Swiss Christmas Cookies: Recipes and History

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In Switzerland, Christmas cookies hold a special place in the hearts of the locals. Apart from cheese fondue, Christmas cookies may be another common denominator in Switzerland's culinary heritage.

Christmas cookies are more than just sweet treats; they reflect Swiss culture, traditions, and the joy of the holiday season. Each cookie has a unique flavor and texture, from chewy to hard as stone. And it is a testament to the culinary expertise passed down through generations.

By now, I have mastered many baking techniques and know where to get the ingredients. Making the delectable treats and watching them take shape in the oven has a certain magic. During this ritual, I get wrapped up in the smells of baking and the anticipation of that first bite...

In my ultimate baker's guide, find everything from traditional recipes to baking traditions passed down through generations.

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The History of Baking Christmas Cookies

The tradition of baking Christmas cookies, known as Weihnachtsguetzli in Switzerland, is deeply rooted in history and has significantly impacted Swiss culture. The practice is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, when monasteries would produce elaborate baked goods with exotic spices to distribute to the poor during Christmas and New Year.

Another theory suggests that the tradition dates back to antiquity, where dough shaped into animals was offered as a sacrifice to protect homes and livestock during the winter solstice.

Swiss Christmas Cookie Recipes Zimtsterne Brunsli Chräberli Recipe

Switzerland has a sweet tooth for Christmas cookies, and it shows! Each of the countless Swiss Christmas cookies has a unique flavor and texture. From chewy to hard as stone, here are five typical Swiss cookies and recipes for you to try:

Mailänderli: The Golden Delight

These buttery golden cookies are a staple in Swiss households during Christmas. The dough, made from basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, is cut into festive shapes such as stars, hearts, and Christmas trees. The result is a cookie with a delicate, crumbly texture and a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by a hint of lemon zest. Those with gluten sensitivities can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

The name Mailänderli implies Milanese origins, as Mailand is German for Milan. The recipe first appeared in Switzerland in the 18th century as Gâteau de Milan. But there is no proof about the origin other than the fact that there is a similar shortcrust pastry in Milan. It contains candied fruits and almonds, however.

For a step-by-step guide on how to make Mailänderli cookies, check out our blog post below. Those who enjoy cookie-cutting but not baking can buy pre-made Mailänderli dough at Coop or Migros.

Swiss Christmas Cookie - Mailänderli Recipe

Mailänderli recipe with step-by-step instructions

Spitzbuebe: A Sweet and Tangy Treat

Spitzbuebe cookies sandwich fruity jam between two shortbread layers, creating a sweet, tangy treat. One of the first recipes appeared in the 1929 cookbook Das Meisterwerk der Küche, so they are a rather new variety of Swiss Christmas cookie.

The Swiss-German name Spitzbuebe best translates to rascals. When you look closely at the three holes, you might notice the face of a rascal... Traditionally the top is decorated with powdered sugar or glaze and punctured with three round holes, sometimes arranged as a face. Spitzbuebe's whimsical name and endearing face have propelled these jam-filled shortbread cookies into a classic Swiss holiday treat.

Swiss Christmas Cookie Recipe - Spitzbuebe

“Spitzbuebe” are my favorite Swiss Christmas cookies, and here’s the recipe

Basler Brunsli: A Chocoholic's Dream

The Basler Brunsli cookie is a chocolate lover's dream. The name implies brown, which makes sense: these rich cookies feature ground almonds, sugar, egg whites and cocoa powder. Many families have their own recipes and there is a debate over the "right" ingredients: whether to make it with chocolate bars, cocoa powder, hazelnuts or walnuts. Either way, Brunsli have a rich chocolate taste balanced by crunchy nuts and a subtle hint of spice like cinnamon or cloves.

The Brunsli cookie is popular across Switzerland, but it has a strong tie to Basel. Dating back over 300 years, the first known Brunsli recipe was published in 1750 in Basel. Archives show they were served at weddings and other festive meals.

Brätzeli: Buttery and Crispy Wafers

These thin and crispy wafers are a specialty of the cantons of Bern and Fribourg. By using a special hot iron press, bakers imprint intricate patterns onto the Brätzeli dough batter. Some of the patterns show agricultural themesgeometric shapes or coat of arms. The result is a delicate, crisp and visually stunning wafer with a lemony flavor. My advice: dip it in coffee, adorne a bowl of ice-cream, or try a savory variety with cheese.

Zimtsterne: The Star of Swiss Christmas

Swiss cinnamon stars, or Zimtsterne, are a chewy, aromatic cookie with a distinct cinnamon punch. Hands down, they are a quintessential treat found in bakeries and home kitchens alike. Opinions differ on when it's appropriate to enjoy these spicy-sweet stars. Some adhere to tradition and wait until Christmas Eve. But my family digs in as soon as the delicious Zimtsterne come out of the oven...

This star-shaped holiday cookie has been traced back to the 16th century, when cinnamon was a precious spice imported to Europe. Early recipes appeared in German cookbooks in the 1700s, and Swiss recipes emerged in the late 1800s. Basler cookbooks from that era contain Zimtsterne among the typical Christmas cookies made in upper class households.

Anisbrötli Chräbeli: A Flavorful Delight

Anisbrötli cookies are a traditional Swiss Christmas treat flavored with anise seeds. In my family, we call them Chräbeli, which stems from claws and describes the shape of the cookie quite well.

These dried cookies contain ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, and anise seeds. The dough is shaped into small crescents and baked until golden brown. The result is a cookie with a unique texture that is hard yet crumbly and a distinct anise flavor that is sweet and slightly spicy. The Badener Chräbeli cookie has been a specialty of Baden for over 300 years, sold year-round since 1710. Bäckerei Frei in Nussbaumen makes some of the best.

3 Swiss Christmas cookie recipes with air time

Baking Swiss Christmas cookies is about more than just having a jar full of treats. It is also about the tradition of coming together during the Advent season. In Switzerland, cookie baking is often a family affair, with multiple generations coming together to create these sweet treats. Here are some of the typical baking traditions you would find in a Swiss household:

Cookie Exchanges: The tradition of Christmas cookie exchanges has long been popular in Switzerland. This practice involves neighbors, friends, and colleagues trading batches of homemade holiday cookies, allowing everyone to enjoy a variety of flavors and styles. This custom traces back to lean times when ingredients were costly, and families relied on sharing. Cookie exchanges allowed each baker to showcase their specialties while sampling others' creations. This tradition fosters community during the holiday season, making it a cherished part of Swiss Christmas celebrations.

Cookie Decorating Parties: Decorating cookies into edible works of art is a beloved Swiss tradition. Families gather around the kitchen table, armed with colorful icings and various sprinkles, turning simple cookies into festive masterpieces. Children take pride in their creations, while adults bond over the shared creativity and the memories evoked by cookies passed down through generations. Cookie decorating provides quality time to appreciate loved ones during the busy holiday season, making it a cherished part of Swiss Christmas traditions.

Cookie Gift Giving: Nothing says Christmas in Switzerland like a festive sachet or tin of homemade cookies. Families take great pride in presenting these edible gifts, wrapped elegantly and tied with ribbons. Cookies like the delicate Mailänderli or the rich chocolate Brunsli are not just treats but convey thoughtfulness and care. Those on the receiving end can feel the effort spent rolling, cutting, baking, and packaging each cookie. These gifts reflect the Swiss spirit of community and generosity during the holidays. Spreading joy cookie-by-cookie is a time-honored tradition that embodies the warmth and love of the holiday season in Switzerland.

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Tips for Baking Swiss Christmas Cookies

Now it's time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! In Swiss-German, we call the tradition of baking Christmas cookies Guetzle. We usually start Guetzle in late November, in time for the first Advent. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when making Swiss Christmas cookies:

Use only the best ingredients: Swiss Christmas cookies are all about simplicity and quality. Use the best ingredients, such as Swiss butter, fresh eggs, and high-quality chocolate. These ensure your cookies have a knock-out flavor and texture.
Follow the recipe: Generations of homemakers, patisseurs, and regular folks have perfected Swiss Christmas cookie recipes. As not to overwhelm you, our recipes are easy to follow so that anyone can bake some traditional Swiss cookies. Follow the recipes closely, paying attention to measurements and instructions.
Take your time: Trust me when I say that baking Swiss Christmas cookies is a labor of love. I always start bright and early. But by the 10th sheet, I often realize I am overdoing it... Keep in mind that you can prepare most cookie doughs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Baking cookies can be therapeutic and relaxing, but don't do too much in one day.
Get creative: While traditional Swiss Christmas cookies are charming, don't be afraid to add your own twist. Experiment with different flavors, shapes, and decorations to make the cookies uniquely yours.

Swiss Christmas cookies are more than just sweet treats; they reflect Swiss culture, traditions, and the joy of the holiday season. Come November, we always look forward to baking Mailänderli, Spitzbuebe, or many other Swiss Christmas cookies. Gather your loved ones, put on festive music, and fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked cookies!

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FAQ about Swiss Christmas Cookies

What are some gluten-free alternatives to traditional Swiss Christmas cookies?

Here are some gluten-free alternatives to traditional Swiss Christmas cookies:

Zimtstern: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of the all-purpose flour in the recipe.
Basler Brunsli: Substitute almond flour for ground hazelnuts or almonds. This will make the cookies gluten-free while still maintaining their traditional flavor.
Spitzbuebe: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the recipe for the cookie dough. For the filling, choose a gluten-free jam or jelly.
Mailänderli: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. You can also find gluten-free Mailänderli recipes online.
Sablé: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of the all-purpose flour in the recipe. This will give you a gluten-free version of these buttery, crumbly cookies.

What makes Brätzeli such a unique Swiss Christmas cookie?

Brätzeli is a salty yet sweet crisp found in several regions of Switzerland. The dough is fairly basic, but preparing each cookie in the hot iron takes some skill and passion.

Some facts about Brätzeli cookies:

1. Brätzeli, or bricelets in French, are especially popular in the cantons of Bern and Fribourg. This old-fashioned cookie comes in different variations: some doughs are sweeter than others, some are shaped flat, and others are rolled like a cigar.
2. The biscuit is so beloved in Emmental that it has its own dedicated museum! The Kambly Experience in Trubschachen tells the story of this iconic cookie and its importance to the region's culture and traditions. It has been produced there since 1910.
3. The process of making Brätzeli is often a family affair. The recipe and techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Preparing them is a way to celebrate the holiday season and connect with loved ones.

What is the history and flavor profile of Anisbrötli?

Anisbrötli is a traditional Swiss Christmas cookie dating back to the 17th century. The earliest known recipe for Anisbrötli was published in a cookbook in 1691. The exact origin of the cookie is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the canton of Graubünden.

Anisbrötli are unique for several reasons, including:

Distinctive flavor: The anise seeds give Anisbrötli cookies a unique and aromatic flavor, unlike any other Christmas cookie. The cookies are often compared to macaroons but have a more pronounced anise flavor.
Traditional recipe: Anisbrötli cookies have a rich history, with recipes passed down through families over generations. This tradition ensures the preservation of these cookies' unique flavor and texture, strengthens family ties, and keeps the spirit of the holiday season alive.
Versatility: Anisbrötli cookies can be enjoyed independently, dipped in hot chocolate or coffee, or used in other desserts, such as ice cream sundaes or cheesecake.