Published by: Gabriela · Last modified: October 20, 2023 6 Comments
44 Christmas Cookies & Bars From Around The World- America is baking cookies for the holidays. To honor the tradition, I decided to put together a collection of cookie recipes from all over the world.
This is an awesome collection of cookies, and I hope you will find in this article something to bake, even if you are not necessarily familiar with it.
After all, each one of us has roots somewhere outside of this amazing country. Most of us kept or brought recipes that connected us with our childhoods, family, and friends.
We keep making these recipes year after year because of the tradition and who we are from an ethnic perspective. Familiar spices, tastes, and rituals make our life feel safer and more comfortable.
I noticed while I was writing this article that many recipes for rugelach cookies are out there. This recipe has so many variations, and it seems to come from all over Europe.
Eastern Europe is the champion of making it. Hungarians might claim the recipe as theirs, but everyone else makes a version of it.
I tried to keep all of them in this post because each country makes them differently. You should try one or two versions and see how they are.
So, my friends, here is my collection! Happy baking!
More recipes to enjoy
- Rum Raisin Cookies Recipe
- Meringue Farmer Cheese Cake
- Kossuth Kifli (Half Moon Cookies)
- Mini Turnover Cookies With Jam
Craving more? Subscribe to The Bossy Kitchen to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest updates. Don't forget to use the star rating and leave a review.
44 Christmas Cookies & Bars From Around The World
AUSTRIA:
1
Vanilla Kipferl Cookies
Photo Credit:www.baking-sense.com
“These light and crisp cookies are always shaped like a crescent and dusted with vanilla sugar.”
CZECH REPUBLIK:
2
Moravian Molasses Cookies
Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com
“These cookies are wafer-thin and crisp, but they are not delicate cookies. Lots of dark molasses, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, these cookies have a nice spicy flavor!”
3
Czech Bars with Jam and Walnuts
These Czech bars with jam and walnuts are super easy to make and very delicious. An Old World recipe, the bars are buttery, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
DENMARK:
4
Brunkager (Danish Christmas cookies)
Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com
“Brunkager are Danish Christmas cookies with a delicious spiced flavor and a wonderful crunch. Perfect for adding to your cookie plate.”
5
Danish Fedtebrød - Coconut Cookie Slices with Rum Glaze
Photo Credit:www.fabfood4all.co.uk
“Beautiful short, buttery cookies packed with desiccated coconut and topped with a rum glaze.”
6
Danish Butter Cookies (Vaniljekranse)
Photo Credit:practicalselfreliance.com
“These simple danish butter cookies are easy to make with children and brighten up everyone’s holiday.”
7
Pfeffernusse Spiced Snowball Cookies
Photo Credit:comfortablydomestic.com
“Pfeffernusse are traditional European snowball cookies, crunchy and robustly spiced. Despite the literal “pepper nuts” translation of the name, these tasty holiday cookies are nut-free! My Danish grandmother called them pebernodder, which is the Danish version. In actuality: pfeffernusse cookies are a firm, crunchy spice cookie traditionally made at Christmas time.
The dough is rolled into balls, baked, then coated in powdered sugar.”
8
Finsk Brød (Finnish Shortbread), traditional Scandi cookies!
Photo Credit:www.fabfood4all.co.uk
“A traditional yuletide Scandinavian shortbread cookie topped with a tasty glaze of chopped almonds and sugar.”
Germany:
9
How to Make German Spice Lebkuchen Cookies!
Photo Credit:temeculablogs.com
“Traditional German gingerbread cookie recipe from my grandmother who made them every year.”
10
Zimtsterne: German Cinnamon Stars
Photo Credit:www.christinascucina.com
“Zimtsterne or German Cinnamon Stars are light, gluten-free cookies which I discovered in Germany at the Christmas markets. You can make them in your own kitchen; they’re so good!”
GREAT BRITAIN:
11
Classic Shortbread Cookies
Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com
“Classic shortbread is one of the most delicious and easiest recipes to make. Buttery and soft, classic shortbread will melt in your mouth!”
12
Chocolate Cookies with Earl Grey Ganache
Chocolate Cookies with Earl Grey Ganache are delicate cookies perfect for holidays. The bergamot from Earl Grey brings elegance to the scene.
GREECE:
13
Greek Baklava Recipe
Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com
“This Greek Baklava recipe has walnuts and cinnamon layered between flaky phyllo dough brushed with melted butter then baked and drizzled with a sugar and honey syrup to create a crispy, sweet, and impressive dessert!”
14
Greek Christmas honey cookies (melomakarona)
Photo Credit:scrummylane.com
“Gooey, sticky traditional Greek Christmas honey cookies with delicious festive flavors. There’s no way you’ll be able to eat just one!”
15
Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies {Kourabiedes}
Photo Credit:flavorthemoments.com
“Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies {Kourabiedes} are classic Greek holiday cookies with a refreshing citrus twist. They’re so easy to make and are perfect for your holiday baking!”
HOLLAND(NETHERLANDS):
16
Kerstkransjes Recipe (Dutch Christmas Cookies Recipe)
Photo Credit:www.cakieshq.com
“Kerstkransjes is a traditional Dutch Christmas cookie. Kerstkransje means ‘Little Christmas Wreath’ because these cookies resemble Christmas wreaths. Every year when Christmas approaches, these cookies pop up in the supermarket. They’re so easy to make yourself, though, so why not make a few yourself this year!”
HUNGARY:
17
Hungarian Christmas Cookies Recipe
Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com
“These traditional Hungarian Christmas Cookies from nagyanya (grandma) are simply delicious. Each bite reminds you of the old country, a time of good food and fond memories. If you are looking for old-fashioned Christmas cookies, try this Hungarian Christmas Cookies Recipe!”
18
Hungarian Kifli Cookies Recipe
Photo Credit:adorefoods.com
Another version of these delicious cookies is coming from the Adore Foods Blog.
ICELAND:
19
Icelandic Christmas Cookies
Photo Credit:veggiedesserts.co.uk
“Icelandic Christmas meringue cookies with cornflakes and chocolate are easy to make and taste delicious. These traditional Christmas cookies are known in Iceland as Marens Kornflex kokur.”
IRAK:
20
Kleicha (Iraqi date cookies)
Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com
“Kleicha are about the most popular Iraqi date cookies. While they are typically eaten for Eid, the end of Ramadan, which is not this time of year, they are also eaten for a range of celebrations.”
IRAN:
Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies | Shirini Kishmishi
Photo Credit:familyspice.com
“These golden and aromatic Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies (shirini kishmishi) are not only swoon-worthy to serve to your friends and family, but also very simple to make.”
ITALY:
22
Bruttiboni: Italian Meringue Cookies
Photo Credit:www.shelovesbiscotti.com
“This unique two-step method of making these Brutti ma Buoni provides the perfect texture you come to expect from a meringue cookie. Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
The combination of roasted nuts makes this Italian Hazelnut Almond Meringue recipe truly sensational!”
23
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Photo Credit:soupaddict.com
“Gorgeous Italian Rainbow Cookies – seven layers of sweet confectionery, layered in chocolate. Absolutely show-stopping on the plate; it’s the perfect holiday cookie!”
24
Italian Almond Cookies [A Big Batch Recipe]
Photo Credit:www.shelovesbiscotti.com
“This recipe for these Big Batch Soft Chewy Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies requires no introduction. They are easily recognizable. Everyone knows them. Everyone loves them. And just about everyone is looking for that perfect amaretti recipe.”
25
Frappe or Cioffe: Italian Bow Tie Cookies
Photo Credit:www.christinascucina.com
“Frappe or Cioffe are traditional Carnevale Italian bow tie cookies, for lack of a better name. The fried, slightly sweetened dough turns as light as angel wings and tastes just as heavenly, especially with a dusting of powdered sugar!”
26
Cucidati - Sicilian Fig Christmas Cookies
Photo Credit:spinachtiger.com
“An Italian Christmas Cookie from Sicily made with figs, dried fruit, liquor, nuts.”
JORDAN:
27
Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)
Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com
“Delicious and delicate Middle Eastern cookies that melt in your mouth…”
MOROCCO:
28
Ghoriba Bahla (Moroccan Shortbread Cookies)
Photo Credit:pastrychefonline.com
“This ghoriba bahla recipe is just sweet enough, super crunchy and crumbly and studded with ground fried almonds and toasted sesame seeds. I dare you to eat just one!”
NORWAY:
29
Norwegian Krumkake Recipe
Photo Credit:www.cheaprecipeblog.com
Krumkake is a delicate, lightly sweetened Norwegian cookie made on a krumkake iron. The iron has a pretty design that imprints onto the cookie. My family has been making krumkake for generations. It’s a cookie we only make around Christmas.”
30
Kringla Recipe for Traditional Norwegian Cookies
Photo Credit:littlefamilyadventure.com
“This recipe for cookies shaped into a figure eight is my grandmother’s recipe.”
POLAND:
31
Polish Kolachki Cookies {Recipe ReDux)
Photo Credit:cravingsomethinghealthy.com
This recipe for Kolachki is what my mom wrote out for me a million years ago when I first moved out on my own. I made it a tiny bit healthier by substituting low-fat Greek Cream cheese for regular cream cheese and using low sugar preserves. I’m so happy to share it with you!
ROMANIA:
32
Rum Raisins Cookies Recipe
“The cookies are flavored with rum, are very easy to make, and taste delicious. Serve them next to a cup of your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy an old recipe that is very popular in Romania.”RUSSIA:
33
Walnut Shortbread Cookies
These Walnut Shortbread Cookies are tender, with a crumbly melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is dipped in egg white and rolled in walnuts, then baked to perfection.
RUSSIA:
34
Honey, Cinnamon and Walnut Rugelach (Rogaliki)
Photo Credit:vikalinka.com
“We make this honey, cinnamon, and walnut rugelach every year. It’s just not Christmas without it!”
SERBIA:
35
Vanilice (Serbian Little Vanilla Cookies) • Curious Cuisiniere
Photo Credit:www.curiouscuisiniere.com
“Vanilice are bite-sized Serbian Vanilla Cookies that are seriously addicting. With a nutty sweetness and a soft jam filling, they’re the perfect recipe to add to your next cookie platter!”
36
Potica Cookies
Photo Credit:homespunseasonalliving.com
“A spin on the traditional Serbian Nut Bread, Potica cookies give all the flavor and feel of the bread in a tiny hand-held, delicious style.”
SPAIN:
37
Polvorones Con Limon- Traditional Spanish Christmas Cookies
Polvorones are traditional Spanish crumbly cookies made around Christmas time. The cookies can be flavored with cocoa, lemon, cinnamon, etc. This is the recipe for polvorones with lemon or Polvorones con Limon- the Spanish name. Make a great gift for your family and friends!
SWEDEN:
38
Swedish Heirloom Cookies with Walnuts
Photo Credit:www.sizzlingeats.com
“A melt in your mouth, a nutty cookie that is the perfect texture and sweetness. A holiday tradition in our family.”
39
Swedish Visiting Cake Bars
Photo Credit:www.thepkpway.com
An almond-meringue crust sits atop a coffee-cake-like base, making these Swedish Visiting Cake Bars a natural accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee or tea.
40
Hallon Cookies from Scandinavian Christmas by Trine Hahnemann
Photo Credit:www.fabfood4all.co.uk
My daughter and I recently had a lovely afternoon making Hallon cookies from Trine Hahnemann’s new book Scandinavian Christmas. This particular recipe was given to Trine by a friend called Alice Brax, and this is her version of it. These jewel-like cookies were delicious, and I can think of no better pairing with a cup of tea over the yuletide season!”
41
Basler Brunsli (Swiss Chocolate Spice Cookies) • Curious Cuisiniere
Photo Credit:www.curiouscuisiniere.com
“Swiss almond flour cookies, Basler Brunsli, boast a rich chocolate flavor, a light nuttiness, and a fun, chewy texture!”
42
Swedish Crescent Cookies
Photo Credit:www.goodlifeeats.com
“These Swedish Crescent Cookies are perfect for the Holidays and easy to make.”
UNITED STATES:
43
The Best Chocolate Chip And Walnuts Cookies
The Best Chocolate Chip And Walnuts Cookies recipe out there! This might be a keeper for some of you if you like soft cookies inside and crunchy outside.
