When touring Poland this past winter, my friends and I toured Christmas Markets – taking great care to sample tons and tons of delicious treats on offer.

It was a completely magical experience (and one I can’t wait to do all over with them this winter- be sure to follow Rachel and Rebecca on IG for more gorgeous pics, too!) – full of delicious finds that are not so common in America.

You can find tons of pictures and info from our trip here:

Wroclaw Christmas Market

Ksiaz Castle

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Poland

Krakow Christmas Market

Krakow Nativity Competition

While we were in Poland exploring Christmas markets a few weeks ago, I completely fell in love. I have been looking forward to our trip through Germany with our kids this week- albeit with a little more of a sense of awareness around gatherings. Even though we were a bit nervous to go after the horrible events in Berlin, we’re excited to bring our kids to see another country this year (they will be at 3-5 countries this year, since we did Ireland and Northern Ireland this summer, depending on how the trip goes!) There is so much magic in Germany (and Poland) at Christmas- I’m so excited to see it all again through their eyes. Oh, and to be sipping on tons and tons of gluehwine soon! I’ll be sharing tons of photos- and also tips for traveling internationally with kids while we’re there- so stay tuned!! My best tip so far for travel abroad during the holidays? Live with your in-laws! It’s much easier than worrying about getting all the house all ready for a long absence ?! What’s your best travel with kids tip? #passporttopoland #wroclaw #poland #silesa #odellfamily #christmasingermany #travelwithkids #christmasmarkets #christmas #festive #pretty #gluehwine #exploreeverything #travelblogger #wanderlust #besttrip #girlslovetravel #traveladdict

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Dec 22, 2016 at 1:05pm PST

While we loved the meats, hot wassail, spiced nuts, and soft spicy gingerbread – there was one treat that was by far and away my favorite – the fresh, hot Chimney Cakes (kurtoszkalacz in Polish, or Kürtoskalács in Hungarian- where they are traditionally from).

Most Chimney Cake stands I saw had a couple flavors of cakes on offer – coconut, nut, nutella, chocolate (I have those recipes all coming VERY soon!!) but my absolute favorite were the sprinkle version.

I can’t help it – there was just something about Poland’s candy colored buildings and sprinkle cakes that were insanely magical!

Kürt?skalács, Polish Chimney cakes, are one of my favorite treats from the Christmas market – especially the fruit flavor with candy colored sprinkles (that perfectly match Wroc?aw’s candy colored row houses in the market square). Poland, you’ve been an absolute dream. Until next time, do widzenia! #Wroc?aw #passporttopoland #girlstrip #frankfurtorbust

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Dec 4, 2016 at 3:34am PST

(Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more travel photos – I am always off on crazy adventures, finding delicious things to eat all over the globe!!)

Wroclaw’s Christmas Market is about as magical a place as you can get – I loved the bright, warm lights, delicious food, impeccably colorful main square, and fun attractions at every corner. It seriously was the most fun I’ve had in a long time – and brought me back to the wonder and joy of Christmas when I was a kid. I’m trying to find a way I can make visiting the @wroclaw_official Christmas Market every year!!!! #poland #passporttopoland #girlstrip

A post shared by Courtney O’Dell (@sweetcsdesigns) on Dec 9, 2016 at 8:43pm PST

The big secret to this recipe is to have a proper Chimney Cake Making setup. I’m sharing my favorite Chimney Cake maker on Amazon below, but…..

Hot Tip: Wrap a paper towel rod with foil to make an impromptu chimney make pan. Simply set on a deep dish that is narrower than your paper towel rod, so the cakes can puff up in all directions! 

Or order my favorite tool to make these:

and if you’re wondering how I travel all over the world (usually for FREE! like my trip to Poland) – check out my guide here! 

Sprinkle Chimney Cakes (Kürtoskalács)

Yield: 6

Sprinkle Chimney Cakes (Kürtoskalács)

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Sprinkle Chimney Cakes, Kürtoskalács, are a deliciously sweet dessert often found at Christmas markets and festivals - and SUPER easy to make at home!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 gram flour
• 200 ml milk, full fat
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons yeast, 14 grams
• 2 eggs
• For topping:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 c sprinkles

Instructions

1. Add yeast, milk, and sugar to a bowl and stir.
2. Let proof until a thick foam sets, about 5-8 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, add flour and salt in a bowl, mix.
4. Make a well in the middle.
5. Add oil, eggs, and yeast mix to bowl.
6. Mix in stand mixer with paddle on medium until a smooth ball forms, about 5 minutes. Dough should not be sticky or dry, similar to a pizza dough.
7. If dough is too sticky, add flour, one tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add one teaspoon of water at a time.
8. Return to bowl and let rise until doubled in size, about one hour.
9. Punch down dough and lightly knead.
10. Separate into 6 portions.
11. Roll each of the 6 balls of dough out to a thin circle.
12. Take a pizza roller to cut winding corkscrew shape out of the dough.
13. Wrap dough around a paper towel rod, covered in foil, and well greased.
14. Place rod and dough on a deep baking dish - dough should have room to puff up about 1/4" in all directions.
15. Bake 8-15 minutes, until lightly browned.
16. In a small pan, melt butter and honey, adding in sugar, stirring often to help mix and prevent burning.
17. Brush honey butter mixture on dough.
18. Cover dough in sprinkles.
19. Let set about 3 minutes.
20. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 571 Saturated Fat: 13g Cholesterol: 68mg Sodium: 71mg Carbohydrates: 87g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 23g Protein: 12g