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The holiday season is the time of eating delicious food with the ones you love โ especially all those delicious sweets! The Spanish love their sugar and Christmas time brings out the most delicious recipes within each family. For the next few weeks you will see stores and bakeries stocking their shelves with traditional Christmas sweets of the the Christmas season. Whether you want to buy some or make them yourself, you will enjoy this yummy list of must-try Spanish Christmas desserts! Enjoy!
Roscรณn de Reyes
Known as โThe twisted roll of Kingsโ, Roscรณn de Reyes is one of the most classic Spanish Christmas desserts out there. It is usually eaten on Three Kings Day (January 6th). Dating back to times when the Romans ruled over much of Spainโs land, this treat was adopted by the Christians in the 4th century when the Church made it part of the annual celebration of the holiday. This delicious pastry is has become an essential part of the Spanish holidays.
Marzapรกn
Spanish marzipan is said to have been created centuries ago by the nuns of the Convent of San Clemente in Toledo. Following the Battle of las Navas de Tolosa in the year 1212, there was a devastating famine in Castile. Since there wasnโt any wheat available at time, the nuns were able to feed the malnourished townspeople with the sugar and almond reserves they had stocked in the city. And since then this delectable sweetmeat has become commonplace as a Spanish Christmas treat!
Turrรณn
Invented centuries ago in a small Spanish town named Jijona, Turrรณn de Navidad has become the classic Spanish treat of the holidays. The Moors would get the raw, organic honey needed for the dish from the wildflowers growing on the mountainside. Itโs been around for over 500 years for a reason: itโs that good! If youโre in Madrid for the holidays, this simple, easy-to-make Christmas treat is a MUST!
Pestiรฑos
These flakey, delicate goodies have played a crucial role in traditional Spanish Christmas dessert for years. Theyโre easy and fun to make and enjoy with family and friends during the holidays!
Polvorรณn
This delicious dream of a cookie has also become an absolute staple in traditional Spanish holiday dishes. A rich, crumbly shortbread treat; this Christmas cookie will melt in your mouth!
Mantecados
No Spanish home is without mantecados on Christmas! Dating back to the 16th century, these classic crumble cakes are light but certainly carry a rich, unique flavor!
More Articles on Christmas in Madrid & Spain:
December 8th: The Kickoff to the Spanish Holiday Season!
Delicious Christmas Desserts from Spain
December in Madrid – 18 Holiday Events in 2025
15 Christmas Markets in Madrid that you Must Visit in 2025!
The Spanish Kitchen: Mantecados
Los Reyes Magos: Spain’s Extended Christmas 2025
Christmas Shopping in Madrid
11 Madrid-Inspired Gift Ideas for Christmas
Nochevieja Universitaria: Early NYE Festival in Salamanca!
El Gordo: The Spanish Christmas Lottery
Spanish Christmas Phrases to Use in Spain
Celebrating New Year’s 2026 in Madrid!
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!






