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.
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I hope you will find in this article something to try even if you are not necessarily familiar with.
After all, each one of us has roots somewhere outside of this amazing country. Most of us kept or brought recipes that connect us with out childhoods, family and friends.
We keep making these recipes year after year because of the tradition but also because who we are from an ethnic perspective. Familiar spices, tastes and rituals make our life feel safer and comfortable.
One thing I noticed while I was writing this article is how many recipes of 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!
Austria:
PECAN LINZER COOKIES WITH RASPBERRY FILLING- by smells like home
“Linzer cookies with pecans: The ultimate Christmas cookie. Delicate and delicious, they are major showstoppers for your holiday cookie platters and swaps!”
VANILLA KIPFERL COOKIES- by baking sense
“These light and crisp cookies are always shaped like a crescent and dusted with vanilla sugar.”
Czech Republik:
Moravian Molasses Cookies–by what a girl eats
“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!”
Denmark:
BRUNKAGER (DANISH CHRISTMAS COOKIES)-by Caroline’s cooking
“Brunkager are Danish Christmas cookies with a delicious spiced flavor and a wonderful crunch. Perfect to add to your cookie plate.”
Danish Fedtebrød – Coconut Cookie Slices with Rum Glaze-by fab food 4 all
“Beautiful short buttery cookies packed with desiccated coconut and topped with a rum glaze.”
BUTTER COOKIES (VANILJEKRANSE)- by practical self reliance
“These simple danish butter cookies are easy to make with children and brighten up everyone’s holiday.”
PFEFFERNUSSE SPICED SNOWBALL COOKIES- by comfortably domestic
“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.”
FINSK BRØD (FINNISH SHORTBREAD)- by Fab Food 4 all
“A traditional yuletide Scandinavian shortbread cookie topped with a tasty glaze of chopped almonds and sugar.”
Germany:
GERMAN GINGER COOKIES (INGWERPLÄTCHEN)- by caroline’s cooking
“These aren’t gingerbread, nor ginger nut cookies, but instead more a ginger-flavored sugar cookie. Based on a recipe from my time in Germany, they’re truly delicious.”
Lebkuchen Cookies- by the typical mom
“Traditional German gingerbread cookie recipe from my grandmother who made them every year.”
Zimtsterne: German Cinnamon Stars- by Christina’s Cucina
“Zimtsterne, or German Cinnamon Stars are a light, gluten free cookie which I discovered in Germany at the Christmas markets. You can make them in your own kitchen; they’re so good!”
Great Britain:
Classic Shortbread Cookies- What a girl eats
“Classic shortbread is one of the most delicious and easiest recipes to make. Buttery and soft, classic shortbread will melt in your mouth!”
CHOCOLATE COOKIES WITH EARL GREY GANACHE- by the Bossy Kitchen
Chocolate Cookies with Earl Grey Ganache, are delicate cookies, perfect for holidays. The bergamot from the Earl Grey brings elegance to the scene.
Greece:
GREEK BAKLAVA RECIPE- by house of nash eats
“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!”
Greek Christmas Honey cookies (melomakarona)- by scrummy lane
“Gooey, sticky traditional Greek Christmas honey cookies with delicious festive flavours. There’s no way you’ll be able to eat just one!”
MEYER LEMON GREEK BUTTER COOKIES {KOURABIEDES}- by flavor the moments
“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):
Kerstkransjes (Dutch Christmas Cookies)-by Cakies by rachel
“Kerstkransjes are 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:
Hungarian Christmas Cookies Recipe- By ann’s entitled life
“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!”
Another version of these delicious cookies is coming from the Adore Foods blog:
Iceland:
Marens Kornflex kokur- ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS MERINGUE COOKIES WITH SALTED CHOCOLATE- by veggie dessert
“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:
KLEICHA (IRAQI DATE COOKIES)- by caroline’s cooking
“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- by family spice
“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:
Brutti ma Buoni: Italian Hazelnut Almond Meringue- by she loves biscotti
“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!”
ITALIAN RAINBOW COOKIES- by soup addict
“Gorgeous Italian Rainbow Cookies – seven layers of sweet confectionery, layered in chocolate. Absolutely show-stopping on the plate, it’s the perfect holiday cookie!”
Amaretti- by she loves biscotti
“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.”
Frappe or Cioffe: Italian Bow Tie Cookies- by Christina’s cucina
“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!”
CUCIDATE – SICILIAN FIG CHRISTMAS COOKIES- by spinach tiger
“An Italian Christmas Cookie from Sicily made with figs, dried fruit, liquor, nuts.”
Other Italian traditional cookies:
BEST ITALIAN LEMON DROP COOKIES- by Dana Vento
Jordan:
GHRAYBEH (MIDDLE EASTERN SHORTBREAD COOKIES)- by little sunny kitchen
“Delicious and delicate Middle Eastern cookies that melt in your mouth…”
Morocco:
GHORIBA BAHLA RECIPE (MOROCCAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES)- by pastry chef online
“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:
Norwegian Krumkake Recipe- by cheap recipe blog
“Krumkake is a delicate, lightly sweetened Norwegian cookie made on a krumkake iron. The iron has a pretty design which imprints onto the cookie.
My family has been making krumkake for generations. It’s a cookie we only make around Christmas.”
KRINGLA -TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN COOKIES- by little family adventure
“This recipe for cookies shaped into a figure eight is my grandmother’s recipe.”
Poland:
POLISH KOLACHKI COOKIES- by craving something healthy
Kruschiki: the Ultimate Christmas Cookie- by learning and yearning
“Crisp. Rich. Not too sweet. They have more than a taste. They have a feel that I couldn’t begin to describe. And they are beautiful.”
Romania:
KOSSUTH KIFLI OR HALF MOON COOKIES- By The Bossy Kitchen
“Kossuth Kifli or Half Moon Cookies are delicious cookies from the old days. Very popular in Romania and other Eastern European countries, these cookies have a “cake” texture, are delicate and delicious and perfect for the holidays.”
RUM RAISINS COOKIES RECIPE- by the bossy kitchen
“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:
HONEY, CINNAMON AND WALNUT RUGELACH (ROGALIKI)- by vikalinka
“We make this honey, cinnamon and walnut rugelach every year. It’s just not Christmas without it!”
Serbia:
VANILICE (SERBIAN LITTLE VANILLA COOKIES)- by 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!”
Very similar to the so popular Hungarian cookies, here you have a Serbian version:
Potica Cookies- by homespun seasonal living
“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:
POLVORONES CON LIMON- TRADITIONAL SPANISH CHRISTMAS COOKIES- by The Bossy Kitchen
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:
SWEDISH HEIRLOOM COOKIES WITH WALNUTS- by sizzling eats
“A melt in your mouth, nutty cookie that is the perfect texture, and sweetness. A holiday tradition in our family.”
Swedish Visiting Cake Bars– by the pkp way
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.
HALLON COOKIES- by fab food 4 all
“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!”
BASLER BRUNSLI (SWISS CHOCOLATE SPICE COOKIES)- by curious cuisiniere
“Swiss almond flour cookies, Basler Brunsli, boast a rich chocolate flavor, a light nuttiness, and a fun, chewy texture!”
SWEDISH CRESCENT COOKIES- by good life eats
“These Swedish Crescent Cookies are perfect for the Holidays and easy to make.”
United States:
THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP AND WALNUTS COOKIES-by the bossy kitchen
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.
This post was done with the help of lots of bloggers who enjoy cooking, baking and also love sharing their creations with their audience. Thank you all for participating!
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!