We are just a few days away from Christmas and I’m sure you’re already thinking about the meals you’re going to prepare!
In Spain, all celebrations end with sweets, but we can probably agree that the typical Christmas sweets are very special.
Therefore, in this article we are going to explain to you which are the best Christmas sweets in Spain.
Do you dare to prepare some of them?
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The best Christmas sweets in Spain
Turrón
El turrón, which could be defined as a sort of almond nougat, is the most famous Christmas sweet in Spain. Its origin dates back to the time when the Arabs lived in the Iberian Peninsula, more than five centuries ago.
There are two traditional varieties par excellence: hard nougat (from Alicante) and soft nougat (from Jijona). Both have designation of origin.
The main ingredients are honey, sugar, almonds and egg whites.
Although these are the two most consumed flavors, there are currently many other varieties that are also in great demand. For example, toasted yolk nougat, chocolate nougat, candied fruit, etc…
Do you want to try making these at home?
Let’s see the step-by-step recipe for this typical Christmas candy.
You will need 100 gr of raw almonds, 50 gr of soft honey, 50 gr of sugar and 10 gr of egg white.
Once you have all the ingredients on your table, follow these simple steps:
- Spread the almonds on a baking tray and when the oven is hot (180º), put them in and let them toast for 5 minutes, without letting them burn.
- Mix the sugar and honey in a saucepan and put on a low heat until the sugar dissolves in the honey. When ready, remove from heat.
- Crush the toasted almonds well.
- Add the 10 grams of egg whites to the honey and sugar and begin to whisk them. Put the mixture over medium heat until it acquires a white tone, like that of a syrup.
- Add the ground almonds to the previous mixture and stir with a spoon. Let it stand for 1 minute.
- Place cling film in an elongated mold and fill it with the dough. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
Marzipan
Marzipan is another typical sweet of the Christmas gastronomy in Spain. The recipe for this famous candy originated in a convent in Toledo.
The traditional way of elaborating marzipan is with almonds and sugar, crushed with a mallet. This is why it was first known as pan de maza and later became known as marzipan.
Polvorón
Polvorones are small cakes made with lard, toasted wheat flour, ground almonds and sugar. Its name is due to the powdered flour that decorates this typical Spanish sweet. The most famous are those of Estepa (Seville).
Mantecados
The mantecados are very typical of Spanish confectionery.
They are consumed throughout the year, but especially at Christmas. They are made with flour, eggs, sugar and lard. The origins of this sweet date back to the 16th century.
As with turrones, there are also different kinds of mantecados, such as the traditional almond, cinnamon, lemon, chocolate or puff pastry ones.
The most famous are those produced in Antequera and Estepa.
Peladillas
This Christmas candy is made with candied almonds, typical of the Valencian Community.
They are usually used to decorate the trays of Christmas sweets that are placed on the table after Christmas lunches or dinners.
Wine donuts (Roscos de vino)
This is another typical Spanish Christmas sweet. These doughnut-shaped cookies contain a small amount of sweet wine and nuts and are covered with powdered sugar.
They have a very peculiar flavor not only because of the wine, but also because of the sesame seeds.
The “roscos de Málaga” are famous.
Pestiños
A typical Andalusian sweet that is eaten at Christmas and also during Easter. Its origin dates back to the 16th century.
Its elaboration is very simple, with a dough of orange, cinnamon and sesame, the dough is fried in the shape of a pestiño and watered with mead or sugar.
Roscón de Reyes
Along with nougat, it is the other most emblematic sweet of the Christmas holidays in Spain. It is the typical sweet consumed on Three Kings Day and its origin dates back to ancient Rome.
The traditional Roscón de Reyes has no filling, but nowadays there are varieties such as chocolate, cream, cream, truffle or mocha. In its interior there are also small figurines of the Three Wise Men and the traditional bean. The tradition is that whoever finds the latter will pay for the roscón.
Which sweet has been the tastiest for you?
Discover the most popular Christmas traditions in Spain and how they are celebrated across the country.
We assure you that they are all delicious. On December 23rd we will celebrate our traditional Christmas party in Españole where our students will be able to taste and enjoy these Spanish Christmas sweets.
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