20 unique holiday treats from around the world

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit a European Christmas market, you’ve probably sampled mulled wine, a staple at these events. Called "gluhwein" in German-speaking countries and "vin chaud" in French-speaking countries, you’ll see it served in bars, restaurants, and markets starting in mid-November. This warm, usually red (although white varieties can be found) wine is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and other local delicacies and often served in festive mugs. Sometimes, you have the option to add a shot of something else (amaretto is popular.)

Pudding in the UK and Ireland isn’t like the sweet, soft dessert most Americans imagine. In Europe, pudding has multiple bases, such as animal blood (popular at breakfast) and rice. Christmas pudding is a sweet, fruit-based variety. However, it looks more like a fruit cake than American chocolate pudding in a cup.

Not to be confused with Christmas pudding (they can look similar), Christmas cake is a fruit cake, often sweetened with rum. Unlike pudding, though, a thick coat of icing, usually with festive decorations, is applied to the cake.

Italy might be best known for gelato, but the country also has other desserts, especially during the holidays. A popular Neapolitan Christmas treat, struffoli are small donut holes sweetened with honey and orange zest. Red and green sprinkles are commonly used to decorate the outside, although sometimes powdered sugar is applied.

This Chilean fruitcake is typically consumed during the holidays for dessert or sometimes as a snack with coffee. It’s similar to the British “Christmas cake,” but dulce de leche is added for additional sweetness. 

Brigadeiro is Brazil’s answer to European truffles. These chocolate delicacies are thicker, use fudge, and are typically adorned with chocolate sprinkles on the outside.

From the Drôme-Ardèche region in France, nougat isn’t exclusively a holiday treat, but it is a popular sweet treat and gift during December. Additionally, nougat artisans often come out with special flavors during this time of the year.

Like fluffy, sweet Mexican crepes, Bunuelos are a great accompaniment to hot chocolate during the holiday season. The dough is flattened into rounds, similar to pancakes, and fried before being covered in cinnamon and sugar — yum!

Christmas traditions are taken very seriously in Austria, where many were invented. And that goes for the treats and desserts. So, you’ll find these jam-filled sandwich cookies covered with powdered sugar all around the country during the festive season.

In the U.S., gingerbread is the cookie type of choice come Christmastime. However, it originated in Germany, where it’s known as “lebkuchen.” You’ll find a few different varieties at Christmas markets throughout the country, from thicker, pillowy gingerbread men to thinner cookies similar to ginger snaps.

The two countries often argue about who actually invented Pavlova, so we’ll just say they both did. This meringue dessert is often served at Christmas dinner down under. The base of the treat is meringue, which is covered in whipped cream and topped with fruit such as kiwi and berries.

Tamales are usually a savory dish, but not during the holidays. In Mexico, a popular treat is sweet tamales, made with cinnamon and sugar. Then, dried fruit (usually raisins or cranberries) is added along with your fruit jam of choice!

“Buche de Noel” translates to “yule log” in English, and that’s exactly what this popular dessert resembles. The rolled sponge cake is covered in buttercream, either chocolate or coffee flavored.

This Kurdish pastry looks a bit like extra-thick naan. However, the dessert variety is usually stuffed with pistachios, dates, and coconut flakes and served during the holiday season.

In Greece, these honey cookies announce the start of the festive season. They’re usually made with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey, of course.

This layered cake has a few different versions found throughout Europe. However, the Slovakian version served during the festive time of the year, is a uniquely delicious one. The four layers include honey pastry, pudding, jam, and a chocolate glaze to finish!

In numerous countries throughout the Middle East, including Jordan, Yemen, and Iraq, maamoul are popular sweet snacks during December. The shortbread-esque cookies are made from orange blossom water and either ground pistachios or walnuts. 

A favorite around the country, peppermint bark can be found in cafes and kitchens around the U.S. Variations existed earlier, but the treat was popularized in the late 1990s after William Sonoma began selling it in stores.

Polish gingerbread isn’t so different from what is commonly found in the U.S. What is unique, though, is that they can come in different flavors like chocolate and raspberry. The cookies can also come glazed or jam-filled.

A Nordic holiday drink that will keep you warm throughout the winter months! The Finnish version is typically made with either brandy or rum and blended with citrus, tea, sugar, or another sweetener. It comes in both cold and warm versions