Traditional Mexican Holiday Recipes

You may be surprised to find out that tamales top the list of favorite holiday fare in Mexico. It's because they require so much time to make and so they are usually only made a few times a year in very large batches. Steaming hot tamales are a perfect food for the holidays and you have to unwrap them like a little present.

One of the first things that come to mind when you think of holidays is baking cookies. These Mexican wedding cakes will make a perfect new addition to your favorite cookies list with their delicate shortbread texture and flavor of roasted pecans.

Made for Posadas in late December or Día de los Santos Reyes on January 6th, this sweet holiday bread is shaped like a wreath and decorated with candied figs, lemon, cherries, and mango. A little baby Jesus doll is baked into the bread and whoever gets the piece of bread with the doll in it has to provide food for the next party which is for Candelaria or Candlemas on February 2nd.

This thick, rich porridge-like drink is a traditional holiday staple in Mexico. Served for breakfast or with lunch or dinner, it is satisfying and filling. Sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon and topped with fruit. The holidays just wouldn't be complete without a steaming mug of authentic atole. Try it and you'll see why this Mexican drink is a holiday favorite.

These sweet Mexican rolls are made fresh daily in local panaderias. Almost like a Mexican doughnut, they make a great addition to your morning cup of coffee and a festive addition to your holiday menu. You can color the topping red or green or use colored sugar sprinkles to decorate them.

Capirotada is a thick, rich Mexican bread pudding. This recipe flavors the capirotada with apples, pecans, cinnamon, and raisins. A piloncillo (or brown sugar) syrup sweetens the dish which can be topped with whipped cream.

Rompope is a thick, frothy drink similar to eggnog. It is flavored with rum and cinnamon and uses almonds to thicken it. It is a truly delicious beverage.

Arroz con leche is a wonderfully thick and rich rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and condensed milk. Serve it hot, topped with cinnamon and butter. This is a great holiday recipe to serve for breakfast, or as a dessert and good for any chilly day.

Whether you're waking up on a freezing cold morning or enjoying time with family next to a cozy warm fire in the fireplace, a cup of this warm chocolate drink is perfect to sip on and enjoy during the holidays.