Typical Sweets of Guatemala

Dulces Típicos are the colorful, traditional sweets of Guatemala. Typically enjoyed during holidays like Semana Santa and Feast Days of Saints, these treats date back to colonial times and are rich with tradition and history. The sweets themselves vary greatly due to the diversity of fruits, seeds and natural sweeteners found throughout Guatemala. Here are some of our favorites:

Bolitas de Tamarindo

Made from tamarind rolled into a little ball and then covered in sugar, these are a sweet and sour treat. Be careful, you’ll often find tamarind seeds inside!

Canillitas de Leche

Named for their long skinny shape and made from milk, sugar, and cinnamon, canillitas are by far one of the most popular traditional sweets amongst children and adults alike.

Colochos de Guayaba

A sweet traditional consumed during the festivals of patron saints, this chewy sweet is made from guava, sugar and spices and named after its unique curl shape.

Higos en Dulce

Figs were originally brought to Guatemala by the Spanish in colonial times. Here they are candied with sugar and spices and served in their own syrup.

Chilacayote

A chunk of pumpkin candied with syrup and spices, this uniquely textured and flavored sweet can be eaten cold or hot.

Mazapán

Made from raw almonds and sugar crushed into a soft and smooth paste, mazapán or marzipan as it is known in English is molded and served in a variety of traditional shapes - most typically fruits.

Antigua is particularly famous for its dulces típicos and Guatemalans always make sure to stock up on their favorites from local shops when visiting the colonial city. These candies are also sometimes sold in front of churches and by street vendors during local fiestas and fairs. In Antigua, you can find dulces típicos at: