24 Oct 2025

Panellets: artisanal tradition that conquers palates

When autumn arrives and the streets fill with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, families gather around the table to share moments of calm. It’s a time for lit candles, blankets, and snacks that comfort both body and soul. During this period, All Saints’ Day is sweetened with a classic of our gastronomy that has been part of tradition for centuries: panellets.

Do you also look forward to this time of year? For us, it’s one of the sweetest seasons! At Pastisseria Baixas, an artisanal bakery in Barcelona, we celebrate this treat as a living symbol of our sweet culture. On this occasion, we’ll tell you what panellets are, how they originated, their connection with La Castanyada, and why they continue to delight generation after generation.

Discover in this video a summary of how we make panellets:

What are panellets?

They are small traditional sweets made from a marzipan base, a mixture of ground almonds and sugar bound with egg white. They have a soft interior and a slightly crunchy exterior. When preparing them, the egg white is added carefully to give cohesion without making it dense, and lemon zest adds a fresh note that enhances the almond flavor. Small portions are formed from this base and can be flavored with coffee, cocoa, coconut, orange, or quince. They are then brushed with egg yolk, decorated to taste, and baked for just a few minutes, enough for the surface to turn golden without drying the interior.

Although many flavors exist, the most iconic is pine nut. To achieve a shiny and even finish, marzipan balls are coated with pine nuts adhered with a thin layer of egg yolk. A brief bake sets the nuts and develops roasted aromas that blend with the moderate sweetness of the marzipan.

Their origin

Panellets originated in the 18th century, linked to autumn religious celebrations. Their consumption grew around All Saints’ Day, when communities gathered and shared sweets made from ingredients already common in Mediterranean pantries, like almonds and sugar. There are references to offerings and distribution of small marzipan sweets in churches during these days, establishing a custom that persists today. From this devotional root, a family and popular tradition arose, with bakeries and households perfecting recipes and variations over time.

La Castanyada: the celebration that accompanies panellets

If you’ve wondered what day panellets are eaten, the answer is the eve of November 1st, when La Castanyada is celebrated. This autumn festival brings families together around the table to enjoy panellets, roasted chestnuts, baked sweet potatoes, and a glass of sweet wine such as muscat or mistela. The mild late-October weather invites long table gatherings where panellets circulate among conversations, memories, and laughter. Children help shape the dough balls, adults roast the chestnuts, and everyone waits to taste the first warm panellet of the season.

In towns and cities, markets display piles of shiny chestnuts, and street vendors fill the air with the scent of roasting. Panellets become the centerpiece of a snack focused on flavors of the land: almond, pine nut, sweet potato, and chestnut.

The cultural symbolism of panellets

Panellets are associated with remembering those who are no longer with us and family togetherness on days when memory is celebrated with sweetness. Due to their size and shape, each piece acts as a small tribute, a gesture of affection shared without formality. This connection with memory coexists today with newer customs, such as Halloween, which has been incorporated into the calendar of many schools and households. Far from disappearing, panellets have adapted to these novelties, and many families now combine costumes, pumpkins, and games with a tray of traditional sweets.

The enduring appeal of panellets also comes from the quality of their ingredients. Almonds, a product of our agricultural landscapes, provide a distinct flavor identity. When handled carefully with high-quality ingredients, the result is an elegant, balanced sweet suitable for everyone.

Tips for enjoying panellets

The best way to enjoy panellets is to serve them at room temperature so the natural almond oils are expressed and the coating remains crisp.

If you’re looking for a complete and carefully crafted selection, our assorted tray of panellets offers an artisanal selection combining classic flavors with sweeter and more creative options like coconut, milk chocolate, or coffee. Perfect for enjoying a family snack, sharing with friends, or as a gift to delight someone special.

Accompanying this moment with roasted chestnuts and sweet potato cubes offers a full autumn tasting experience. At offices or client meetings, a well-presented selection adds a personal touch and provides a gustatory experience often linked to positive memories. Panellets work perfectly as gifts since they are easy to share, require no utensils, and show attention to detail.

What to drink with panellets?

We suggest pairing them with sweet wines like muscat or mistela. Their sweetness and floral notes complement the almond flavor of the marzipan and enhance the roasted pine nuts. Those who prefer a hot beverage will find coffee an ideal companion: a short espresso creates a pleasant contrast that cleanses the palate between bites. A citrus or anise infusion can also be interesting, as it reinforces the lemon note of the dough and offers a light sensation after the snack.

How long do panellets last?

It’s best to consume them within 2–3 days if stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry room away from light. In the fridge, they last 5–7 days, but should be taken out 30–60 minutes before serving to regain their texture. For longer storage, they can be frozen for 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge first and then bring to room temperature. Pine nut panellets maintain their quality best if eaten within the first 48–72 hours.

Tradition in every bite

Panellets are a delicious gateway to autumn and the shared memories of our tables. With their almond base and range of flavors, they accompany La Castanyada, brighten family gatherings, and are a hit at professional meetings. If you’d like to enjoy a carefully selected assortment, you can discover our artisanal tray crafted with bakery techniques on our website, and choose the combination and moment you prefer. At Pastisseria Baixas, we craft each piece with dedication so it reaches your table fresh, balanced, and ready to provide an authentic experience. We invite you to savor the flavor of panellets and celebrate this tradition with a product designed for enjoyment from the very first bite.