Many countries around the world have their own traditional Christmas cookies, handed down through many generations. Here's a selection of fabulous cookies native to Italy, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria and Russia for you to make this year!
Updated December 3, 2022
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Italian Christmas Cookies
I spent a month in Italy this year, so I had to start with this country. So, first up are these Italian Christmas Cookies from Cakes Cottage. They're lightly sweet and perfect for dunking in espresso.
Also known as Zuccarini in Naples, some nonnas swap out water for lemon juice in the icing. That's how I make them too, and I like to add a little anise.
Amaretto is a favorite after dinner drink of mine, so I'm definitely making these Chewy Amaretti Cookies from Kitchen Sanctuary. This classic Italian treat features almonds, and is a traditional cookie in both Sardinia and Sicilia.
And we can't celebrate Italian Christmas cookies without sharing a recipe for these traditional Pizzelle from Culinary Hill. This cookie requires a Pizzelle Iron, and features flavors of either anise or lemon. But feel free to switch them up to your own taste.
Another holiday cookie with Italian roots is the Florentine Cookie. Some call them Lace Cookies, as in this recipe, or Almond Lace Cookies. Here's a fabulous tutorial on how to make these gorgeous cookies, and make them into a cookie sandwich, by Sally's Baking Addiction.
Scandinavian Christmas Cookies
Have you ever had Pepparkakor (also spelled Pepperkakor) Cookies? If you like ginger cookies, you need to try this Swedish traditional Christmas version. They’re crispy, crunchy, and lightly spiced with ginger, cloves and black pepper. Check out this recipe from La Pêche Fraîche for beautiful Classic Pepparkakor cookies.
Joulutorttu are traditional Finnish Christmas cookies made in a shape of pinwheel and filled with a delicious prune jam. Check out this recipe for Joulutorttu from Lavendar & Macarons.
Germany and The Netherlands Christmas Cookies
A common Christmas cookie from the Netherlands is Speculaas. Although, to be fair, I should mention these cookies are also found in Belgium, Germany and Austria.
Essentially, Speculaas is a shortbread dough laced with spices reminiscent of ones Dutch ships brought back from the Far East, that's pressed into wooden molds. The original molds displayed figures or scenes associated with Christmas, although today there is much more variety.
The molded dough is carefully removed, and baked. You can purchase wooden molds if you want to try them out. And now check out these Speculaas from Grown to Cook.
A popular German Christmas cookie is Lebkuchen, a soft gingerbread cookie for grownups (there's a little liquor added). The spices are a little different from the traditional gingerbread cookies you grew up with, and you finish them with a egg wash. Here's a authentic recipe for Lebkuchen from Leelalicious.
And then there are Pfeffernüsse (Pepper Nuts) cookies, that have white pepper as an ingredient. Yes, you read that correctly. White pepper. They also have allspice, cardamom and ginger in them. Here's a wonderful recipe for Pferrenüsse from T & Tea Cake. A word of warning, don't throw these cookies together at the last minute. The dough requires a long overnight nap in the refrigerator.
Springerle cookies look related to Speculaas, as they both have pictures embossed on their tops. Springerle cookies, however, are made with intricate cookie presses, or an embossed wooden roller that's rolled over the dough. And the traditional version is anise flavored.
Here's a recipe I recommend you trying for Springerle from Butterlust.
And here's a picture of some Springerle molds to use as cookie presses, and a typical embossed roller (affiliate link).
Austrian Christmas Cookies
Onto Austria for Vanillekipferl, vanilla flavored crescents made from a short crust pastry dough. Short crust pastry dough is tricky as it falls apart easily. Go to Masala Herb's post on Vanillekipferl and read her tips for eliminating those problems.
And we're all familiar with Linzer cookies. I think of them as the original sandwich cookie. Go read Wanna Come With's post that includes step-by-step instructions with photos for making Linzer cookies.
Russian Christmas Cookies
From Russia, we have Russian Tea Cakes from Crazy For Crust. Soft as pillows, make these tea cakes with hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Greek Christmas Cookies
Have you ever made Melomakarona cookies from Greece? This gooey - honey Christmas cookie, strewn with crushed walnuts, is amazing. Here's a great Melomakarona recipe from Scrummy Lane, with process photos and tips so your cookies come out just right.
So there you have it. A stack of new holiday cookies to try this year. I don't know about you, but I want to make them all.
Please let me know if you make any of them, and what you think!
PS. if you want to try one more, which is a popular Jewish cookie for Hanukkah, you must try your hand at making Chocolate Rugelach cookies.
Rita
Excellent post. Inspirational collection of holiday sweets
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I've made the top one from Italy, and am making the next one down this week :-). Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you and your family!!
Liz
SO many terrific recipes! Thanks for including my rosettes!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
My pleasure, Liz!!! They look fantastic. I plan to purchase a Rosette Iron and give them a whirl!!
Helene
Oh my I can't wait to try some of those recipes here! Can you believe I haven't baked any cookies yet this year? Lot's for me to do. 😀
Liren | Kitchen Confidante
What a lovely collection of recipes - I want to try all of them!
Tanya Schroeder
I love all these different cookies! What a great collection!
Toni
I seriously need to try all these! They all look really good!
Megan
German Christmas cookies are my favorite.
Colleen
I now have weekend cookie baking plans and since I can't seem to choose, I think I'll just start at the top. 😋 This is a great collection, thanks for sharing!
Heather
the russian tea cakes remind me of making ukranian ones similar with my grandmother - just a hint of sweetness and so buttery
Marta
I absolutely adore seeing all of the different types of cookies from around the world! I can't wait to start baking some of these for my cookie exchange!
Amanda Dixon
What a great list of cookies! I have an entire day dedicated to Christmas cookie baking, so I'm definitely adding some of these to the list. They're all so festive and beautiful.
Andrea Howe
What a great collection of cookies, I love the looks of all of them and can't wait to give them a try! I do a huge baking day every year to give as gifts and I will def be adding a few of these to the new collection of baked goods!
Lauren Michael Harris
This is such a fun list of Christmas cookies! Can't wait to try the FLorentine/Lace cookies - they remind. me of cookies my grandmother used to make.
LaKita
This is such a great list of so many sweet options for cookies to make this holiday season!
Tammy
Ahh so many fabulous cookies! I wish I could make them all...I have so many favorites. Fabulous and fun roundup! There are lots here I haven't tried yet.
Heidy McCallum
This is an amazing looking recipe that I bet my husband would love!! Thanks for the specific instructions and information! Happy Holidays!
Adriana
So many fabulous options to get inspired to bake cookies for the holidays. I can't wait to start baking this week and try some of these recipes.