Swiss

Chocolate, sophisticated baking, cheese, regional specialties, and of course what we grew up with.

A large, black camera lens with a reflective front element, white text, and an orange accent ring, viewed at a slight angle against a plain light background.
7 Feb 2026

Basler Leckerli

Rich honey and sugar form the base for these Swiss spiced biscuits, studded with almonds and candied citrus peel. A hint of Kirsch and a delicate powdered sugar glaze complete these chewy, flavorful treats.

Cook time: 23 minutes
Heart and round gingerbread cookies, white icing swirls, topped with almonds and fruit.
5 Feb 2026

Lebkuchen (Swiss Ginger Bread)

This traditional Lebkuchen recipe yields a chewy gingerbread with a rich, spiced flavor. After a crucial overnight rest, the dough is rolled thin, baked, and then allowed to "ripen" for several days before decorating, making it perfect for building a festive gingerbread house.

Prep time: 1440 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Lit candle, Chraebeli cookies on a tray, and a floral teacup with red tea on a wooden table.
22 Dec 2012

Chräbeli (Anise cookies)

This is another traditional Christmas cookie we love, which is distinctively flavored with anise seeds. The simple dough is shaped into small, cut pieces and then left to dry overnight. Finally, they are baked at a low temperature for a short period.

Prep time: 480 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Star-shaped Zimtsterne cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a colorful floral plate.
2 Dec 2012

Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars)

A traditional Swiss Christmas cookie recipe that was passed down from our grandmothers (and probably their grandmothers). This one is transcribed from handwritten notes, now smudged, crinkled, and showing years of active love, that we kept from our student days.

This cookie contains mostly almonds and has no flour in it - a very good gluten-free choice.

Prep time: 600 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes
Bowl of square cookies with dark chocolate topping and light sprinkles.
21 Dec 2011

Nussknusperli

This recipe provides an easy method for making delicious Swiss Christmas cookies. These bar-style treats feature a hazelnut-infused dough, baked as a sheet, then immediately topped with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of ground hazelnuts before being cut into squares.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Star-shaped jam cookies with red filling in a decorative blue tin.
19 Dec 2011

Spitzbuben

The name of these cookies means "mischievous boy." The jam peeking out is like a mischievous boy sneaking a peek.

Cook time: 10 minutes
Stack of light brown square Gewürzschnittli bars on a green leaf plate.
17 Dec 2011

Gewürzschnittli (Spice squares)

Traditionally in Switzerland we bake at least 4 different kinds of Christmas cookies during the Holidays. Our family does about 6 kinds. 

This quick and easy Swiss Christmas cookie recipe features ground almonds or hazelnuts, lemon zest, and candied fruits. Baked in a sheet and topped with a simple lemon glaze, these delicious cookies are cut into bite-sized pieces and can be frozen for freshness.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes