Czech Christmas celebrations are inseparable from trays of delicate, homemade cookies. From vanilla crescents and Linzer cookies to honey gingerbread, these sweets are deeply rooted in holiday tradition. Many recipes require time to mature, so baking often begins weeks in advance, filling homes with the warm aroma of Christmas.

Families typically prepare many varieties each season, often ten or more, carefully shaped by hand and decorated with nuts, jam, or sugar. These cookies symbolize comfort, abundance, and good fortune, and are commonly shared with guests, friends, and colleagues. While the classics remain the same, every family adds its own touch, passed down through generations.

To find the best traditional cookies in Prague this season, we asked Klára Řezníčková, long-time pastry chef at Červený Jelen, to share her top recommendations.

Červený Jelen

Although not focused on large assortments of cookies, Červený Jelen offers a festive gingerbread honey cake during the holiday season. This dessert is a rich, spiced take on a Czech classic, layered with gooey sweetness. Everything is made from scratch in the restaurant’s pastry kitchen, with careful attention to quality ingredients and handmade preparation.

Cukrář Skála

For a carefully curated selection of traditional Czech Christmas sweets, Cukrář Skála is a standout. Their holiday boxes feature Linzer cookies with jam, nut rolls, coconut wreaths, and classic vanilla crescents made with butter and nuts. The flavors are authentic and balanced, and demand is high, so ordering early is strongly recommended.

Myšák

This legendary Prague bakery is known for its consistency and respect for tradition. Using quality butter, real nuts, and classic spice blends, Myšák produces rich, reliable Christmas cookies year after year. Their vanilla crescents, Linzer cookies, and nut biscuits deliver flavors that feel both nostalgic and refined, making it a trusted choice for traditional tastes.

Café Imperial Dolce

For those looking for classic cookies with a polished finish, Café Imperial Dolce delivers elegance without sacrificing tradition. Produced by the same team behind Café Imperial, these cookies are evenly baked, neatly shaped, and beautifully finished. Subtle details like perfect sugar dusting and clean jam lines give them a refined, elevated look.

Etapa

Etapa is especially known for its Včelí úly (Beehives or Wasp Nests), one of the most iconic Czech Christmas cookies. These sculpted treats are made using special molds and a mixture of ground biscuits, nuts, cocoa, butter, and sugar, then filled with sweet custard and sealed with a vanilla biscuit. Often flavored with rum or eggnog liqueur, they offer a rich, festive taste. Etapa allows customers to buy cookies individually, making it easy to sample before taking favorites home.

Final Note

Whether you’re craving classic flavors or beautifully crafted holiday treats, these Prague bakeries offer some of the best Czech Christmas cookies made with tradition, skill, and care. Each spot reflects a different expression of the same beloved holiday ritual.