Buzz
Cookies are a universal symbol of holiday cheer, celebrated across cultures for their festive appeal and crowd-pleasing nature. Unlike fruit cake, they are a guaranteed hit. If you’re looking to spice up your yearly cookie swap, try one of these international holiday classics.
1. Chrusciki
Photo by Darius Dzinnik/500Px Plus/Getty ImagesOriginally a pre-Lenten delicacy in Poland, Chrusciki have become a Christmas favorite due to their festive, twisted shapes. Made from strips of fried dough, they are often called “angel wings” in the U.S. A dusting of powdered sugar, a common feature in many holiday treats, enhances their wintry charm.
2. Pizzelle
Image by Pam McLean/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesPizzelle, with their delicate snowflake designs, are a perfect match for the holiday season. Dating back to the 8th century in south-central Italy, they are among the oldest known cookies. Before the advent of electric pizelle makers, the anise-flavored batter was cooked using hand-held irons held over an open flame.
3. Vanillekipferl
Photo by Anna Mardo/Moment/Getty ImagesLegend has it that Austrians created Vanillekipferl
4. Sandbakkelse
Norwegian sandbakkelse are celebrated for their unique form. Baked in specially designed fluted pans, they are presented narrow-side-up, resembling inverted cupcakes. Crafted from a straightforward vanilla and almond batter, these cookies are a staple of Norwegian Christmas celebrations.
5. Melomakarona
Image by Steve Outram/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty ImagesInfused with orange, cloves, and cinnamon, baking melomakarona instantly fills your home with the aroma of the holidays. These Greek treats are renowned for their rich honey glaze. After baking, they are soaked in a spiced syrup. To avoid a sticky situation, enjoy them after unwrapping your gifts.
6. Zimtsterne
Photo by Tina Terras & Michael Walter/Moment/Getty ImagesThe connection between this star-shaped treat and Christmas is unmistakable. Zimtsterne, crafted from almonds and cinnamon, is a straightforward yet delightful cookie. While it’s a hallmark of German cuisine, it also graces holiday tables in Switzerland.
7. Brunkager
Image by ClarkandCompany/E+/Getty ImagesBrunkager, meaning “brown cake,” is Denmark’s version of gingerbread cookies. These treats are infused with classic winter spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and feature almond pieces mixed into the dough. To fully embrace Danish holiday traditions, pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea by a cozy fire for the ultimate hygge experience.
8. Ma’amoul
Photo by Sherif A. Wagih/Moment/Getty ImagesMa’amoul is a festive delicacy enjoyed in Lebanon and across the Middle East. These plain biscuits hide a rich date filling that surprises with every bite. While they are a staple in Middle Eastern Christian homes during Easter and Christmas, they are most prominently savored during Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan.
9. Hamantaschen
Image by stellalevi/E+/Getty ImagesHamantaschen is a cherished treat during Purim celebrations across the Jewish diaspora. Its triangular shape represents the three-cornered hat of Haman, the holiday’s antagonist. These cookies are traditionally filled with fruit or a poppy seed filling.
10. Hojarascas
Photo by MiguelMalo/E+/Getty ImagesFor cinnamon lovers, hojarascas are a must-have for your holiday cookie lineup. This Mexican shortbread cookie features cinnamon in the dough and is topped with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar after baking. The versatile dough allows bakers to shape the cookies into any festive design they prefer.
11. Pryaniki
Photo by izhairguns/E+/Getty ImagesPryaniki, also known as Russian spice cookies, come in various forms. The simplest version is a small, sugar-glazed cookie, while more elaborate ones are shaped into loaves and adorned with intricate stamps. Regardless of their size or design, the cookies’ blend of honey and winter spices makes them an ideal companion for tea, especially during Christmas or any season.
