Christmas in Denmark is truly a feast for the senses, where the season’s magic comes alive in every corner of the country. The holiday wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the delicious array of festive treats that are as much a part of the celebration as the twinkling lights and cozy decorations. From buttery cookies baked with love in Danish homes to indulgent desserts savored during the traditional Christmas Eve feast, Danish Christmas cuisine perfectly captures the spirit of tradition, togetherness, and hygge. The comforting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom wafts through the air, welcoming locals and visitors alike to enjoy the season’s delights. Whether you’re wandering through a charming Christmas market, sipping gløgg by a crackling fire, or cozying up in a local café, these treats are sure to make your holiday in Denmark an unforgettable experience. To help you savor the best of the season, here are the top 10 Danish Christmas treats and the best places to find them in Copenhagen:
Julesnurre
The julesnurre, or Christmas swirl, is a delightful addition to the season’s repertoire of festive baked goods. Its buttery, flaky layers are infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and sometimes even a hint of orange zest for a citrusy kick. Perfectly baked to a golden hue, these swirls often feature a dusting of powdered sugar to complete their festive appearance. They’re ideal for a cozy winter afternoon, paired with a warm drink and enjoyed in the company of friends or family.
Where to Try: Skippers Bageri is renowned for its take on this holiday classic. Their julesnurre are made fresh daily, with each swirl crafted to perfection using high-quality ingredients.
Klejner
Klejner, an iconic Danish pastry, is a staple during the Christmas season. These deep-fried treats are made from a lightly sweetened dough twisted into intricate shapes that look as charming as they taste. Their crispy exterior gives way to a tender, airy interior, and they’re often enjoyed plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Klejner evoke a sense of nostalgia for many Danes, as they have been a part of Christmas traditions for generations.
Where to Try: La Glace, one of Copenhagen’s most historic and beloved bakeries, puts a modern spin on this traditional pastry, ensuring they’re both authentic and irresistibly delicious.
Marcipanbrød
Marzipan bread, or marcipanbrød, is a luxurious confection beloved by marzipan enthusiasts. It features a rich, almond-flavored marzipan center, often paired with nougat or candied fruits for an extra layer of flavor. The marzipan is encased in a smooth, dark chocolate coating that melts in your mouth, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s an indulgence best savored slowly, making it a perfect gift or personal treat during the festive season.
Where to Try: Peter Beier Chokolade offers some of the finest marcipanbrød in Denmark, crafted with premium ingredients and available in a variety of flavor combinations.
Traditionelle Julehjerter
Traditional julehjerter, or Christmas hearts, are not only delicious but also beautifully symbolic of the holiday spirit. These honey and spice-flavored hearts are soft, fragrant, and often decorated with delicate icing patterns or festive motifs. Wrapped in beautiful foil or gift boxes, they make for thoughtful presents or charming additions to Christmas decorations.
Where to Try: Perchs Tehandel pairs their julehjerter with their exquisite tea selections, making it a cozy and delicious way to enjoy a wintry afternoon.
Nye Julehjerter
Hart Bageri has reinvented the Christmas heart for the modern palate. These “new hearts” feature inventive flavors and textures while staying true to the comforting essence of the traditional treat. Using high-quality ingredients and an artisanal approach, Hart’s julehjerter are a bold yet elegant update to this Danish favorite, perfect for those looking to try something a little different this season.
Where to Try: Hart Bageri offers a creative twist on julehjerter, making them a standout choice for adventurous food lovers.
Æbleskiver
No Danish Christmas is complete without a plate of æbleskiver. These spherical, fluffy pastries are cooked in a special pan to achieve their signature shape and served warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of tangy raspberry jam. Traditionally, they were made with a slice of apple or apple puree in the center, which gives them their name. Their warm, comforting flavor makes them the perfect companion to a steaming cup of gløgg.
Where to Try: Grød elevates this beloved treat by using fresh, high-quality ingredients while maintaining the traditional recipe’s integrity. Their æbleskiver are a must-try for a cozy, festive snack.
Risalamande
A quintessential part of Christmas Eve in Denmark, risalamande is a creamy rice pudding mixed with whipped cream, vanilla, and chopped almonds, then topped with warm cherry sauce. This dessert is as much about tradition as it is about taste: a whole almond is hidden in the pudding, and the person who finds it wins a small prize. It’s a dish that brings families together, adding a sense of fun to the festive feast.
Where to Try: Restaurant Kronborg serves an authentic, indulgent risalamande in a charming, hygge-filled setting that complements the dish’s festive appeal.
Brunkager
Brunkager, or “brown cookies,” are thin, crispy, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. Often adorned with slivered almonds, these cookies fill the home with their delightful aroma as they bake. Their satisfying crunch and spiced flavor make them a perfect pairing for a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Where to Try: Meyers Bageri is famous for its brunkager, offering a perfectly balanced version of this classic cookie that embodies the essence of Danish Christmas.
Pebernødder
Small, round, and lightly spiced, pebernødder are addictive little cookies traditionally flavored with white pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. These bite-sized treats are a holiday staple and are often used in Christmas games where children search for hidden pebernødder around the house.
Where to Try: Juno The Bakery puts a premium spin on pebernødder with their artisanal approach, ensuring every bite is perfectly spiced and utterly delightful.
Vaniljekranse
Vanilla wreath cookies, or vaniljekranse, are a quintessential Christmas treat in Denmark. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate vanilla flavor make them a crowd favorite. These iconic cookies are often shaped using a piping bag to create their beautiful wreath-like design, adding an elegant touch to any holiday cookie spread.
Where to Try: Skt. Peders Bageri takes pride in their vaniljekranse, using traditional recipes and techniques to deliver cookies that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
A Taste of Danish Christmas
These ten treats capture the essence of Danish Christmas, blending tradition, flavor, and hygge into every bite. Whether indulging in a warm plate of æbleskiver or savoring a box of vaniljekranse with loved ones, these festive favorites make the holiday season in Denmark truly magical. Glædelig jul!
