40 Baking Recipes from Around the World (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Baking

Ready for a taste-cation? Let's bake our way around the globe with cakes, breads, cookies and more—each inspired by a different country.

1/39

French Butter Cookies

France

The Brittany region of France is known for its use of butter. These French butter cookies, also known as sable Breton, shine the spotlight on the famous ingredient. This recipe is mildly sweet, rich, crisp and has a hint of salt. You won’t be able to resist having a second—or third. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

2/39

Crusty French Loaf

France

A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. —Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas

Find even more breads from around the world!

3/39

Gougeres

France

I brought the recipe for these gougeres back from a trip to Nice, France. The original called for Gruyere cheese, but I found that Gouda is a more budget-friendly alternative. These puffs are a wonderful bite-sized treat. If you have leftovers, float a few of these gems on a bowl of soup in place of croutons. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

4/39

Conchas

Mexico

Concha (Mexican sweet bread) is a breakfast or snack pastry found all over Mexico. It has a fluffy brioche-like dough with a crispy streusel topping, scored to resemble a shell. The pastry can come in a variety of colors and other shapes, but I prefer the plain and chocolate streusel. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

5/39

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Mexico

My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

6/39

Jammy Dodgers

England

On my first trip to Great Britain, I stumbled upon these cookies (or biscuits in the U.K.). These iconic treats, also spelled Jammie Dodgers, can be found everywhere over there. Since I couldn’t find them in the States, I had to make my own homemade Jammy Dodger recipe. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

7/39

Cornish Pasties

England

My Great-Aunt Gladys was from a small mining town in England where pasties were popular. I loved to watch her craft each Cornish pasty, as she made them in different sizes depending on who was eating. Serve with a green salad to make a wonderful meal. —Verna Hainer, Pueblo, Colorado

8/39

Plum Streusel Kuchen

Germany

This recipe is actually called “platz” in German (meaning “flat”) and has been in my family since before I was born. The fresh fruits of summer make it a favorite, and it’s simply wonderful warm out of the oven. We enjoy this German plum cake with ice cream or whipped cream, too. —Lisa Warkentin, Winnipeg, Manitoba

9/39

Oma’s Marzipan Stollen

Germany

My German grandma made this stollen for us when we were young. I love its homey taste and how it reminds me of her and the German food she made. I often freeze this sweet bread once it’s shaped into a braid. Then I can pull it out the night before, let it rise on the counter overnight, and bake it in the morning. —Abigail Leszczynski, Beauford, South Carolina

10/39

Bee Sting Cake

Germany

This bee sting cake (aka bienenstich) may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take each step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

11/39

Lemon Mango Kanafeh

Turkey

Several years ago I came upon a little neighborhood restaurant making the most incredible Turkish food I’d ever seen or tasted. I was completely blown away by the dessert and had to learn how to make it. —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California

12/39

Swedish Butter Cookies

Sweden

It’s impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they’re a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is “well-traveled” among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois

13/39

Tahitian Breakfast Treats

Tahiti

This is a healthy take on the Tahitian coconut breakfast treat called Firi Firi, which is typically fried. My version is baked and rolled in a spicy island sugar mix. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

14/39

Linzer Cookies

Austria

This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help to make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin

15/39

Austrian Walnut Cookies

Austria

Known as palatschinkens in Austria, these rich cookies melt in your mouth. The delicate, tender pastry surrounds a walnut filling that’s just sweet enough. The recipe comes from a co-worker who was known for her wonderful baked goods. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania

16/39

Creamy Caramel Flan

Spain

A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

17/39

Whipped Cream Krumkake

Norway

Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here’s your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa

18/39

Melomakarona

Greece

Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this melomakarona cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It’s just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California

19/39

Chocolate Alfajores

Argentina

Chocolate alfajores, also known as alfajores de chocolate, are a popular South American dessert made of slightly sweetened shortbread cookies filled with a rich and creamy milk caramel called dulce de leche. It’s best to chill the dough at least 2 hours so the cookies hold when baking. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi

20/39

Challah

Israel

Eggs lend to the richness of this traditional challah bread recipe. The attractive golden color and delicious flavor make it hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

21/39

Rugelach

Israel

The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.

22/39

Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread

Israel

This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California

23/39

Torcetti

Italy

Our Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and me roll out the dough for these tasty torcetti. Their melt-in-your-mouth goodness is delicious without being overly sweet.—Joy Quici, Upland, California

24/39

Olive Focaccia

Italy

After adding my own special touches to a basic focaccia recipe—including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers—the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin

25/39

Pizzelle

Italy

This recipe was adapted from one that my Italian-born mother and grandmother followed. They used old irons on a gas stove, but now we have the convenience of electric pizzelle irons. These delectable cookies are still a traditional treat in our family. —Elizabeth Schwartz, Trevorton, Pennsylvania

26/39

Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaica

My mom was born in Jamaica and lived there until she moved to the United States during her university years. I’ve loved this Jamaican beef patty recipe for most of my life. The savory flavor and spices are just right, and the pastry is flaky and delicious. —Natasha Watson, Douglasville, Georgia

27/39

Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake

Jamaica

My take on those boozy treats that weigh down suitcases returning from Jamaica, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

28/39

Poteca Cake

Slovenia

Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming

29/39

Almond Ginger Cookies

China

Think outside the box this season and enjoy these traditional Chinese cookies, each one topped with an almond slice. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

30/39

Grandma’s Scottish Shortbread

Scotland

My Scottish grandmother was renowned for her baking, and one of the highlights whenever we visited my grandparents was her bringing out the baking tin. Her shortbread cookies were my favorite, and now, whenever I make them, I remember her. This is not a thin, crispy dessert shortbread; it’s a deep bar that is best served with a cup of tea. —Jane Kelly, Wayland, Massachusetts

31/39

Scottish Oatmeal Rolls

Scotland

My family likes rolls that can hold up to scooping gravies, sauces and more. This recipe is a favorite. The oatmeal in the dough gives it a Scottish touch. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma

32/39

Caraway Seed Rye Bread

Czech Republic

My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan

33/39

Mashed Potato Kolachkes

Czech Republic

My husband’s Bohemian mother brought a kolachke recipe with her when she came to America. So these rolls are a part of our family’s heritage. Other traditional fillings are prune, poppy seed and cottage cheese. —Jan Wagner-Cuda, Deer Park, Washington

34/39

French Canadian Tourtieres

Canada

This recipe comes from my big sister. Each fall, we get together and make about 20 of these pies to use at Christmas, give as gifts or freeze for unexpected company. —Pat Menee, Carberry, Manitoba

35/39

Finnish Pinwheels

Finland

When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I’d made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they’re still being made in our ancestors’ country. —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan

36/39

Classic Irish Soda Bread

Ireland

This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

37/39

Chocolate Babka

Poland

I love this chocolate babka. It’s a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it’s slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

38/39

Holland Butter Cookies

Holland

My great-grandmother’s Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey

39/39

Golden Apple Pie

United States

Pies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one’s the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California

Up next: This Japanese Milk Bread recipe!

Ellie has spent almost 20 years writing and editing food and lifestyle content for several well-known publishers. As Taste of Home's content director, she leads the team of editors sharing tasty recipes, cooking tips and entertaining ideas. Since joining Taste of Home 13 years ago, she has held roles in digital and print, editing cookbooks, curating special interest publications, running magazines, starring in cooking and cleaning videos, working with the Community Cooks and even handing out cookies and cocoa at local holiday events. Gluten- and dairy-free since 2017, she’s a staff go-to on allergy-friendly foods that actually taste good.If she's not in her plant-filled office, find Ellie in her family’s urban veggie garden, in the kitchen trying new GF/DF recipes or at a local hockey rink, cheering on her spouse or third grader.