Greek Holiday Bakes & Sweets: A (Very) Brief History + Recipe Guide 🎁

Greek holiday desserts are the perfect combination of citrus, nuts, honey, and cinnamon. They are festive, without feeling heavy, and impressive to bring to any holiday gathering this year. This guide breaks down some of the classic desserts that I grew up with in my family that you’ll love bringing to yours this Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve.

History of Greek Holiday Desserts

Greek holiday desserts have deep roots in ancient traditions where honey, nuts, and dough were the foundation of sweet treats long before sugar was introduced. In ancient Greece, desserts like plakous and gastris were made with layers of nuts, sesame, and honey. They were early versions of what would eventually evolve into baklava (which we love today). Honey symbolized prosperity and the divine, often used in offerings to the gods and in festive meals that celebrated harvests and religious events.

Over the centuries, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian periods all influenced Greek holiday desserts and helped bring layers of new spices and techniques. By the time Christianity became central in Greece, sweet pastries and cookies took on symbolic meanings tied to major holidays. Honey-dipped cookies (melomakarona) and almond shortbread dusted in icing sugar (kourabiedes) became Christmas staples.

My Favorite Greek Holiday Desserts

Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Honey Cookies)

Melomakarona are a traditional Greek holiday cookie made with honey and walnuts. These cookies are so delicious and perfect for holiday festivities!

Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Vasilopita is a fun, traditional Greek cake made for New Year's Day. Hide a coin in the batter for one lucky person to find for good luck going into the new year.

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pie)

Bougatsa is a delicious, traditional Greek custard pie with orange zest. It's crispy, creamy, and fresh, and so good served with coffee or tea.

Portokalopita 🍊 (Greek Orange Phyllo Cake)

Portokalopita is an orange syrup-soaked cake made with phyllo. It's traditionally made in Greece and is so flavorful and impressive to serve to your family and friends.

Homemade Sesame Snaps (Greek Pasteli or Sesame Seed Bars)

These easy Homemade Sesame Snaps are also known as Greek Pasteli and are made of just 2 simple ingredients. Although sweet, they're also packed with nutrients!

Greek Frozen Yogurt Recipe (Peach & Cherry)

This easy Frozen Yogurt Recipe is healthy and takes only 10-minutes to prep. Get creative by adding all your fav fruits. 🍑🍒

Pistachio Ice Cream (with Feta)

This Pistachio Ice Cream can be made without an ice cream maker. It's the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and a great summer treat. 🍦

Serving Notes

Brew strong Greek coffee, slice oranges for the table and set out bowls of toasted walnuts and extra honey for drizzling. These serving suggestions will impress your guests while providing them with your new favorite Greek hliday desserts.

What holiday traditions are you celebrating this year?