Updated: Feb. 09, 2022
After takeoff from the North Pole with his trusty reindeer, Santa Claus has his work cut out for him. Somehow he manages to deliver our favorite gifts to millions of homes, all on the night before Christmas.
In return for his hard work, he is usually rewarded with a variety of refreshments. Here are some traditional gifts that kids set out for Santa around the world.
No matter where in the world you are, your kids can also watch Santa live at the North Pole.
What Is Traditionally Left Out for Santa?
United States
American boys and girls leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus, likeour Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.
Knit stockings are hung on the fireplace for Santa to stuff with small gifts—or coal for the naughty children—before he ascends back up the chimney.
Germany
On Christmas Eve, German children write handwritten letters to the Christkind, a gift-bearing angel that represents the Spirit of Christmas. On Christmas morning, the letters are gone and replaced with gifts. Get in the holiday spirit with traditional German Christmas foods.
Denmark
Danish tots gift Santa with a filling bowl of rice pudding, or risengrod. According to legend, there may be trouble if someone forgets to leave it out for him. You’ll want to try your hand at some of these rice pudding recipes, straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
England
English families leave Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas) a glass of sherry and a slice of mince pie to warm up on Christmas Eve.
Argentina
Argentinian children leave their shoes outside their front doors, in hopes of finding them filled with presents. They are also known to thoughtfully leave out some water and hay for Santa’s reindeer.
Italy
Italian children await Babbo Natale to bring presents on Christmas Eve while they sleep. Another tradition involves La Befana, an old lady who delivers gifts to boys and girls on Epiphany, which falls on January 6. The kids hang stockings by the fireplace for Befana to fill. Panettone, a sweet bread, is left as a treat. Our Black Forest Panettone Pudding will have you sayingBuon Natale!
Find more unusual Christmas traditions you’ve never heard of.
Sweden
In Sweden, Christmas presents are delivered by Tomten (which means “the Gnomes”). The tradition in Sweden is to leave porridge like this with a generous pat of butter in it. This started with farmers leaving a bowl of hot porridge with expensive butter as a reward for the gnomes’ hard work on the farm during the year, one Taste of Home reader tells us.
Some Swedish children also leave out a hot cup of coffee to help keep Santa awake for the rest of his journey. By the way, there’s a reason Scandinavian coffee tastes so good—find out the secret ingredient.
Ireland
In Ireland, kids leave out mince pies and pints of Guinness for Santa. He may not want to leave the house to finish his rounds! You may not want to either, after you try our Chocolate Guinness Cake.
France
Pere Noel receives biscuits when he arrives at French families’ homes. Here are some traditional French Christmas recipes to prepare.
Australia
Australian children set out cookies for Santa, but instead of milk, they leave him an ice-cold glass of beer. After all, December is summer in the land Down Under. The children leave carrots for Santa’s reindeer to munch on, too.
Traditional Cookies to Leave Out for Santa
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Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread CookiesWith only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New HampshireAlso, if you are looking for some quick and easy recipes; check theseChristmas cookiesfor stress free holidays.Go to Recipe
Almond Spritz CookiesThis almond spritz cookies recipe can be left plain or decorated with colored sugar and frosting. In our house, it just wouldn't be Christmas without some cookie press recipes.—Tanya Hart, Muncie, Indiana
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Gingerbread Men CookiesNo holiday treat platter would be complete without a gingerbread men cookie recipe! This is a tried-and-true recipe I'm happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
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They're also one of the most popular Christmas cookies of all time.
Vanilla-Butter Sugar CookiesThese butter sugar cookies are one of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, so you can use it for other holidays, too. Children like to help with the cookie decorating. —Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota
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If you're a fan of snowmen and sugar cookies, these TikTok melted snowman sugar cookies offer the perfect cookie combination.
Chocolate Thumbprint CookiesMy group of friends had a weekly "movie night" during winters on Martha's Vineyard, and we'd take turns making a chocolate treat to share. These terrific chocolate thumbprint cookies were an instant success. Once they debuted, I had to make them many more times. —Laura Bryant German, W. Warren, Massachusetts
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Cranberry Shortbread CookiesMy family loves shortbread and I love cranberries, so I decided to put the two together to make cranberry shortbread cookies. The star shape is a festive addition to my holiday cookie tray. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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Peppermint BiscottiDipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint candy, these flavorful biscotti are a favorite. They are among the many sweets I make for Christmas. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
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Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Italian Rainbow CookiesMy family has made these classic Italian rainbow cookies for generations, and this homemade version is so much better than the bakery version. They are always a special treat during the holidays or any time of year! —Cindy Casazza, Hopewell, New Jersey
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Taste of Home
Peanut Butter Christmas MiceWith their black licorice tails, candy noses and peanut ears, these chewy "mice" were always a hit at classroom parties. My children are in their teens now, but they still ask me to make these cookies for the holidays. —Nancy Rowse, Bella Vista, Arkansas
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Christmas Sandwich CremesThese melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies have a scrumptious filling. I helped my sister make these in high school when she needed a project in her home economics class. My guess is that these were some of the best Christmas cookies in her class. She got an A+! —Janice Poechman, Walkerton, Ontario
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Triple-Chocolate Peppermint CookiesSanta is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty triple-chocolate peppermint cookies waiting for him. They're quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
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Buttery Spritz CookiesThis tender spritz cookie recipe is very eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
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PizzelleThis 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
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Coconut CloudsCoconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
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Snickerdoodles Recipe photo by Taste of Home
SnickerdoodlesThe history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peppermint MeltawaysThis recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
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Frosted Eggnog CookiesEggnog stars in both the cookie and frosting in this new-found recipe, imparting a subtle holiday flavor.—Amanda Taylor, Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan
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Gingerbread Oatmeal CookiesCookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, and they go fast. You may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
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Jeweled Coconut DropsRed raspberry preserves add a festive flair to these tender coconut drops. Perfect for potlucks and cookie exchanges, the shaped cookies never last long when I make them for my husband and two sons. —Ellen Marie Byler, Munfordville, Kentucky
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Dipped GingersnapsI get tremendous satisfaction making and giving time-tested yuletide treats like these dipped gingersnaps. Dipping them in white chocolate makes much-loved gingersnaps even more special. —Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
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Pistachio-Cranberry RugelachTraditional rugelach gets dressed up for the holiday with pistachios, cranberries, and snow-white icing. Rich but not too sweet! — Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
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Chocolate-Covered Cherry CookiesAlthough these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan
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Scottish Shortbread Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Scottish ShortbreadMy mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
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Holiday Almond TassiesI make so many of these fancy tassies, I use up a 7-pound container of almond paste every year! They’re one of my family’s holiday favorites. —Donna Westhouse, Dorr, Michigan
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Lemon SnowflakesYou’ll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
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Taste of Home
Jolly Ginger Reindeer CookiesI made gingerbread cookies for years before realizing my gingerbread-man cutter becomes a reindeer when turned upside down. They’re super crispy and fun! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Italian Pignoli Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Italian Pignoli CookiesCookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can’t let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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In our family, holiday cookies—like these nutty fig ones—are a big deal. I'm so proud to be passing on this Italian tradition to my two boys. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Whipped Shortbread Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Whipped ShortbreadThese whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
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Italian Christmas CookiesA single batch of these ricotta cheese cookies is never enough. I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. The ricotta cheese makes the morsels extra moist. —Doris Marshall, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
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Peanut Butter Blossom CookiesHere's proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossom cookies are an easy family favorite and never fails to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Brandy SnapsThese cream-filled brandy snaps are the perfect sweet treat. Include them on a holiday cookie platter or serve them at the end of a meal with coffee or tea. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida
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Touch-of-Gold Christmas TreesYou can decorate these pretty Christmas trees with other types of sprinkles if you don't have the gold dust. The filling alone makes the cookies special and so delicious! —Linda Sweet, Cornwall, New York
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Fruitcake Christmas CookiesAs holiday gifts, these rich fruit-and nut-filled cookies are pretty and practical. These are great make ahead Christmas cookies —the taste actually gets better over time! —Julia Funkhouser, Carson, Iowa
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Callahan Christmas WreathsWhen my family asked for good old Norwegian wreath cookies, I studied several recipes for ideas, then added my own special touches. — Cassidy Callahan, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
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Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies"These simple saucepan cookies are a snap to make," assures Marg Mitro of Grafton, Ontario. "In fact, I can whip them up in 10 minutes for school lunches. The little treats are a big hit with any crowd—young or old," she adds.
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Rum BallsI make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
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Haystacks RecipeMy grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
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Shortbread Cut Out CookiesI found this recipe in a magazine over 30 years ago and have made these shortbread cutout cookies for Christmas ever since. They're an oh-so-simple recipe to whip up during the hectic holidays. —Jean Henderson, Montgomery, Texas
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