Guatemalan artisan candies are sweets made mostly from coconut, tamarind, nuts, seeds, fruit, milk, condensed milk, and of course a lot of sugar. Guatemalan traditional candies are known among the locals as “Dulces Tipicos”

How these delicious sweets are prepared is its own unique form of art: each piece of candy must be made by following specific steps and by using ripe fruits, clay pots, and a wood fire. Some candies have more complicated recipes than others, so they can take days to be ready, while more simple candies can be ready much faster!

The art of creating confections arrived in Guatemala through the religious orders that followed the arrival of the Spanish and introduced their culture to the  Americas. Because of this, and because of the historical influence of Arab culture in Spain, Guatemalan sweets are a mix of flavors from indigenous, Spanish, and Arab cuisine.

There are more than 100 different types of traditional candies; the most popular among them are probably the “Canillitas de Leche” which are made up of milk, sugar and cinnamon. If they are properly made they will have a creamy feel to them when you put a piece in your mouth. The list is endless and their recipes date back to more than 400 years.  – Kitty & Helga – www.thefoodieskitchen.com

The preparation of sweets and desserts was adjusted to the taste of the inhabitants of the different cities, transforming the old African and Mediterranean recipes, recreating others that over time have given regional identity to some Guatemalan cities and towns

There are different regions of the country where these sweets can be found, places like Mixco, Antigua Guatemala and Amatitlán where they are most elaborated.

But it is in Antigua Guatemala, where this art has been inherited from generation to generation and has been transcending throughout history, by people who have inherited the recipes and the tradition of craftsmanship from generation to generation.

Traditional Guatemala candies are sold in front of churches like San Francisco Church, at the artisan market at San Felipe de Jesus or on the local fiestas and fairs. While in La Antigua Guatemala, you can choose to visit famous stores like the doña María Gordillo, El Sombrerón, the local market or the small stands at the 1ra calle poniente among many other spots.

If you want to learn more about Guatemalan candies or Guatemalan Gastronomy join us on the CA Travelers Coffee & Gastronomic Bike Tour