Festive Bakes from Around the World
The holiday season is a time for tradition, and one of the most cherished traditions in many countries is baking festive treats that celebrate the season. From spiced cakes to rich breads, each culture brings its own unique flavors and rituals to the table. Let's take a delicious journey through some of the most beloved holiday bakes from around the world.
1. Spanish Polvorones
Polvorones are a traditional Spanish Christmas treat—crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies made with almonds and a hint of cinnamon. They’re a holiday staple in Spain, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
125g (1 cup) ground almonds
100g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
125g (1/2 cup) lard or unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp cinnamon
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Toast the Flour and Almonds: Spread the flour and ground almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Let cool completely.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the lard or butter with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually incorporate the toasted flour and almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Knead until a compact dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough out to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness. Use a round or oval cookie cutter to shape the polvorones.
Bake: Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. Be careful—they should not brown too much.
Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool completely (they will be fragile while warm). Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Polvorones are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a festive glass of cava!
2. German Stollen
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that dates back to the 15th century. It’s a dense, slightly sweet bread packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often covered in powdered sugar for that classic snowy effect. The recipe varies across regions, with some including marzipan in the center, symbolizing the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. It’s often enjoyed with a warm cup of mulled wine or tea.
Ingredients
Dough:
500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
1 packet (7g) dry yeast
200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) warm milk
100g (1/2 cup) sugar
150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
Pinch of salt
Filling:
200g (1 cup) mixed dried fruit (e.g., raisins, candied orange peel)
100g (1/2 cup) chopped almonds
2 tbsp rum (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Brushing and Dusting:
50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8-10 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix dried fruit, almonds, rum (if using), vanilla, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Let the mixture soak.Combine Dough and Filling:
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and knead gently to incorporate. Shape the dough into a log or traditional stollen shape by folding one side over the other lengthwise.Bake:
Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.Brush and Dust:
While warm, brush generously with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar. Once cool, dust again with powdered sugar for the signature snowy effect.
Tips:
Stollen tastes best when it rests for a few days to allow the flavors to deepen. Wrap it in foil or cling film and store in a cool, dry place.
Serve slices with coffee, tea, or mulled wine for an authentic German holiday experience!
3. Italian Panettone
Panettone is an iconic Italian Christmas bread known for its fluffy, airy texture and studded with candied fruits and raisins. Originating from Milan, it is traditionally served during the Christmas and New Year holidays, often paired with a glass of sparkling wine. The bread is baked in a tall, cylindrical shape and has a rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Starter Dough:
100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
50ml (1/4 cup) warm water
7g (1 packet) dry yeast
Main Dough:
400g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
100g (1/2 cup) sugar
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
Filling:
100g (1/2 cup) raisins
100g (1/2 cup) candied orange peel or mixed candied fruit
2 tbsp rum or warm water for soaking raisins
Optional Glaze:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Make the Starter Dough:
Mix the starter ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until bubbly.Prepare the Main Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and zest. Add eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and the starter dough. Knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). Cover and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.Soak the Filling:
While the dough is rising, soak the raisins in rum or warm water to plump them up. Drain before adding to the dough.Incorporate the Filling:
Roll out the dough slightly, scatter the raisins and candied fruit on top, and knead gently to distribute evenly. Shape the dough into a ball.Shape and Second Rise:
Place the dough into a greased and lined panettone mold or a tall round tin. Cover loosely and let rise again for 1-2 hours, until the dough reaches the top of the mold.Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 35-40 minutes, covering the top with foil if it browns too quickly. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.Cool and Serve:
Let the panettone cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Tips:
Store the panettone in an airtight bag for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Serve with coffee, tea, or dessert wine for an authentic Italian touch.
Fun Fact: Panettone is so popular that Italians have a special tool called a “panettone cutter” to make slicing it easier without squashing the bread’s light texture.
4. English Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread man cookies are a quintessential English treat, cherished during the holiday season for their whimsical shapes and rich, spiced flavor. Originating in England during the 16th century, these cookies became a festive favorite, often decorated with icing and candies to bring their adorable figures to life. Their delightful ginger, cinnamon, and clove aroma captures the essence of Christmas, making them a perfect treat to share with family and friends or to hang as edible ornaments on the Christmas tree.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Royal icing
Sprinkles, candies, or edible pearls
Instructions:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). Set aside.
Prepare the Dough: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once cooled, use royal icing to pipe designs and add sprinkles or candies for extra flair.
Pro Tips:
Refrigerate the dough well to ensure clean shapes when cutting.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
The holiday season is a perfect time to embrace the rich traditions of festive baking from around the world. Whether you’re making Italian Panettone, German Stollen, Spanish Polvorones, or English Gingerbread Men, each of these treats carries its own unique history and flavors that bring people together. No matter where you're from, these beloved recipes make for wonderful holiday gifts, special additions to the Christmas table, or the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family to create lasting memories. So, grab your apron and let’s bake our way into the heart of the season!
Happy baking and even happier holidays! 🎄🍪🎅
