A British Christmas Tradition
The Story of Christmas Pudding, Figgy Pudding & Brandy Butter
There’s something truly magical about a traditional British Christmas — the twinkling lights, the scent of spices in the air, and the promise of a rich Christmas pudding to end the feast. At Blue Moon Tea & Cookies, we love celebrating the heritage of classic holiday desserts that bring warmth and nostalgia to every table. Among the most beloved of these festive indulgences are Christmas Pudding, Figgy Pudding, and Brandy Butter — timeless treats that have delighted families for centuries.
🍮 The Origins of Christmas Pudding
The modern Christmas pudding traces its roots back to medieval England. It began as a humble “plum porridge,” a hearty dish of boiled beef, mutton, raisins, currants, wine, and spices served before Christmas. Over time, the meat disappeared and fruits, breadcrumbs, and suet took center stage — creating what we now know as the rich, dark, and fruity Christmas pudding.
Traditionally, puddings were made on “Stir-up Sunday,” the last Sunday before Advent. Families would gather around the mixing bowl to take turns stirring the pudding clockwise — making a wish as they did. Silver coins, charms, or even rings were often tucked inside the pudding for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
🎶 Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding
If you’ve ever sung “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” you’ve probably wondered about the line: “Oh bring us some figgy pudding!” Figgy pudding is a cousin of Christmas pudding, made with figs, dates, and spices — dense, moist, and bursting with festive flavor. While less common today, it’s still cherished in the U.K. as a traditional end to the Christmas meal, often served flaming with brandy and a dollop of creamy butter sauce.
At Blue Moon Tea & Cookies, our Figgy Pudding captures this same old-world flavor — rich with fruits and spices, steamed to perfection, and ready to enjoy with tea or as the star of your Christmas dessert table.
🧈 Brandy Butter: The Perfect Companion
No British Christmas dessert would be complete without a spoonful of brandy butter. Made from fresh butter, sugar, and a splash of brandy, this decadent topping melts gently over warm pudding — creating a luxurious, boozy sweetness that pairs beautifully with both Christmas and figgy puddings.
In many English homes, brandy butter is kept chilled and served alongside mince pies, fruitcake, or pudding on Christmas Day — adding a touch of festive indulgence to every bite.
☕ A Toast to Tradition
These traditional British desserts are more than recipes — they’re rituals of celebration, passed down through generations. When you serve a Christmas pudding or figgy pudding, you’re sharing in a tradition that has spanned centuries of family gatherings, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Whether you’re carrying on a family custom or discovering these classics for the first time, Blue Moon Tea & Cookies invites you to enjoy the taste of British Christmas — right here in Washington State. Pair your pudding with a steaming cup of Taylors Christmas Spice Tea, Yorkshire Gold, or one of our comforting holiday teas, and savor the spirit of the season.
