The holidays are the perfect excuse to slow down and indulge in something truly special. This season, bring European charm to your dessert table with sweets that feel like a trip to Paris, Milan, or Brussels—without leaving home.
From buttery Italian classics to refined Belgian chocolates, these are five holiday sweets you need to try (and share) this year.
Panettone is the quintessential Italian Christmas cake—tall, airy, and delicately sweet. Studded with candied fruit or chocolate, it’s as beautiful on the table as it is delicious on the plate.
How to enjoy it: Serve thick slices slightly warmed, with a pat of European butter or a drizzle of artisan honey. Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or a dessert wine for an elegant after-dinner moment.Use leftovers for tiramisù or bread pudding the next morning for a special holiday brunch.
Panettone brings a touch of authentic Italian tradition to any breakfast or dessert spread.
2.Buttery Italian Pandoro
If panettone is festive and rustic, pandoro is pure elegance. This golden, star-shaped cake is soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, typically dusted with a veil of powdered sugar that looks like freshly fallen snow.
How to enjoy it: Slice it horizontally into star-shaped layers and stack them with mascarpone cream or whipped cream between each tier. Dust generously with powdered sugar and garnish with berries for a stunning centerpiece. Turn leftover slices into french toast for Christmas morning with the family.
Pandoro is ideal if you love simple, buttery flavors and want a dessert that feels both refined and family-friendly.
3. Belgian Neuhaus Holiday Chocolates
No holiday season feels complete without exceptional chocolate. Belgian chocolates bring a level of craftsmanship and finesse that turns a simple bite into a memorable experience.
How to enjoy them: Present an assorted holiday box as the grand finale to a festive dinner. Create a “chocolate tasting” moment—pair milk, dark, and praline-filled chocolates with espresso, tea, champagne or dessert wine. Offer them as an elevated host gift that feels thoughtful, luxurious, and universally appreciated.
These chocolates do more than satisfy a sweet craving—they convey care, celebration, and impeccable taste.
4. Artisanal European Cookies & Biscuits
From delicate butter cookies to crisp, spice-kissed biscuits, European cookies bring old-world charm to your holiday table. Their textures and flavors are designed to pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
How to enjoy them: Arrange an assortment on a tray with fresh fruit, nuts, and small bowls of jam or honey.
Serve alongside afternoon tea or coffee for a relaxed, elegant holiday pause.Use them as a base for easy desserts—layer with mascarpone, fruit, or chocolate for quick, no-bake treats.
These cookies are perfect for impromptu gatherings, last-minute guests, or quiet, cozy afternoons at home.
5. French Confections: Honeys, Jellies & Pâtes de Fruits
French confections offer a lighter, more delicate way to enjoy something sweet during the holidays. Fragrant lavender honey, silky artisan honeys, and jewel-like fruit jellies and pâtes de fruits bring color, aroma, and refinement to your dessert table.
How to enjoy them: Drizzle lavender or artisan honey over panettone, pandoro, yogurt, or ice cream.
Serve honeys alongside an artisan cheese board with nuts and dried fruit.
Arrange fruit jellies and pâtes de fruits on a small tray with chocolates and biscuits as part of a dessert spread.
French honeys and fruit confections bring a quiet, elegant finish to your holiday sweets lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which holiday sweet is best for gifting?
Panettone, pandoro, and premium Belgian chocolates all make excellent gifts. Choose panettone or pandoro for a more traditional, festive feel, and chocolates for a universally loved, elegant option.
How can I build a holiday dessert table with these sweets?
Combine sliced panettone and pandoro, a tray of assorted cookies, a box of fine chocolates, and a prepared tiramisù. Add fresh fruit, nuts, and small bowls of jam or honey for a complete, visually rich spread.
Can I prepare any of these desserts in advance?
Yes. Tiramisù is ideal for making ahead, and panettone/pandoro keep well when stored properly. Chocolates and cookies are also perfect for planning ahead for guests.
What should I serve to drink with these sweets?
Pair with espresso, cappuccino, premium tea, dessert wines, or a festive non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. The right drink brings the entire experience together.