Traditional Christmas Sweets from Around the World

The holiday season is known for its delicious sweets among other traditions. See what Christmas sweets look like in different countries.

Christmas is just around the corner, and what a better way to celebrate it than with tasty sweets? Different countries celebrate this season in different ways. And as they all have their own traditions, the treats that mark the season differ as well. So, if your sweet tooth is craving something new, here are some of the sweetest, most delicious Christmas desserts from around the world.

Turrón, Spain

The Spanish are known for their amazing food, and Christmas time is not without its specialties. It’s hard to choose just one, but the most popular dessert seems to be Turrón. It’s a Spanish Christmas treat that fills the markets during the holiday season, and it’s not hard to see why. Turrón is usually round or rectangular and made of sugar, egg whites, honey, and almonds. There are two basic types – crunchy, which resembles almond nougat bars, and chewy, which is more like a smooth taffy. Besides the basic ingredients, you can also add chocolate, coffee, or fruit to spice it up a bit.

Bûche De Noël, France

French Christmas treats can be truly impressive. The favorites range from traditional and complicated cakes to simple cookies and macarons. One of the most mouth-watering desserts that are very popular in France, Quebec, and other former French colonies, is Bûche De Noël. Also known as the Yule log cake. It is made in a shallow pan by baking a sponge cake, frosting it, rolling it into a cylinder, and frosting it once more. To make it resemble a tree branch or a miniature log, decorate the surface of the cake to look like tree bark.

Lebkuchen, Germany

Fantastic, delicious, spicy, and impossible to pronounce, German Christmas candy can truly be a feast for all your senses. Lebkuchen is a traditional German cookie that has become the country’s symbol for the holiday season. It is similar to gingerbread and contains honey, nuts, and spices. There are also many types of this dessert, depending on the nuts used and their size. This candy is mostly soft. But harder versions exist as well, which are usually shaped like a large heart, inscribed with icing, and sold at local Christmas fairs.

Pavlova, Australia

Named in honor of a Russian ballet dancer who visited Australia and New Zealand in 1920, Pavlova is a fantastic dessert from down under that is often served in summer during the holiday season. It has a marshmallow-like center and crisp crust. It’s usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit like berries, kiwi, and mango. If you want to give the dessert a personal touch, you can add coffee to the mix and satisfy your caffeine addiction. Just make sure to get the best coffee beans in order to get a rich flavor.

Panettone, Italy

Italian Christmas sweets vary from region to region, but some of them are popular throughout the whole country. Originally from Milan, this sweet bread loaf has become a part of every Italian Christmas Eve feast. It takes several days to make, which only makes it more special. Panettone is made of flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and butter, and is spiced up with lemon peel, candied orange, and dried raisins. When finished, this cupola-shaped treat is vertically cut into slices and served with sweet wine or mascarpone custard.

Figgy pudding, England

We’ve all been singing “now bring us some figgy pudding” since kindergarten. But have you ever wondered what exactly it is? This traditional English dessert is made with figs (in some parts of England, plums or raisins are used instead), and nuts, and can be steamed in the oven, fried, or baked. When done and cooled, you can top it with powdered sugar or cinnamon and serve it to your loved ones. Once they try this tasty treat, they’ll be singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” all winter.

Whether you’re planning to spend the holiday season in another country or simply prepare something new for your family, there are many delicious Christmas desserts you can try. So, turn on some Christmas music to get you in the mood, and enjoy these amazing sweets.

Georgia Selih is author @highstylife.com. By nature an artist, by profession a journalist. An irreparable print lover who is enjoying this hot digital affair.

More Christmas Recipes

• Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Vegan Eggnog in the Blender
• Traditional Christmas Sweets from Around the World
• Christmas 2017 Recap + Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe 2 Ways
• Peppermint Punch
• The Best Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe
• Christmas Morning Sunrise Cocktail
• Bread Pudding in the Slow Cooker
• Ranch Snowman Spread
• Brown Sugar Fudge – Only 5 Ingredients
• Spiked Hot Apple Cider
• White Chocolate Blondies with Peppermint
• Christmas Sandwiches: A Family Holiday Tradition
• Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies
• Coquito aka Puerto Rican Eggnog
• Homemade Dinner Mints