Christmas Market Food: 16 Fairytale Stall Treats to Make at Home as Strasbourg Videos Pass 3 Million Views

Christmas market food is what you remember long after the trip: warm cinnamon almonds in a paper cone, a soft pretzel, a slice of stollen under a snowfall of powdered sugar. Walking-tour videos of the Strasbourg Christmas market, often called the most beautiful in the world, have passed 3 million views as the markets get ready to open again in late November. You do not need a plane ticket. Here are the stall treats, cookies and warm snacks of Alsace and Germany, all made in a home kitchen, plus spiced cider and rich hot chocolate for sipping. Put on a sweater, turn on the twinkle lights and start with the almonds..

Gebrannte Mandeln: Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Pure Christmas Market Food

Walk through the Strasbourg Christmas market at dusk and the first thing you notice is the smell of cinnamon sugar almonds roasting in copper kettles. Walking-tour videos of that city’s market have passed 3 million views, and the comments are full of people wishing they could smell it through the screen. You can, at home, in about 15 minutes, and they make a sweet gift beside cozy Christmas gifts in a mug. The trick is to keep stirring as the sugar melts, crystallizes and melts again into a glossy coating. Christmas market food starts right here..

You will need: 2 cups raw almonds, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt

How to make it: 1. Bring sugar, water, cinnamon and vanilla to a boil in a wide skillet. 2. Add almonds and stir constantly over medium heat. 3. Keep stirring as the syrup dries into a sandy coating, about 8 minutes. 4. Lower the heat and stir until the sugar melts again into a glossy shell. 5. Spread on parchment, separate quickly and sprinkle with salt.

Christmas Market Food Soft Pretzels With Mustard

Giant soft pretzels hanging from wooden pegs are part of the scenery at every Christmas market. They are chewy inside with a deep brown, shiny crust from a quick baking soda bath. Sprinkle with coarse salt and serve with sweet or spicy mustard. The baking soda bath is the secret to that classic pretzel flavor and color. Christmas market food is all about warm snacks you can hold in one hand. Find more ideas like this in our bakery-style soft pretzels and bagels. Sweet or spicy mustard?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 packet yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, 4 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp butter melted, 10 cups water, 2/3 cup baking soda, 1 egg beaten, coarse salt, mustard

How to make it: 1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water, add flour, salt and butter and knead 5 minutes; rise 1 hour. 2. Divide into 8 pieces, roll into 24 inch ropes and twist into pretzels. 3. Boil water with baking soda and dip each pretzel for 30 seconds. 4. Brush with egg and sprinkle with salt. 5. Bake at 450 F for 12 to 14 minutes.

Lebkuchen: German Christmas Market Food Classic

Lebkuchen are the soft, honey-spiced cookies sold in heart shapes and tins at every German Christmas market. They are chewy, fragrant with cinnamon, cloves, ginger and citrus peel, and often glazed or dipped in dark chocolate. The dough is made with ground nuts and honey, and the flavor improves after a few days in a tin. Bake them on thin wafer rounds if you can find them, or on parchment. Find more ideas like this in our old-country Polish Christmas cookies. Glazed or chocolate dipped?

You will need: 3/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp butter, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup ground almonds, 1/2 cup finely chopped candied orange peel, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp baking soda, zest of 1 lemon. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice

How to make it: 1. Warm honey, sugar and butter until melted; cool. 2. Beat in eggs, then add the dry ingredients, peel and zest. 3. Chill the dough 2 hours. 4. Scoop rounds onto parchment, flatten and bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes. 5. Brush with glaze while warm and store in a tin.

Bratwurst in a Roll, Hearty Christmas Market Food

A sizzling bratwurst tucked into a crusty roll with mustard and onions is the classic hot lunch at a German Christmas market. It is simple, hearty and perfect for cold fingers. Grill or pan-fry the sausages slowly so they brown without bursting. Caramelized onions take it to the next level. Serve with sauerkraut on the side for the full market experience. Christmas market food does not get more satisfying than this. Find more ideas like this in our cheap grandma hot dog suppers. Onions and mustard or sauerkraut?

You will need: 6 bratwurst sausages, 6 crusty rolls, 1 onion sliced, 1 tbsp butter, spicy mustard, sauerkraut

How to make it: 1. Simmer bratwurst in water for 10 minutes. 2. Brown in a skillet over medium heat until golden and 160 F inside. 3. Caramelize onion in butter for 15 minutes. 4. Toast rolls lightly. 5. Serve sausages in rolls with onions, mustard and sauerkraut.

Flammekueche (Tarte Flambee)

Flammekueche is the thin, crisp Alsatian flatbread you smell from across the Strasbourg Christmas market. It is topped with creme fraiche, thinly sliced onions and smoky bacon, then baked in a blazing hot oven. The crust should be paper thin. Use a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet preheated in the oven. Christmas market food from Alsace is famous for this simple, crowd-pleasing dish. Cut into squares for sharing. Find more ideas like this in our Christmas Eve dinners around the world. Would you add cheese?

You will need: 1 lb pizza dough or a simple flatbread dough, 1 cup creme fraiche or sour cream, 1 onion very thinly sliced, 6 slices thick bacon diced, salt, pepper, pinch nutmeg

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 500 F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. 2. Roll dough very thin. 3. Spread with creme fraiche and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. 4. Scatter onion and bacon. 5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are crisp and bacon is cooked.

Bredele (Alsatian Christmas Cookies)

In Alsace, families bake dozens of kinds of bredele, small butter cookies that fill tins all season and are sold in paper bags at the Christmas market. This classic butter version is cut into stars, hearts and bells, then brushed with egg yolk for a golden shine. The dough is simple and kid friendly. Chill it well so the shapes stay sharp. Christmas market food traditions in Alsace start with these cookies. Find more ideas like this in our stained-glass Linzer cookies. How many shapes will you cut?

You will need: 1 cup butter softened, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, zest of 1 lemon, 2 3/4 cups flour, pinch salt, 1 egg yolk for brushing

How to make it: 1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. 2. Add egg, vanilla and zest. 3. Mix in flour and salt and chill 1 hour. 4. Roll 1/4 inch thick, cut shapes and brush with yolk. 5. Bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Kougelhopf

Kougelhopf is the tall, fluted Alsatian yeast cake that stands proudly on bakery counters at Christmas. Studded with raisins and topped with almonds pressed into the pan, it is lightly sweet and perfect with coffee. Bake it in a traditional fluted ring pan or a Bundt pan. Dust it with powdered sugar like fresh snow. Christmas market food in Strasbourg often includes a slice of this classic. Find more ideas like this in our holiday upside-down cakes. Have you ever tried it?

You will need: 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 cup warm milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 cup raisins soaked in warm water, 1/2 cup almonds, powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, milk and eggs and knead 5 minutes. 2. Work in butter and salt until smooth, then add drained raisins and rise 1 1/2 hours. 3. Grease a fluted pan and place an almond in each groove. 4. Add the dough and rise 1 hour. 5. Bake at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes and dust with powdered sugar.

Stollen, the Christmas Market Food Loaf

Stollen is the German Christmas bread loaded with dried fruit, almonds and marzipan, then buried under a snowfall of powdered sugar. It has been baked in Dresden for more than 500 years and is sold at almost every Christmas market. Make it a week or two ahead and wrap it tightly; it gets better as it rests. Soak the fruit in orange juice for flavor without any spirits. Christmas market food lovers treasure this loaf. Find more ideas like this in our old-fashioned Christmas breads. Marzipan or no marzipan?

You will need: 4 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1/3 cup sugar, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 egg, 3/4 cup soft butter, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cardamom, zest of 1 lemon, 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit soaked in orange juice, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 7 oz marzipan, 1/2 cup melted butter, powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Make a soft dough with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, egg, butter, salt, cardamom and zest; rise 1 1/2 hours. 2. Knead in drained fruit and almonds. 3. Roll into an oval, lay a marzipan log down the center and fold over. 4. Rise 45 minutes and bake at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes. 5. Brush with melted butter and coat thickly with powdered sugar.

Raclette Potatoes

At the Christmas market, raclette cheese is melted under a heater and scraped right onto a plate of boiled potatoes, pickles and onions. It is pure cold-weather comfort. You can make it at home under the broiler with no special equipment. Use small waxy potatoes and slice the cheese thick. Serve with cornichons and pickled onions to cut the richness, and set out extra cheese, because everyone will want another scrape. Christmas market food is often this simple and this good. Find more ideas like this in our fondue and raclette party night. Would you try this at home?

You will need: 2 lb small waxy potatoes, 8 oz raclette cheese sliced, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, black pepper

How to make it: 1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. 2. Halve and arrange in a baking dish. 3. Lay cheese slices over the potatoes. 4. Broil 2 to 3 minutes until melted and bubbling. 5. Serve with pickles, onions and pepper.

Christmas Market Food Potato Pancakes With Applesauce

Crispy potato pancakes fried to order and served with a spoonful of applesauce are one of the most loved Christmas market food stalls. Grated potatoes and onion are squeezed dry, mixed with egg and flour and fried in hot oil until golden and lacy. Squeezing the potatoes is the key to crisp pancakes. Serve them right away while they crunch. They are also great with sour cream. Find more ideas like this in our crispy Hanukkah latkes. Applesauce or sour cream?

You will need: 2 lb russet potatoes peeled and grated, 1 onion grated, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, oil for frying, applesauce

How to make it: 1. Squeeze grated potatoes and onion in a towel to remove liquid. 2. Mix with eggs, flour, salt and pepper. 3. Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet. 4. Drop 1/4 cup portions and flatten, frying 3 to 4 minutes per side. 5. Drain and serve with applesauce.

Kasespatzle (Cheese Spaetzle)

Kasespatzle is the German answer to mac and cheese, with tender homemade dumplings layered with melted Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions. It is served in big pans at Christmas markets and warms you up instantly. The batter is easy: flour, eggs, milk and salt pressed through a colander into boiling water. Fry the onions slowly until deep golden. No spaetzle press? A wide-mesh colander and a spatula work fine. Christmas market food rarely gets heartier. Find more ideas like this in our cozy Hungarian comfort dishes. Have you ever made spaetzle?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, 2 onions sliced, 3 tbsp butter

How to make it: 1. Whisk flour, eggs, milk, salt and nutmeg into a thick batter. 2. Press through a colander into boiling salted water and cook until they float. 3. Fry onions in butter until golden. 4. Layer spaetzle and cheese in a hot skillet until melted. 5. Top with fried onions.

Pain d’Epices (French Spice Bread)

Pain d’epices is the honey spice bread of Alsace and Burgundy, sold in thick slices and wrapped loaves at the Strasbourg Christmas market. It is dense, moist and fragrant with anise, cinnamon, ginger and orange zest. It tastes better a day or two after baking. Slice it thin and spread with butter, or toast it lightly. Wrapped in parchment and twine, a loaf makes a thoughtful holiday gift for neighbors. Find more ideas like this in our homemade Christmas gifts in a jar. Would you serve this at breakfast?

You will need: 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup rye flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp anise, 1/2 tsp cloves, zest of 1 orange, 2 eggs

How to make it: 1. Warm honey, milk and sugar until combined; cool. 2. Whisk flours, baking soda, spices and zest. 3. Mix in honey mixture and eggs. 4. Pour into a greased loaf pan. 5. Bake at 325 F for 55 to 60 minutes and cool fully.

Christmas Market Crepes With Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Thin, warm crepes folded around chocolate hazelnut spread are a favorite treat from the crepe stands at French Christmas markets. They are surprisingly easy to make at home. Rest the batter for 30 minutes so the crepes stay tender. Add sliced bananas for extra sweetness, and keep finished crepes warm under a clean towel while you cook the rest. The first crepe is always for the cook. Christmas market food from France is all about these warm, sweet bites. Find more ideas like this in our paper-thin French crepe recipes. Banana or plain?

You will need: 1 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp sugar, pinch salt, chocolate hazelnut spread, sliced bananas

How to make it: 1. Whisk flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar and salt and rest 30 minutes. 2. Heat a buttered skillet over medium heat. 3. Pour in a thin layer and cook 1 minute per side. 4. Spread with chocolate hazelnut spread and add bananas. 5. Fold and serve warm.

Chimney Cake (Kurtoskalacs)

Chimney cakes are spirals of sweet yeast dough wrapped around a cylinder, baked until caramelized and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They come from Hungary but now appear at Christmas markets across Europe. Making them at home is easy with foil-wrapped rolling pins or empty cans. Serve warm so you can pull the spiral apart, and let kids help roll them in cinnamon sugar. The smell alone will bring everyone to the kitchen. Find more ideas like this in our Christmas desserts from around the world. Cinnamon or nuts?

You will need: 3 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 egg, 4 tbsp soft butter, pinch salt, melted butter for brushing, 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 2 tsp cinnamon

How to make it: 1. Make a soft dough and rise 1 hour. 2. Roll into long thin strips. 3. Wrap around foil-covered greased cylinders. 4. Brush with butter, roll in cinnamon sugar and bake at 375 F for 20 minutes, turning once. 5. Slide off and serve warm.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider for Christmas Market Food Nights

Every Christmas market has a stall selling hot, steaming cups of spiced drinks, and spiced apple cider is the family-friendly favorite. It is simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and orange slices. Keep it warm in a slow cooker for parties. Christmas market food and drink go hand in hand, and this one makes the house smell amazing. Serve in mugs with an orange slice. Find more ideas like this in our cheap homemade Christmas jar gifts. Would you sip this by the fire?

You will need: 8 cups apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 cloves, 3 star anise, 1 orange sliced, 2 tbsp brown sugar optional

How to make it: 1. Combine cider and spices in a large pot. 2. Add orange slices and sugar. 3. Bring to a simmer. 4. Keep warm on low for 30 minutes to infuse. 5. Strain and serve hot.

Hot Chocolate With Whipped Cream

A mug of thick, rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is the warm treat that keeps everyone happy at the Christmas market. This version is made with real chocolate and full-fat milk for a velvety texture. Whisk it well for a frothy top. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a festive twist. Use a good dark chocolate, and keep the heat low so the milk never boils. A thermos of it is perfect for a walk to see the neighborhood lights. Find more ideas like this in our easy chocolate-dipped treats. Would you add whipped cream or marshmallows?

You will need: 4 cups milk, 6 oz dark chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt, whipped cream

How to make it: 1. Heat milk until steaming. 2. Whisk in cocoa and sugar. 3. Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted. 4. Add vanilla and salt. 5. Serve hot with whipped cream.