The holiday season across Europe and the Mediterranean is a wondrous time filled with family, festivities, and flavors that will keep you warm even on the coldest winter nights. From holiday cookies to New Year’s cakes, our destinations — Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain, and Portugal —are full of traditional treats that come with a side of charming lore. So, let’s make Christmas come early with a guide to some of Europe’s most cherished sweets, perfect for anyone looking to taste a bit of local holiday magic!
Greece: Kourabiedes, Melomakarona & Vasilopita
The Treats: Greeks know how to do holiday cookies right; with Kourabiedes (almond shortbread coated in powdered sugar) and Melomakarona (spiced, honey-drenched cookies topped with walnuts). As for New Year’s Day, it’s all about Vasilopita, a cake baked with a hidden coin that brings fortune to the lucky finder.
The Tradition: Greek families compete to see who has the “best” Kourabiedes recipe, and rumour has it that if your powdered sugar mountain isn’t visible from space, you haven’t added enough! Vasilopita, meanwhile, adds a layer of suspense, as everyone hopes to snag the slice with the lucky coin — and maybe “forget” that it puts them in charge of next year’s cake.
Served With: For the cookies, Rakomelo (warm Rakija with honey) adds a smooth, cozy touch. As for the Vasilopita, Greeks welcome the New Year by toasting to good fortune usually with a glass of red wine.
Italy: Panettone, Struffoli & Pandoro
The Treats: Italy’s holiday table is graced with Panettone, a towering, fluffy loaf filled with dried fruits; Struffoli, tiny honey-soaked dough balls with sprinkles; and Pandoro, a star-shaped cake, dusted with powdered sugar that looks like it was crafted by holiday elves.
The Tradition: Panettone, famously from Milan, was reportedly created by a lovesick baker trying to woo his boss’s daughter. (It worked!) Struffoli, meanwhile, are just small enough to sneak one, two… or a dozen! Pandoro, Italy’s answer to the Christmas star, is a favourite because of its light sweetness, and each family has its own way of “perfectly” dusting it with sugar — which is not up for debate!
Served With: Italians love pairing Panettone and Pandoro with spumante or prosecco, while limoncello nicely compliments the honey-rich Struffoli.
Switzerland: Tirggel & Bûche de Noël
The Treats: In Switzerland, every holiday is made sweeter with Tirggel, wafer-thin honey cookies embossed with detailed designs, and Bûche de Noël, the Swiss take on the famous Yule log cake.
The Tradition: Tirggel is known for its intricate details; depicting everything from pastoral scenes to Swiss landmarks. Yet Tirggel isn’t for the faint of heart, as locals say it’s harder than Swiss chocolate (and some suspect, nearly as old!). Bûche de Noël is a much softer affair, with rich chocolate cream that makes it the ultimate Swiss treat for those avoiding dental challenges.
Served With: Glühwein (spiced wine) is a wintery companion for Tirggel, while the creamy Bûche de Noël pairs perfectly with Kirsch, a cherry brandy that balances the rich chocolate.
Croatia: Fritule & Paprenjak
The Treats: Croatia’s holiday charm shines through Fritule, little fried dough balls with Rakija (brandy) and citrus zest, and Paprenjak, a honey cookie spiced with a surprising hint of black pepper.
The Tradition: Fritule, originally a seaside snack for fishermen, has become a Christmas staple that no holiday feast is complete without. Meanwhile Paprenjak, with its spice blend and dash of pepper, has families playfully arguing about the “right” amount. Some say you need just a touch; others though, go all-in, calling it “Croatia’s answer to gingerbread on steroids!”
Served With: Rakija is the classic pairing if you are in the North, offering a bold contrast to the sugary treats and adding a holiday kick to every bite. While in the south, have a sip of Prošek (not to be confused with the Italian Prosecco) with every Fritula that finds its find way into your hands.
Spain: Polvorones, Turrón & Roscón de Reyes
The Treats: Spain’s Christmas goodies include Polvorones, crumbly almond cookies that fall apart with one touch; Turrón, a sweet almond nougat; and Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake with candied fruit, traditionally eaten on January 6th for Epiphany.
The Tradition: Polvorones are an art in themselves — and a challenge to eat without turning into a powdered sugar snowman! Turrón dates back centuries, with every family claiming to know the “original recipe.” Roscón de Reyes, on the other hand, is both a dessert and a game: with a figurine and a bean hidden inside. The lucky figurine-finder gets to be “king!” As for the bean-finder, well, they’re footing the bill for next year’s Roscón!
Served With: Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, is the holiday drink of choice, while sherry is also a popular pairing for a warm winter treat.
Portugal: Bolo Rei & Filhós
The Treats: Portugal’s Bolo Rei, or “King Cake,” is a ring of candied fruits, nuts, and sugar crystals that hides a fava bean or trinket. For an extra treat, a serving of Filhós, deep-fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, makes every Christmas table complete.
The Tradition: Bolo Rei is said to represent the gifts of the Three Wise Men, but the “wise one” is the person who doesn’t get the fava bean—because that lucky soul is buying next year’s cake! Filhós are popular throughout Portugal and are shaped in every design imaginable — from wreaths to stars, depending on the family tradition.
Served With: A glass of Port or Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) is a perfect match for Bolo Rei, while Filhós pair delightfully with Aguardente, a Portuguese brandy that will keep you warm and cozy.
A Sweet Invitation to Experience Europe’s Holiday Magic
Every dessert, from Kourabiedes in Greece to Bolo Rei in Portugal, tells a story of family, tradition, and a little bit of holiday magic. For clients craving a cultural (and culinary!) adventure, these holiday sweets are the perfect invitation to explore the festive charm of Europe and the Mediterranean; and with the right drink to go with each bite, these traditions are as sweet as they are memorable.
We encourage you to savor these holiday flavors — after all, it’s the most delicious time of the year!