Bring a touch of Baltic magic to your holiday table with Kūčiukai (also known as "Christmas Eve Biscuits"). These tiny, golden bites filled with poppy seeds are more than just cookies – they are a symbol of prosperity, unity, and centuries-old Lithuanian Christmas traditions ✨. Best of all? This quick version is made without yeast and ready in under an hour!

🎄 What Are Kūčiukai?

Kūčiukai (pronounced koo-chiu-kai) are traditional Lithuanian biscuits prepared for Christmas Eve Dinner (Kūčios) – a festive meal that includes 12 meatless dishes, each symbolizing one of the Apostles. These humble, slightly sweet bites are usually flavored with poppy seeds and occasionally dipped into poppy seed milk or served with cranberry kissel. While the old-school recipe uses yeast, this modern, quick recipe simplifies the process using baking powder – no long rising time required!

🎓 A Glimpse Into Lithuanian Tradition

Lithuanian families cherish Kūčiukai as a sacred part of their Christmas Eve feast. Historically, they were boiled in milk and water, but over time, baking became the preferred method. Some versions include butter, cream, or eggs – but in keeping with the traditional Christmas Eve fasting, this recipe is entirely dairy-free and egg-free.

📆 Quick Kūčiukai vs. Traditional Recipes

While classic Kūčiukai require hours of rising time and yeast preparation, our version skips the wait without sacrificing flavor. These quick Kūčiukai are just as delicious, made with:

• Baking powder
• Honey
• Poppy seeds
• No yeast required!

🥜 Ingredients You’ll Need

(See full quantities in the recipe card below)

• All-purpose flour (aka plain flour)
• Baking powder (not baking soda!)
• Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• Caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
• Sunflower/vegetable oil (any neutral oil works)
• Poppy seeds (a must!)
• Water
• Salt, just a pinch

📅 Tip: You can swap up to 1/4 of the white flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

🌧️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C Fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or jug, mix water, honey, sugar, and oil until the sugar dissolves.
4. Make the dough: Create a well in the dry mix, pour in the wet mixture, and gently combine using your hands.
5. Knead just until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it.
6. Divide dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a rope about 1cm thick.
7. Cut into small nuggets (about 1cm each) using a knife or dough scraper.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the tray if needed halfway through.

🫶 How To Serve Kūčiukai

Traditionally served at the end of the Christmas Eve dinner with:

• 🧋 Poppy seed milk (a sweet, nutty drink made from ground poppy seeds and honey)
• 🍇 Cranberry Kissel (a jelly-like drink/dessert)
• Or simply on their own with tea!

In olden times, Kūčiukai were often soaked in the drinks and eaten like a sweet soup.

🚴 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Best enjoyed fresh, but can be made 2–3 days in advance
• Store cooled Kūčiukai in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
• Can be frozen before or after baking:
  • Freeze unbaked: bake from frozen for 15–20 min
  • Freeze baked: refresh in the oven for a few minutes after thawing

🧰 FAQs

What does Kūčiukai mean? The name comes from "Kūčios" – the Lithuanian word for Christmas Eve. Are these biscuits sweet or savory? They are subtly sweet and earthy from the poppy seeds and honey – perfect for dipping! Can I make them vegan? Absolutely! Swap honey for maple syrup and you’re good to go!

🌸 Bringing Lithuania to Your Table

Reconnect with your roots or explore a new festive flavor with these cozy Lithuanian biscuits. Whether you serve them the traditional way or as a unique holiday treat, Kūčiukai are sure to become a Christmas favorite — quick, easy, and full of meaning ❤️.