A Guide to Czech Christmas Cookies: Recipes

The Christmas season in the Czech Republic is a time of warmth, tradition, and of course, plenty of delicious baked goods. One of the most beloved customs is the preparation of cukrovi – an assortment of traditional Czech Christmas cookies that grace every table during the festive season. These treats not only delight the palate but also carry rich symbolism and heritage, making them a perfect way for expats to immerse themselves in Czech culture.

Traditional Czech Christmas Cookies and Their Symbolism

1. Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkové rohlíčky)

Symbolism: These crescent-shaped cookies are said to symbolize good luck and happiness for the year ahead. Their delicate texture and vanilla aroma make them a timeless favourite.

Recipe

• Ingredients:
  1. 200g flour
  2. 100g ground walnuts
  3. 150g butter
  4. 50g powdered sugar
  5. 1 packet of vanilla sugar
  6. Powdered sugar for coating
• Instructions:
  1. Mix flour, ground walnuts, butter, and powdered sugar until a smooth dough forms.
  2. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
  3. Shape small pieces of dough into crescent shapes.
  4. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes until golden.
  5. While still warm, coat the crescents in a mixture of powdered and vanilla sugar.

2. Linzer Cookies (Linecké cukroví)

Symbolism: These sandwich cookies with jam-filled centres represent unity and sweetness in family relationships.

Recipe

• Ingredients:
  1. 200g flour
  2. 100g butter
  3. 70g powdered sugar
  4. 1 egg yolk
  5. 1 packet of vanilla sugar
  6. Raspberry or apricot jam for filling
• Instructions:
  1. Combine flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolk to create a smooth dough.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters (half with centre holes).
  3. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Let cool, then spread jam on the solid pieces and top with a cut-out piece. Dust with powdered sugar.

Note: cookie cutters can be found in a great assortment and variety at the Christmas markets. You may also check a detailed recipe in our special blog.

3. Czech Gingerbread Cookies (Perníčky)

Symbolism: Gingerbread cookies are often shaped into hearts, stars, or angels, symbolizing love, hope, and protection during the holiday season.

Recipe

• Ingredients:
  1. 500g flour
  2. 150g powdered sugar
  3. 2 eggs
  4. 100g honey
  5. 1 tsp baking soda
  6. 2 tsp gingerbread spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, anise, and ginger)
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients to form a dough and let rest for 1-2 hours.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
  3. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Decorate with icing made from powdered sugar and water.

4. Wasp Nests (Vosí hnízda)

Symbolism: These no-bake treats are said to resemble beehives, symbolizing industry, sweetness, and prosperity.

Recipe

• Ingredients:
  1. 200g crushed ladyfingers
  2. 100g powdered sugar
  3. 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  4. 100g butter
  5. 3 tbsp rum
  6. 1 egg yolk
  7. For filling: buttercream or custard
• Instructions:
  1. Mix crushed ladyfingers, sugar, cocoa, butter, rum, and egg yolk until a dough forms.
  2. Press dough into a wasp nest mould and create a hollow centre.
  3. Fill with buttercream or custard.
  4. Top with a small cookie or ladyfinger to seal.

How to Prepare a Czech Christmas Eve Dinner: Traditional Menu and Its Symbolism

Christmas Eve (Štědrý den) is the most important day of the Czech Christmas celebrations. Families gather for a festive dinner, which traditionally consists of dishes rich in symbolism, reflecting hope, prosperity, and family togetherness.

Traditional Czech Christmas Eve Menu

1. Fried Carp (Smažený kapr): The carp symbolises wealth and good fortune. In Czech tradition, a carp scale is often kept in wallets to bring prosperity in the coming year.
2. Potato Salad (Bramborový salát): This creamy side dish represents togetherness and comfort, often made using family recipes passed down through generations.
3. Fish Soup (Rybí polévka): Made with carp parts, the soup symbolizes nourishment and the continuation of family traditions.

How to Make Czech Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 5-6 boiled potatoes
• 2 carrots, 1 parsley root, and 1 celery root (cooked)
• 3 hard-boiled eggs
• 100g pickles
• 1 onion
• 100g peas (optional)
• 4-5 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1-2 tbsp mustard
• Salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes, carrots, parsley root, and celery root.
2. Chop the eggs, pickles, and onion finely.
3. Mix all ingredients together with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
4. Let chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavours to blend.

Where to Find Carp 

Carp is traditionally purchased fresh from street-side vendors in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. However, for expats who prefer alternatives, fried cod, salmon, or vegetarian options like breaded cauliflower can be excellent substitutes. Pair it with potato salad for an authentic experience while keeping it lighter and meat-free if desired.

By baking traditional Czech Christmas cookies and preparing a festive dinner, expats can experience a taste of Czech culture while creating lasting memories. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own twist, embracing Czech Christmas customs will make the holiday season all the more special.

More on the topic:

• What to Expect in December in the Czech Republic
• 7 Famous Czech Christmas Fairy-tales and Movies 
• Czech Christmas Traditions: From St. Barbara to the Three Kings