Whether you’re longing for a sweet treat from your European roots, or you want to offer some new candies at your next holiday party, the holiday season is bound to bring out your sweet tooth. With warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, German or Polish treats are perfect for the season. Look for these treats at your local world market.

What Are Some Traditional German & Polish Christmas Cookies & Candies?

1. Nürnberger Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen is often translated to English as gingerbread. While this dessert is a German gingerbread, it’s a bit different from the typical sweet treat. Lebkuchen is softer and denser than the crisp gingerbread Americans are used to.

The German version is often nutty, made with walnuts, cashews, marzipan, or almond paste, and has a texture between a cake and a cookie. It features spices typically associated with the holidays, such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, but this meal is usually sweetened with honey or molasses.

2. Makowiec 

Makowiec is Poland’s poppy seed cake or loaf. Originally, this cake was prepared for Christmas and Easter, as the poppy was seen as a symbol of luck. Ground poppy seeds make up the stuffing of this traditional Polish yeast cake, but some also have raisins, almonds, or walnuts. Once it’s baked, the top of the cake is decorated with icing and orange peels.

3. Dominosteine

Literally translated to “domino tile,” the dominosteine is a layered treat sold during Christmas in Germany and Austria. The dominosteine became popular during World War II, as it’s less expensive to make than other candies.

Its various layers include marzipan and German gingerbread as well as a jelly that comes from cherries or apricots. The layers are covered in thin, dark chocolate icing. You can usually find these candies at your local world market.

4. Spitzbuben

Spitzbuben is a jam-filled German Christmas cookie that was developed in the 20^th century. For these cookies, jam is sandwiched between a full bottom cookie and a top cookie. The top cookie has a powdered sugar dusting and a decorative hole in its center so that you can see the jam. The cookies are usually in decorative shapes, such as stars.

If you want to add flavor to your holidays, turn to JJ International Delicatessen in Port Jervis, NY. This grocery store and deli first opened its doors in 2003 and offers quality groceries from all over Europe. Their treats will make your holidays even more special. Call (845) 858-1142 to ask about the products they have at their world market, or reach out to them online to ask any questions.