Are you ready to add a sprinkle of Swiss magic to your festive season? I’m so excited to share some traditional Swiss Christmas recipes to try at home with you. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a real treat!
There’s something special about Swiss Christmas traditions! Maybe it’s the twinkling lights reflecting off snow-capped Alps or the snug chalets with smoke curling from their chimneys. But for me? It’s all about the food!
So, grab a mug of something warm and let’s dive into the delicious world of authentic Swiss Christmas cooking for the festive season!
Beloved Swiss Christmas Cookies – A Sweet Start to the Season
Okay, let’s kick things off with everyone’s favourite, cookies! Traditional Swiss Christmas cookies are legendary and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
Zimtsterne – The Classic Cinnamon Stars
First up, we’ve got Zimtsterne or Cinnamon Stars as you may know them. These are a Swiss Christmas staple. Made with ground almonds and egg whites, they’re naturally gluten-free (hello, celiac friends!). The star shape isn’t just cute, it’s a nod to the star of Bethlehem. Clever, right?To make these, you’ll need:
- 3 egg whites
- 200g (2 cups) ground almonds
- 250g (2 cups) icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Whip those egg whites until they’re stiff enough to stand at attention. Then, gently fold in the other ingredients. Your dough should be sticky but manageable, think of it as edible Play-Doh!
Dust your workspace with icing sugar, roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick and go wild with your star-shaped cookie cutter.
Now, here’s the secret to perfect Zimtsterne, let these stars rest for about 2-3 hours before baking. It’s a great excuse to sip some Glühwein while you wait!
When you’re finally ready to bake, pop them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 15 minutes. You want them just set on top, but still soft and chewy inside. Mix up a simple glaze with icing sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Spread it over your stars and you’ve got yourself a batch of authentic Swiss Christmas magic.
Basler Brunsli – A Chocolate Lover’s Delight
Next on our cookie parade are Basler Brunsli. Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! These chewy chocolate-almond cookies originated in Basel (hence the name) and have been a Christmas favourite since the 18th century. For these cocoa-licious treats, you’ll need:
- 250g (2 ½ cups) ground almonds
- 200g (2 cups) sugar
- 170g (6 oz) dark chocolate, grated
- 2 egg whites
- 15g (1 tablespoon) cocoa powder
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) kirsch (cherry brandy, optional) or Chinese 5 Spice for a spicy kick
Mix up your dry ingredients in a big bowl – ground almonds, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, in another bowl, whip those egg whites until they’re standing at attention. Gently fold them into the dry mix, we’re going for fluffy, not flat!
Now, if you’re feeling fancy, splash in some kirsch for that authentic Swiss kick. Your dough should be sticky but manageable, think of it as a delicious, chocolatey Play-Doh!
Here’s the fun part: dust your workspace with icing sugar (it’s like edible snow!), roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick, and go wild with festive cookie cutters. But here’s the secret to cookie perfection – let these babies rest for 3 hours or overnight. I know, I know, the waiting is torture, but trust me, it’s worth it for that perfect chewy texture.
When you’re finally ready to bake, pop them in a 120°C (250°F) oven for 10-12 minutes. You want them just set on top, but still soft and chewy inside, like a brownie in cookie form!
Let them cool (more waiting, I know!), dust with icing sugar and you’ve got yourself a batch of authentic Swiss Christmas magic.
These are perfect for munching at Christmas markets, sharing on Christmas Eve or gifting to your favourite people. Pair them with a steaming mug of Glühwein or hot chocolate for the full Swiss experience.
Mailänderli – The Perfect Decorated Cookie
Last but not least, let’s talk Mailänderli. These lemon-flavoured butter cookies are perfect for decorating with the little ones. They’re basically edible Christmas ornaments! You’ll need:
- 250g (2 cups) plain flour
- 130g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
- 115g (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Toss everything (except that egg yolk) into your food processor and give it a whirl. You’ll end up with a dough that’s just begging to be rolled out. But hold your horses! Pop that dough in the fridge for about an hour first. Trust me, it’s worth the wait – chilled dough is much easier to work with.
Dust your workspace with flour and roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. Now, grab your favourite Christmas cookie cutters and go wild! Stars, trees, reindeer – whatever screams “Swiss Christmas” to you.
Before you pop these beauties in the oven, brush them with the egg yolk. It’ll give them a gorgeous golden shine! Bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 10 minutes or until they’re just starting to brown at the edges.
Now comes the best part – decorating! Once they’re cool, let your imagination run wild. Icing, sprinkles, edible glitter – the sky’s the limit! It’s a great way to keep little hands busy on a snowy afternoon and who knows? You might just create some Christmas tree ornaments that are too pretty to eat!
Warm Up with Traditional Swiss Christmas Drinks
Baby, it’s cold outside! Time to cosy up with some traditional Swiss Christmas drinks. First up, we’ve got Glühwein. This warm, spiced wine will have you feeling festive in no time. It’s like a hug in a mug!
Glühwein – A Traditional Festive Warm Drink
Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 30g (2 tablespoons) honey
Just simmer everything together for about 15 minutes (don’t let it boil!), strain, and serve.
Pro tip: make a big batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker for parties. Your guests will love you! This drink is perfect for sipping while wandering through Christmas markets or enjoying a game night with friends and family.
Swiss Hot Chocolate – A Decadent Treat
And of course, we can’t talk about Swiss drinks without mentioning hot chocolate. Swiss hot chocolate is in a league of its own. Forget that powdered stuff – we’re talking rich, creamy, chocolatey heaven. For the ultimate Swiss hot chocolate:
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 115g (4 oz) high-quality Swiss dark chocolate, chopped
- 15g (1 tablespoon) sugar (optional)
- Whipped cream (because, why not?)
Heat the milk until it’s just about to simmer, then whisk in the chocolate until it’s melted and smooth.
Add sugar if you like it sweeter, pour into mugs and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can even add a cinnamon stick for a spicier hot drink. Sip and feel your worries melt away! This is a great drink for warming up after a day of skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Hearty Main Courses for Your Swiss Christmas Feast
Alright, let’s talk main events. Traditional Swiss Christmas meals are all about comfort food that brings people together. First up, the king of Swiss cuisine – Cheese Fondue. Nothing says Swiss quite like melted cheese, am I right?
Cheese Fondue – The Ultimate Swiss Foodie Experience
Here’s what you need for a classic cheese fondue:
- 450g (1 lb) Gruyère cheese, grated
- 450g (1 lb) Emmentaler cheese, grated
- 240ml (1 cup) dry white wine
- 15g (1 tablespoon) cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove
- A splash of kirsch
Rub the inside of your fondue pot with the garlic clove. Mix the wine and cornstarch, then heat it up. Gradually add the cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. Add a splash of kirsch at the end for that authentic Swiss touch.
Gather around the pot with long forks and crusty bread, and enjoy the gooey goodness! Fondue is often enjoyed on Christmas Day or during festive gatherings with friends and family.
Raclette – An Interactive Meal For Everyone To Enjoy
Next up, we’ve got Raclette. This interactive meal is always a crowd-pleaser. Traditionally, a big wheel of cheese was held up to an open flame and the melted part was scraped off onto plates of potatoes and pickles.
These days, we use tabletop raclette grills, but it’s just as fun! For a raclette party, you’ll need:
- 200g (7 oz) Raclette cheese per person
- Boiled or roasted potatoes
- Pickled onions and gherkins
- Cured meats like prosciutto or ham
- Handful of cherry tomatoes
- Crusty bread
Everyone grills their own cheese and chooses their toppings. It’s like a Swiss version of make-your-own-pizza night! Simply pour the cheese over your chosen plate of food.
Filet im Teig – A Showstopper Dish
Last but not least on our Swiss Christmas feast menu, let’s talk about Filet im Teig – a Swiss twist on the classic pork en croûte.
This showstopper will make you feel like a master chef and have your guests oohing and aahing at the dinner table! For this authentic Swiss dish, you’ll need:
- 700g (1.5 lbs) pork tenderloin
- 450g (1 lb) puff pastry
- 225g (8 oz) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 30g (2 tablespoons) butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
First, sauté those mushrooms and onions in butter until they’re golden and fragrant. Next, season your pork tenderloin generously. We’re talking salt and pepper here, but feel free to get creative with some Swiss-German inspired spices if you’re feeling adventurous. For an extra flavour kick, brush the pork with Dijon mustard.
Spread that mushroom mixture over your seasoned pork, then lovingly encase it all in puff pastry. Before you pop this beauty in the oven, give it a little spa treatment with an egg wash. This will give your Filet im Teig that gorgeous golden glow.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the pork is cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in.
The grand finale? Slice it at the table for maximum dramatic effect. This traditional Swiss dish is a staple at festive dinners and celebrations. It’s perfect for your Christmas Day feast, but don’t limit yourself – it’s also a showstopper for New Year gatherings or any time you want to impress your dinner guests.
Swiss Christmas Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal
No Swiss Christmas feast is complete without some traditional Swiss side dishes. Let’s start with Rösti – the ultimate comfort food. It’s like a giant hash brown and it’s absolutely delicious.
Rösti – The Ultimate Swiss Comfort Food
Here’s how to make it:
- 900g (2 lbs) potatoes, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 60g (4 tablespoons) butter
Mix the grated potatoes with onion, salt, and pepper. Heat the butter in a large skillet and add the potato mixture.
Press it down and cook until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and totally irresistible. Rösti is definitely a Swiss national dish and just like a tasty fried potato cake.
Swiss Christmas Potato Salad – A Festive Twist On The Original
Let’s not forget about Swiss Potato Salad, also known as Härdöpfelsalat. It’s lighter than its American cousin and perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday treats. Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:
- 1 kg (about 2 lbs) waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Charlotte work like a charm)
- 200 ml (about 1 cup) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 white or red onion/ Sprig of Spring onions
- 2-3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (sunflower or canola oil are perfect)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but it adds a festive green touch)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a slightly creamier version)
- Optional – red onions, spring onions, bacon bits, gherkins.
First, boil those potatoes until they’re just tender. Once they’re done, let them cool a bit, then slice them up.In a big bowl, mix the warm potatoes with that finely chopped onion.
Now, for the dressing. Whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper. If you’re using the sugar or mayo, throw that in too. Pour this mixture over your potatoes and give it all a gentle toss.
Here’s the secret to amazing potato salad: let it sit for about an hour to soak up all those flavours. Just before serving, sprinkle with that fresh parsley if you’re using it to add a pop of colour.
Sweet Endings – Traditional Swiss Christmas Dessert Recipe
Save room for dessert, because this is one Swiss traditional recipe you don’t want to miss! Bündner Nusstorte is a rich and nutty tart that is especially popular in the canton of Graubünden. This cake is not only delicious but also a wonderful addition to your festive table.
Bündner Nusstorte – A Nutty Delight You Will Love
This caramelised nut tart is addictively good. To make this recipe, you’ll need:
For the Pastry:
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 250g (2 cups) walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 240ml (1 cup) honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
Start by combining the flour, sugar, softened butter, egg and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until the dough comes together, then shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in a fridge for about 30 minutes.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped walnuts, heavy cream, honey and lemon zest. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and is well combined.
Once chilled, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim any excess. Pour the walnut mixture into the prepared pastry shell, spreading it evenly. Cover the top of the mixture with a layer of pastry so that it’s fully encased and decorate in your style.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
Allow your nutty tart to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Sourcing Ingredients for Traditional Swiss Christmas Recipes
Finding authentic Swiss ingredients can be challenging, but don’t let that stop you from trying these authentic Swiss Christmas recipes at home!
For cheese, look for imported Gruyère and Emmentaler at specialty stores or online retailers. Can’t find kirsch? Try brandy or cherry juice as a substitute. Swiss chocolate brands like Lindt or Toblerone are widely available and perfect for baking or hot chocolate drinks.
For harder-to-find items like Sbrinz cheese, aged Parmesan makes a good alternative. Local farmer’s markets often carry artisanal products similar to Swiss specialties.
Remember, while authenticity is great, it’s okay to adapt recipes using local ingredients – the spirit of Swiss Christmas cooking is what matters most!
Swiss Christmas Traditions
To truly enjoy traditional Swiss Christmas recipes, it’s important to embrace the rich customs and traditions that accompany them.
Christmas in Switzerland is a time of warmth and togetherness, filled with unique practices that reflect the country’s diverse culture.
One cherished tradition is the celebration of Samichlaus on December 6th, when children leave their shoes out to be filled with treats by the Swiss Santa. The festive spirit is amplified by enchanting Christmas markets, where locals gather to savor seasonal delights and warming drinks like Glühwein.
Family gatherings are central to the holiday, often featuring comforting dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette. The focus on communal dining nurtures a sense of togetherness, making each meal a treasured occasion.
As the Advent season unfolds, families look forward to these traditions, creating lasting memories.
For more insights into the enchanting customs and festive spirit of the season, be sure to check out my post on facts about Christmas in Switzerland!
Wrapping Up Traditional Swiss Christmas Recipes – A Taste of Switzerland for the Holidays
So there you have it, a taste of Swiss Christmas right in your own home. From cookies to fondue, from warming drinks to decadent desserts, these traditional Swiss Christmas recipes are guaranteed to make your holiday season extra special.
Who knows? You might just start some new festive family traditions! Remember, the best part of any holiday is spending time with loved ones.
Recommended reading
- Authentic Christmas vibes: Check out the best Christmas cities in Europe to visit, especially for Christmas market shopping!
So gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves and get cooking in your kitchen. After all, nothing brings people together quite like good food and festive traditions.