Georgian Winter Desserts That Tourists Don’t Know About (More Than Churchkhela!)

Georgia is famous for Churchkhela, but winter in Georgia brings so many more sweet surprises that most tourists never discover. When the cold season arrives, Georgian homes fill with the smell of walnuts, honey, dried fruits, and warm spices. One of the most traditional winter treats is Gozinaki, a festive dessert made from caramelized honey and crunchy walnuts, prepared especially for New Year celebrations. Another hidden gem is Pelamushi, a soft grape pudding made from thickened grape juice and flour, often enjoyed with nuts on top. In the mountain regions, families also prepare Tklapi-based sweets, using fruit leather rolls made from plums or apricots, which are both tangy and naturally sweet. These desserts are simple, homemade, and deeply connected to Georgian hospitality — the kind of comfort food you’ll only taste when you visit in winter.

 

Beyond sweets, Georgian winter tables are full of hearty flavors, and desserts often come with warm drinks like herbal teas or mulled wine. Many locals enjoy Nazuki, a sweet spiced bread from Shida Kartli, baked fresh and perfect with tea on a snowy day. You may also find Baklava Georgian-style, slightly different from its neighbors, rich with nuts and syrup, especially in western Georgia. Winter is also the best time to try dried persimmons, figs, and homemade jams served as dessert after long family dinners. Visiting Georgia in winter means discovering a world of cozy flavors far beyond the famous Churchkhela — and with Georgian Holidays, you can experience these authentic seasonal treats just like locals do.