Your holiday baking stress can’t be as bad as they seem because these traditional Spanish Christmas desserts are here and they are HAPPENING.
Cookies? Churros? We’ve got them. THEY ARE THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING.
1. Churros
I am so digging churros. Is there any better feeling than biting into that warm dough, all coated in sugar? It just makes my day. So let’s share that holiday joy!
This is an authentic recipe, straight from Spain. It doesn’t use any complex ingredients, but you will need a piping bag to get that classic shape.
A big ladle strainer or some tongs are also a must-have for the frying part. Want to kick it up a notch? You can toss a little cinnamon into the sugar or even dip the ends in chocolate. YES.
2. Spanish Almond Cake (Tarta de Santiago)
Need a dessert that works for a whole crowd? This glamorous cake is the solution. We’re talking soft, sweet, and unbelievably tender. It’s just packed with flavor.
This one is also completely gluten-free and has a lovely little zing from lemon zest. Traditionally, the top gets a powdered sugar coating with an etching of the St. James’ cross.
But if decorating isn’t your jam… just a simple dusting of sugar works great, too. So. Good.
3. White Wine Cookies
Just imagine how great these wintery-looking cookies will be on your holiday platter! They’re adorable mini donut-shaped cookies, and they get a festive powdered sugar coating.
They also have an infusion of white wine. But here’s the thing: unlike a lot of holiday cookies, these aren’t overly sweet. They are also hard, which makes them ideal for dunking in your morning coffee. We are here for it.
4. Pan de Cádiz (Nougat from Cadiz)
Here’s another one from the Andalusian region! This one, born in Cadiz, is a bright and cheerful pastry. It’s all about multiple layers of flavor. Marzipan is the base, and then different fruit fillings get stuffed in between.
The most traditional fillings? Quince paste and canned spaghetti squash. But you can also use apple paste or other candied fruits. This one does require some assembly, but trust me, this stunning dessert is worth the effort for the holiday.
5. Chocolate Coconut Balls (Bolitas De Coco)
This is a local favorite in Malaga. Every decadent bite is an explosion of chocolate with a little coconut to match. And get this: it’s a three-ingredient recipe!
Just coconut, condensed milk, and chocolate chips. An ingredient list that short means one thing: it’s Monday-night easy. You’ll want a double boiler to melt the chocolate so it doesn’t burn.
You could even use white chocolate; they’d look just like mini snowballs! The whole thing takes about 15 minutes, and then you just have to let them chill so they can set. Easy, right?
6. Turron de Alicante (Spanish Hard Almond Nougat)
Need a sweet treat to give as gifts? Turron is such a great choice. This almond nougat is a super popular Spanish candy during the Christmas season.
It’s hard, has a great crunch, and a nice nutty kick. Plus? It’s really easy to package. It only takes four ingredients, which you probably already have. That saves you time at the store and saves you money.
You just melt honey and sugar, pour in an egg white, and add toasted almonds. The whole thing gets molded into a brick, which makes it so simple to portion out. I’m thinking a few pieces would look amazing wrapped in a little goody bag.
7. Mantecados and Polvorones
I mean, it’s not Christmas without a ton of cookies, right? So I’ve got another joyful recipe for you. These are Spanish Christmas cookies from the Andalusian region.
The name actually refers to lard and powder, which are the two main traditional ingredients. The texture is where it’s at: a wonderful crunch on the outside with a soft inside.
They are crumbly in the best possible way. A little nutty, a little sweet, and a dash of spice. YUM.
8. Miguelitos with Chocolate Recipe
These might look like a mini savory sandwich, but trust me, it’s all sweets. You get a thick layer of chocolate between two airy puff pastries. Then, the whole thing gets a final powdered sugar coating.
This is a great one for getting the kids involved! They can help roll out the dough and dust them with sugar while you handle the chocolate. It’s also another amazing recipe for a crowd—one batch can serve up to 48 people! How great is that?
9. Crema Catalana
Say hello to Crema Catalana, a Spanish custard that’s a lot like creme brulee. The inside is so creamy, and the outside has that classic thin layer of caramelized sugar.
This recipe is a bit more involved than some others, but it is just as special! When it’s time to serve, some fresh figs or raspberries are a really nice topping.
You’ll want to make these in individual ramekins, since it’s not a ‘slice and serve’ kind of dessert. I’m thinking this is perfect for smaller, cozier Christmas gatherings.
10. Roscón de Reyes
You might see this tradition in Mexico, but Roscón de Reyes actually started in Spain. It’s known as an Epiphany cake, usually served for Three Kings Day. But you totally don’t have to wait until January 6!
It makes an impeccable dessert for Christmas. It’s like a fruit cake, but honestly, so much better. Dried fruit gets soaked in rum and then mixed into a rich, buttery, spiced dough.
The final cake gets a drizzle of icing. And if you somehow have leftovers, you can freeze them. But I have a feeling there won’t be a crumb left.