solstice celebrations, blending pagan traditions with modern Christmas. It’s a family favourite everyone will enjoy and it’s a fairly simple one to make at home with the kids. Alternatively, if you’re as bad at baking as I am, you can buy a very simple chocolate log and decorate it at home.
4. Pavlova (Australia and New Zealand)
In the southern hemisphere, Christmas coincides with summer, and pavlova is the dessert of choice in Australia and New Zealand. This meringue-based treat is crisp on the outside and soft inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like kiwis, strawberries, and passionfruit. Its light texture, fruity flavours and impressive structure make it perfect for festive summer gatherings.
5. Polvorones and Turrón (Spain)
Spain’s Christmas sweets are as varied as its regions, but polvorones and turrón stand out. Polvorones are crumbly almond cookies that melt in your mouth, often flavored with cinnamon or lemon.
Turrón, on the other hand, is a nougat made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds. Originating from Moorish influence, turrón comes in a variety of textures, from hard (turrón duro) to soft and creamy (turrón blando), making it a festive staple.
6. Christmas Pudding (United Kingdom)
Rich, dense, and full of flavor, Christmas pudding is a hallmark of the British festive table. Made with dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices, it’s steamed for hours and often doused in brandy before being set aflame at the Christmas meal. Traditionally, families include a coin in the pudding for good luck, making it a nostalgic and interactive part of Christmas celebrations.
My grandma would add a few pennies and one £1 coin to her Christmas pudding and one lucky person would get the £1! I didn’t even like Christmas pudding when I was a child but I always had a big portion to hunt for the £1!
7. Sufganiyot (Israel)
While not strictly a Christmas treat, sufganiyot, or jelly-filled doughnuts, are synonymous with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, celebrated around the same time as Christmas. These deep-fried delights are enjoyed across Israel and beyond, with modern variations featuring custard, chocolate, and other creative fillings, making them a festive indulgence for all.
8. Pavè (Brazil)
In Brazil, pavè is a no-bake dessert similar to tiramisu. Made with layers of cookies or biscuits soaked in coffee, chocolate, or fruit syrup and layered with cream, pavè is a versatile and indulgent Christmas treat. Easy to prepare, it’s a favourite for family gatherings during Brazil’s summer celebrations.
9. Kourabiedes and Melomakarona (Greece)
Greek Christmas celebrations feature two iconic cookies: kourabiedes and melomakarona. Kourabiedes are crescent-shaped butter cookies dusted generously with powdered sugar, often flavored with almonds or brandy. Melomakarona are spiced honey cookies topped with crushed walnuts, offering a warm and festive flavor.
10. Rosca de Reyes (Mexico)
While this Christmas treat is traditionally eaten on January 6th (Three Kings’ Day), the Rosca de Reyes is a festive bread enjoyed during the Christmas season in Mexico. Shaped like a crown and decorated with candied fruits to resemble jewels, the bread often hides a small figurine of baby Jesus. The person who finds the figurine is tasked with hosting a celebration on Candlemas Day in February, blending culinary enjoyment with communal tradition.
11. Risalamande (Denmark)
In Denmark, Christmas dinner concludes with risalamande, a creamy rice pudding mixed with whipped cream, almonds, and vanilla, served with a warm cherry sauce. A whole almond is hidden in the pudding, and the lucky person who finds it wins a prize. This delightful dessert combines fun, flavour and tradition, making it a highlight of Danish Christmas festivities.
12. Bibingka (Philippines)
In the Philippines, bibingka is a traditional Christmas treat made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. Topped with salted egg, cheese, and coconut, it’s a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Bibingka is commonly enjoyed after Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas Day, and is a beloved part of Filipino holiday culture.
13. Pfeffernüsse (Netherlands and Germany)
Pfeffernüsse, or “pepper nuts,” are small, spiced cookies popular in the Netherlands and Germany during Christmas. Made with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and anise, these bite-sized treats have a slightly crunchy texture and a rich flavor. Often coated in powdered sugar, they are perfect for enjoying with a hot beverage on a cold winter’s night.
14. Vanillekipferl (Austria)
Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped vanilla cookies, are a traditional Austrian Christmas treat. Made with ground almonds or hazelnuts and dusted with vanilla sugar, these delicate cookies are buttery, crumbly, and irresistibly festive. They are often associated with the Advent season, filling homes with their sweet aroma as families bake them together.
15. Lebkuchen (Germany)
Germany’s Christmas markets wouldn’t be complete without the aroma of lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie. Similar to gingerbread, lebkuchen is made with honey, nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. These treats are often decorated with intricate icing designs or dipped in dark chocolate. Nuremberg, in particular, is famous for its lebkuchen, exporting this sweet symbol of Christmas worldwide.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time to celebrate the diverse and delicious ways cultures come together to honour the season. From chocolate confections like Venchi’s artisanal treats to baked goods and spiced cookies, each country’s unique offerings bring warmth and joy to the festive table. Exploring these traditions is not just a culinary journey but a way to connect with the stories and heritage that make Christmas truly magical. So this holiday season, why not try a traditional treat from another part of the world and add a global touch to your celebrations?