Eine Sammlung traditioneller Weihnachtsplätzchen

When winter settles over the Alps and snowflakes begin to glisten on pine branches, Swiss kitchens come alive with the aroma of butter, honey, and spices. In Switzerland, Christmas is as much about baking as it is about celebration. Families gather around the kitchen table to prepare an assortment of traditional cookies — each one carrying the flavor of heritage, warmth, and togetherness.

Among the most beloved are Mailänderli, delicate butter cookies cut into stars and bells, brushed with egg yolk for a golden sheen. Their simple, buttery sweetness is a favorite with children and adults alike.

Then there are Zimtsterne, cinnamon stars made with ground almonds and topped with a crisp white meringue glaze — a fragrant reminder of cozy winter evenings.

Brunsli, rich chocolate-almond cookies from Basel, bring a touch of indulgence to the cookie tin, their dense texture and deep cocoa flavor pairing perfectly with a cup of mulled wine.

Each region of Switzerland contributes its own specialties, and every household adds its personal touch — a hint more cinnamon, a splash of kirsch, or a cherished family shape passed down through generations. Together, these cookies create more than a dessert platter; they form a tapestry of memory and celebration, shared from one Christmas to the next.