The Christmas season has arrived once more, and if you're looking to impress at holiday gatherings this year, a great way to do so is with a specialty dessert crafted right here in the capital. We have compiled a list of treats that you can give to friends or take home.
**Panettone by Bottega & Forno**
Consider panettone as an improved version of fruitcake – it’s the kind of Christmas cake you’d be thrilled to receive, even though it resembles more of a bread and is fundamentally different from fruitcake in its preparation. Hailing from Milan, panettone is a dome-shaped loaf that boasts a cake-like texture and fluffiness reminiscent of brioche, enjoyed not just in Italy but worldwide. This Christmas bread is dotted with pieces of candied fruit or chocolate and requires considerable effort and time to make properly.
Our top choices for purchasing panettone every year in Beijing are Bottega and Forno. Their panettone is substantial enough to be shared by six people, freshly made in the capital, and priced at RMB 168 at all Bottega and Forno locations, or available for delivery.
- **Bottega (Xinyuanli)**: 01, 1/F, 20 Xinyuanli Xi, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区新东路新源里西里20号1层01室 | Hours: Noon-midnight | Contact: 010 6410 9800
- **Bottega (CBD)**: Unit E116B and E118, 101, 1/F, Block E, Zhongjun World City, Jinhui Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区金汇路中骏世界E座1层101内E116B, E118单元 | Hours: 11am-11pm | Contact: 010 6591 5348, 186 1048 9047
- **Forno (Sanlitun)**: S6-33, 3/F, Taikooli South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区三里屯路19号太苦里南区3层 S6-33 | Hours: 11am-11pm | Contact: 010 6462 7448
**Stollen & Marzipan Stollen by Michael’s German Bakery**
Next up is something that leans closer to fruitcake: Stollen bread. Originating from Dresden, Stollen is a Christmas delicacy made from rich, dense yeasted bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices like cardamom and nutmeg, shaped to resemble the swaddled baby Jesus. Marzipan Stollen enhances this with a core of marzipan—a sweet treat crafted from ground almonds and sugar—adding extra richness.
When it comes to Stollen and marzipan Stollen, Michael’s German Bakery stands out in Beijing, having produced these baked goods in northeast Beijing for over 13 years. You can find their prices for the two types of bread in the image above, and check the poster below for additional Christmas offerings from the bakery. These delightful treats are available at their shop (address below) or can be ordered online using the telephone number provided.
- **Michael’s German Bakery 麦客天成德国面包房**: 8-1 Laiguangying Donglu, Cuigezhuang Diqu, Chaoyang District (near Western Academy of Beijing), 朝阳区崔各庄地区来广营东路8-1号(近京西国际学校) | Hours: 7am-5pm (closed Wed) | Contact: 130 1100 0501 (also a WeChat contact)
**Christmas Cupcakes by Arwen Bread**
While not exactly traditional, we can never resist cupcakes, especially these beautifully decorated ones from Arwen Bread. Handmade by Fiona, the solo parent behind Arwen Bread, these cupcakes come in a set of six featuring festive decorations atop white frosting for a seasonal flair.
Arwen Bread's Christmas cupcakes are offered in packs of six for RMB 218, with pre-orders accepted until Dec 19. To place an order, connect with Fiona on WeChat (ID: fionayaoxi).
**Pies by HuTong’er Pie**
Although apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies are more commonly linked to American Thanksgiving than Christmas, a sweet pie is a delightful addition to any Christmas meal spread. The go-to place for pies in Beijing is undoubtedly HuTong’er Pie, known for making exceptional pies in the capital, regardless of their changing locations.
Pies are baked to order, available whole or by the slice, with starting prices of RMB 45+ for slices and RMB 360+ for full pies, excluding delivery. To see all of Hu
The Christmas season has arrived, bringing along festive desserts and treats.
