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Few people can imagine Christmas without the sweet aromas from the oven. Christmas cookies are among the most beautiful traditions we pass down from generation to generation. Making your own pieces is not just about baking, but also about family atmosphere, shared moments and the joy of the result. This year you can brighten up your holiday table with these five tried-and-true recipes that belong to the absolute classics of Czech Christmas baking.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for new cookie recipes or want to stick to proven traditions, here you’ll find a combination of both. The advantage is that the doughs can be prepared the day before and left to rest so the cookies have perfect flavor and texture.
Parisian crescents – a cocoa classic with buttercream
Parisian crescents are a true icon of Czech cookies. The delicate dough made from nuts, breadcrumbs and flour fills the air with a lovely aroma during baking and creates a fragrant base for the cocoa cream. The filling is made from butter, sugar, cocoa and vanilla extract – just like our grandmothers used to make. The result is sweet, delicate and at the same time firm enough for the crescents to be nicely decorated with chocolate glaze.
Lard cookies – simple yet unforgettable
If you’re looking for traditional cookies that are easy to prepare and have a pronounced flavor, sádlovky are a clear choice. The crisp little balls with a depression in the center are baked very slowly, almost as if they were being dried. Thanks to the lard they have an unmistakable taste and stay soft for a long time. After baking they are filled with cream or jam and on the plate they always attract attention with their unusual but appealing appearance.
Vanilla crescents – a symbol of Czech Christmas
Few things evoke the festive atmosphere as much as vanilla crescents coated in powdered and vanilla sugar. The delicate dough of flour, nuts and butter is shaped into small crescents that are coated while still warm after baking. Because of this they absorb the sweet vanilla aroma and become a perfect treat with Christmas tea or coffee. This recipe is passed down through generations and simply must not be missing from the Christmas table.
Linzer cookies – a versatile base
Another representative of the classics is linzer cookies. The dough made from flour, butter, eggs and lemon zest is not only delicious but also versatile. With linzer dough you can cut out various shapes, sandwich them with jam and decorate with chocolate or nuts. Each piece is an original and linzer cookies are among the kinds of cookies that taste great even several days after baking, when the dough softens beautifully.
Ischler tarts – a delicious flavor combination
Ischler tarts originated in Austria, but they have long since found a place in Czech households. Cocoa dough with cinnamon is baked in small rounds, which are sandwiched with jam after cooling and decorated with chocolate glaze. The result is a luxurious cookie that delights not only on the holiday table but also as a gift wrapped in a box.
Marokánky – a sweet mix of fruit and nuts
If you crave something a bit different from classic Christmas pastries, marokánky are an ideal choice. The base is choux pastry mixed with candied fruit, cranberries and walnuts. On the baking sheet they form fragrant flat biscuits that remain gently soft after baking. Their sweet-and-sour taste and colorful appearance add an unconventional flair to the Christmas table.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies doesn’t have to be complicated. With these five tried-and-true recipes you’ll be able to prepare sweets that will delight not only your family but also friends. Whether you prefer classic vanilla crescents, fragrant Parisian crescents, or original marokánky, you’ll create the home atmosphere without which Christmas wouldn’t be complete. Christmas baking is above all about joy and sharing together, so enjoy it to the fullest this year.
