5 Traditional Polish Christmas Cookies To Bake

Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and delicious food in Poland. Among the many treats that are traditionally baked during this special time of year are a variety of sweet Christmas cookies, known as "ciasteczka świąteczne" in Polish. These cookies are an integral part of Polish Christmas Eve dinner, known as "Wigilia," and are typically served as a dessert or snack.

Polish Christmas cookies are known for their rich flavors, aromas, and beautiful presentation. Many traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist. Here are five traditional Polish Christmas cookies that are easy to bake and perfect for the holiday season.

1. Pierniki (Polish Gingerbread Cookies)

Pierniki are a classic Polish Christmas cookie that dates back to the Middle Ages. These soft, spicy gingerbread cookies are traditionally made with honey, which gives them a unique flavor and aroma. The dough is typically rolled out and cut into various shapes, such as animals, trees, or hearts, before being baked to perfection.

To make pierniki, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Traditional Pierniki Shapes

Pierniki are traditionally cut into various shapes, such as:

• Animals (e.g., bears, cats, dogs)
• Trees (e.g., fir trees, Christmas trees)
• Hearts
• Stars
• Angels

These shapes are often decorated with icing and sprinkles to add an extra touch of festivity.

2. Makowiec (Poppy Seed Cookies)

Makowiec are traditional Polish Christmas cookies that are made with ground poppy seeds. These cookies are known for their delicate flavor and crunchy texture. The poppy seeds are typically mixed with honey and sugar to create a sweet and sticky dough.

To make makowiec, you will need:

• 1 cup ground poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the poppy seeds, honey, sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Beat in the egg until well combined. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

3. Szarlotka (Polish Apple Cookies)

Szarlotka are traditional Polish Christmas cookies that are made with grated apples and a touch of cinnamon. These cookies are known for their moist texture and sweet flavor. The apples are typically mixed with sugar, eggs, and flour to create a delicious dough.

To make szarlotka, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups grated apples
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, eggs, and apples. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

4. Faworki (Angel Wings)

Faworki are traditional Polish Christmas cookies that are made with deep-fried dough. These cookies are known for their crispy texture and sweet flavor. The dough is typically shaped into thin strips and fried until golden brown.

To make faworki, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into thin strips. Fry the strips in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

5. Kółaczki (Polish Wafer Cookies)

Kółaczki are traditional Polish Christmas cookies that are made with thin wafers and a sweet filling. These cookies are known for their delicate flavor and crunchy texture. The wafers are typically made with a special iron that is heated over an open flame.

To make kółaczki, you will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wafer iron, for baking
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake the wafers in a wafer iron until crispy. Fill with a sweet filling, such as jam or cream, and dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

We hope you enjoy baking and eating these traditional Polish Christmas cookies! Whether you're looking for a classic gingerbread cookie or a sweet and crunchy wafer cookie, there's something for everyone on this list.

Share your favorite Polish Christmas cookie recipes with us in the comments below!