6 Scrumptious Latin Sweets for the Holidays

Forget store-bought desserts, generic cookies, and pre-packaged cocoa. It’s the season to indulge your sweet tooth and splurge on desserts with fresh ingredients and lots of Latin flavor. Though you probably find yourself going back to your tried and true classic holiday recipes, there’s always room for a new favorite treat. Whether you’re craving a rich hot chocolate, cookies, sweet tamales, or the spice of cinnamon, these Latin holiday desserts won’t disappoint!

If, like us, you’re a dulce de leche fan, sink your teeth into a healthier version of classic Alfajores, a crispy sandwich cookie with a gooey caramel center featuring coconut and brandy or cognac.

When the temperature outside starts to dip, pair your alfajores with some Mayan Spicy Hot Chocolate. In this incarnation, spice-infused chocolate is melted with creamy milk and topped with a dollop of honey vanilla whipped cream.

While Christmastime is tamale time, recipes usually favor the seasonal savory spins. Instead, go sweet with Raspberry Chocolate Tamales by making a masa laced with cocoa and filled with raspberries and chocolate chips.  

If you like holiday nuts, try Pequeño Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets, nutty chocolate mini-tarts brimming with the flavors of brown sugar and Kahlua. Make these ahead of time – they’re yummy whether served room temperature or frozen.

And if cinnamon’s your favorite seasonal spice, you won’t want to miss these Cinnamon Crescents, bite sized treats reminscent of churros.

Last but not least, tropical fruit makes an appearance in this light Mango and Raspberry Mousse that’s heavy on natural fruit flavor.  

Easy to make, and even easier to enjoy, try adding a few of these recipes to your holiday table…or, in the spirit of the season, sample them all!

Next, sweet treats for the holiday season… [pagebreak]

Healthy Alfajores

• 3/4 cup vegan butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy milk

• 2 tablespoons of pureed silken tofu
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1/8 teaspoon salt


Get the full recipe. 


Mango and Raspberry Mousse

• 1 large can of mangos in syrup


• 1/2 can condensed milk


• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries 


• 2 cans heavy cream


• 3 tablespoons sugar


Get the full recipe.

Mayan Spicy Hot Chocolate

• 2 cups whole milk

• 5 oz. dark (bittersweet) chocolate ground

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder

• teaspoon of salt

• sugar, to taste


Get the full recipe.

Next, more sweet treats for the holiday season… [pagebreak]

Pequeño Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets 

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 3 ounce package cream cheese, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

​Get the full recipe.

Cinnamon Crescents

• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Get the full recipe.