Almond nougat, or turrón de almendra, is the most famous holiday treat in Spain. Its origins date back to the time when Muslims ruled the Iberian Peninsula, more than five centuries ago. From October through January, supermarkets throughout Spain are filled with many varieties of turrón. Most fall into two categories: the hard nougat (from Alicante) and the soft nougat (from Jijona). On average, Spaniards eat around one kilo of nougat per person per year, and 90% is consumed around the holidays!

Other holiday treats that are popular in Spain include: mazapán (marzipan), mantecados (powdery shortbread),  polvorón (a type of mantecado that has almonds), peladillas (candied almonds), roscos de vino (ring shaped cookies made with a touch of wine), pestiños (honey-glazed fritters), and roscón de reyes (a sweetbread that celebrates Three King’s Day in Spain and throughout Latin America.)