43 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 tradition and because of who we are from an ethnic perspective. Familiar spices, tastes, and rituals make our lives feel safer and more comfortable.
While I was writing this article, I noticed that many recipes for rugelach cookies are out there. This recipe has 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!
AUSTRIA:
1
www.baking-sense.com
Vanilla Kipferl Cookies
“These light and crisp cookies are always shaped like a crescent and dusted with vanilla sugar.”
Check out this recipeCZECH REPUBLIK:
2
whatagirleats.com
Moravian Molasses Cookies
“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!”
Check out this recipe3
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.
Check out this recipeDENMARK:
4
www.carolinescooking.com
Brunkager (Danish Christmas cookies)
“Brunkager are Danish Christmas cookies with a delicious spiced flavor and a wonderful crunch. Perfect for adding to your cookie plate.”
Check out this recipe5
www.fabfood4all.co.uk
Danish Fedtebrød - Coconut Cookie Slices with Rum Glaze
“Beautiful short, buttery cookies packed with desiccated coconut and topped with a rum glaze.”
Check out this recipe6
practicalselfreliance.com
Danish Butter Cookies (Vaniljekranse)
“These simple danish butter cookies are easy to make with children and brighten up everyone’s holiday.”
Check out this recipe7
comfortablydomestic.com
Pfeffernusse Spiced Snowball Cookies
“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.”
Check out this recipeThe dough is rolled into balls, baked, then coated in powdered sugar.”
8
www.fabfood4all.co.uk
Finsk Brød (Finnish Shortbread), traditional Scandi cookies!
“A traditional yuletide Scandinavian shortbread cookie topped with a tasty glaze of chopped almonds and sugar.”
Check out this recipeGermany:
9
temeculablogs.com
How to Make German Spice Lebkuchen Cookies!
“Traditional German gingerbread cookie recipe from my grandmother who made them every year.”
Check out this recipe10
www.christinascucina.com
Zimtsterne: German Cinnamon Stars
“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!”
Check out this recipeGREAT BRITAIN:
11
whatagirleats.com
Classic Shortbread Cookies
“Classic shortbread is one of the most delicious and easiest recipes to make. Buttery and soft, classic shortbread will melt in your mouth!”
Check out this recipe12
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.
Check out this recipeGREECE:
13
houseofnasheats.com
Greek Baklava Recipe
“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!”
Check out this recipe14
scrummylane.com
Greek Christmas honey cookies (melomakarona)
“Gooey, sticky traditional Greek Christmas honey cookies with delicious festive flavors. There’s no way you’ll be able to eat just one!”
Check out this recipe15
flavorthemoments.com
Meyer Lemon Greek Butter Cookies {Kourabiedes}
“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!”
Check out this recipeHOLLAND(NETHERLANDS):
16
www.cakieshq.com
Kerstkransjes Recipe (Dutch Christmas Cookies Recipe)
“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!”
Check out this recipeHUNGARY:
17
www.annsentitledlife.com
Hungarian Christmas Cookies Recipe
“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!”
Check out this recipe18
adorefoods.com
Hungarian Kifli Cookies Recipe
Another version of these delicious cookies is coming from the Adore Foods Blog.
Check out this recipeICELAND:
19
veggiedesserts.co.uk
Icelandic Christmas Cookies
“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.”
Check out this recipeIRAK:
20
www.carolinescooking.com
Kleicha (Iraqi date cookies)
“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.”
Check out this recipeIRAN:
21
familyspice.com
Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies | Shirini Kishmishi
“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.”
Check out this recipeITALY:
22
www.shelovesbiscotti.com
Bruttiboni: Italian Meringue Cookies
“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!”
Check out this recipeThe combination of roasted nuts makes this Italian Hazelnut Almond Meringue recipe truly sensational!”
23
soupaddict.com
Italian Rainbow Cookies
“Gorgeous Italian Rainbow Cookies – seven layers of sweet confectionery, layered in chocolate. Absolutely show-stopping on the plate; it’s the perfect holiday cookie!”
Check out this recipe24
www.shelovesbiscotti.com
Italian Almond Cookies [A Big Batch Recipe]
“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.”
Check out this recipe25
www.christinascucina.com
Frappe or Cioffe: Italian Bow Tie Cookies
“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!”
Check out this recipe26
spinachtiger.com
Cucidati - Sicilian Fig Christmas Cookies
“An Italian Christmas Cookie from Sicily made with figs, dried fruit, liquor, nuts.”
Check out this recipeJORDAN:
27
littlesunnykitchen.com
Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)
“Delicious and delicate Middle Eastern cookies that melt in your mouth…”
Check out this recipeMOROCCO:
28
pastrychefonline.com
Ghoriba Bahla (Moroccan Shortbread Cookies)
“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!”
Check out this recipeNORWAY:
29
www.cheaprecipeblog.com
Norwegian Krumkake Recipe
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.”
Check out this recipe30
littlefamilyadventure.com
Kringla Recipe for Traditional Norwegian Cookies
“This recipe for cookies shaped into a figure eight is my grandmother’s recipe.”
Check out this recipePOLAND:
31
cravingsomethinghealthy.com
Polish Kolachki Cookies {Recipe ReDux)
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!
Check out this recipeROMANIA:
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:
Check out this recipe33
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.
Check out this recipeRUSSIA:
34
vikalinka.com
Honey, Cinnamon and Walnut Rugelach (Rogaliki)
“We make this honey, cinnamon, and walnut rugelach every year. It’s just not Christmas without it!”
Check out this recipeSERBIA:
35
www.curiouscuisiniere.com
Vanilice (Serbian Little Vanilla Cookies) • Curious Cuisiniere
“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!”
Check out this recipe36
homespunseasonalliving.com
Potica Cookies
“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.”
Check out this recipeSPAIN:
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!
Check out this recipeSWEDEN:
38
www.sizzlingeats.com
Swedish Heirloom Cookies with Walnuts
“A melt in your mouth, a nutty cookie that is the perfect texture and sweetness. A holiday tradition in our family.”
Check out this recipe39
www.thepkpway.com
Swedish Visiting Cake Bars
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.
Check out this recipe40
www.fabfood4all.co.uk
Hallon Cookies from Scandinavian Christmas by Trine Hahnemann
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!”
Check out this recipe41
www.curiouscuisiniere.com
Basler Brunsli (Swiss Chocolate Spice Cookies) • Curious Cuisiniere
“Swiss almond flour cookies, Basler Brunsli, boast a rich chocolate flavor, a light nuttiness, and a fun, chewy texture!”
Check out this recipe42
www.goodlifeeats.com
Swedish Crescent Cookies
“These Swedish Crescent Cookies are perfect for the Holidays and easy to make.”
Check out this recipeUNITED STATES:
43
Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies
These are baked cookies made with peanut butter and cocoa powder rolled in powdered sugar and served only to your best friends and family.
Check out this recipe
Camilla Hawkins says
What an amazing selection of festive cookie recipes from around the globe, I'm particularly drawn to the Italian Ranbow Cookies which look so cheery and colourful. Thanks for including my cookies:-)
The Bossy Kitchen says
You are so very welcome! All these cookies looked very good to me but you are right, that Italian cookie is very colorful and festive.I hope everyone enjoys the post and get inspired to get in the kitchen and bake some delicious cookies!
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
Great international collection of Christmas cookies! I want to try a few, for sure! Thanks for including my Zimtsterne from Germany and Cioffe from Italy!
The Bossy Kitchen says
You are very welcome, Christina! Please feel free to share the post with your audience!
Deb Malone says
I'm looking for a lemon cookie recipe my grandmother used to make for christmas....very thin and light, very delicate, with a lemon filling. They were shaped and pressed by hand with a dip in the center for the filling after they cooled. I lost the recipe and my family really misses them. I believe they were Danish in origin....they were called Lemon Lyrics
The Bossy Kitchen says
I am not sure what kind of cookies you are talking about, but your description makes me think of the thumbprint lemon cookies. I would start doing a Google search for lemon thumbprint cookies and see what is out there. I googled Lemon Lyrics and nothing came up.I hope you find a version of what you are looking for, as I totally understand the loss of these little family treasures.