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Christmas is a festival that reminds everyone of the delectable sweets and desserts made especially for the occasion. The holiday season arrives with lots of joy and love and of course, delicious treats that fill the homes with the sweet aroma of Christmas. As everyone gathers around the table, there's no denying that a shared love unites the world for delectable desserts during this time of the year.
For those who can’t get over their love of sweets, this article will unravel some of the most popular Christmas sweets and candies that are a highlight of the festival, making this festival a cherished memory.
Panettone (Italy)
Originating from Italy, Panettone is a sweet bread loaf studded with candied fruits, citrus peel, and raisins. The mixture is then baked to perfection, and after being prepared, this fluffy delight is accompanied by a cup of espresso or a drizzle of warm chocolate.
Also Read: Christmas 2023: Why Plum Cake On Christmas?
Lebkuchen (Germany)
Lebkuchen, a type of German gingerbread, captures the essence of the holiday season with its aromatic spices and rich flavour. These heart-shaped cookies combine honey, spices, almonds, and citrus peel with flour to create a flavorful dough. Then they are shaped into their traditional form, and baked until golden for a deliciously aromatic and festive treat.
Buñuelos (Mexico)
In Mexico, the Christmas season brings the irresistible aroma of Buñuelos, deep-fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. These crispy treats are often enjoyed with warm chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Christmas Pudding (UK)
Christmas Pudding, a British holiday classic, is a rich and spiced steamed dessert laden with fruits and brandy. This pudding combines breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, and spices. Then, the dry ingredients are mixed with a wet mix of eggs, treacle, rum, and milk and steamed for 6 hours to be converted into a delectable sweet.
Bûche de Noël (France)
In France, the Bûche de Noël takes centre stage as a festive dessert resembling a Yule log. The culinary craftsmanship behind this decadent cake is quite remarkable. It is often decorated with edible mushrooms and festive motifs, creating a visual delight that mirrors the season's warmth.
Image Credits: Bûche de Noël | Wikimedia Commons
Polvorones (Spain)
Spain brings a unique touch to Christmas with Polvorones, crumbly almond cookies that melt in your mouth. The simplicity and richness of these traditional sweets are often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar, as they have become a staple in Spanish holiday celebrations.
Kourabiedes (Greece)
Kourabiedes, Greek butter cookies, are a delightful addition to the Christmas table. The traditional recipe involves a rich blend of butter, almonds, and powdered sugar, creating irresistible melt-in-mouth bites. These crescent-shaped treats are then generously dusted with powdered sugar. Kourabiedes holds a special cultural significance in Greek holiday traditions.
Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand)
In Australia and New Zealand, Christmas is celebrated with Pavlova, a light and airy meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruits. This sweet has become an iconic symbol of a sun-kissed Christmas in the country. Its delicate balance of sweetness, crispness, and fruity freshness has made it a beloved symbol of festive joy.
Risalamande (Denmark)
In Denmark, Christmas won't be complete without Risalamande, a creamy rice pudding served with cherry sauce. In the Danish tradition of hiding a whole almond in the dish, this delectable delicacy is portrayed as a symbol of bringing good luck to the one who finds it.
Kulkuls (India)
Kulkuls, also known as Kidyo, is a popular Christmas treat in India, especially in the western coastal regions. These sweet, spiral-shaped pastries, made from a dough of flour and coconut milk, are deep-fried to golden perfection. This sweet treat from the land of vibrant heritage offers a unique twist to the global array of Christmas sweets.
Different cultures have their way of cherishing this beloved festival around the world. With every sweet holding a deep religious value, these Christmas treats grace tables across different cultures, spreading sweetness and festive cheer.
