When to bake Vanocka?

7. 10. 2025

While Christmas cookies usually start baking with the beginning of Advent, Vanocka is traditionally baked only the day before Christmas Day, i.e., in the afternoon or evening of December 23.

The symbolic reason is that the Vanocka represents a baby Jesus wrapped in a blanket; the practical reason is that, unlike candy, Vanocka does not need to be left to soften. On the contrary, eating it as soon as possible after baking is best.

In the past, several traditions were associated with Christmas baking; for example, women were not allowed to speak and had to be dressed in a white apron and cap. In many families today, baking Vanocka is the highlight of pre-Christmas preparations, and homemakers enjoy this time by lighting a Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music.

Yeast Christmas cake with almonds. — source: savortheflavour.com

Want to try something special? Discover how to braid a perfect Christmas vanocka step by step.

Author of the article Milan & Ondra

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