Top 7 Must-Try Makar Sankranti Sweets For 2026
Written by smriti dey | January 12, 2026
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in various regions of India in January. Additionally, the nation celebrates the occasion in a variety of ways. "Sankranti" means transition, while "Makar" denotes Capricorn. One of the most important harvest festivals in India. Makar Sankranti coincides with other harvest celebrations, including Lohri, Bhogali, Bihu, and Pongal.
Since each state celebrates it differently, each state has included elements of its own culture into the celebration. Some people fly kites to rejoice. The celebration also ushers in the "Uttarayana" period, six months of auspiciousness for Hindus. During this festival, special foods are prepared. Since it's a harvest celebration, sesame and jaggery are typically used to make sweets. Learn about these traditional sweets to create and devour on the day of the festival.
7 Must-Try Makar Sankranti Sweets To Prepare
Sesame Ladoo, or Tilgul
Makar Sankranti cannot be celebrated without warm Tilgul, a kind of sesame laddu that is most recognized in Maharashtra. These chewy, nutty treats prepared with jaggery and roasted sesame seeds are not mere desserts; they are a part of the culture. "Tilgul ghya ani goad bola," which means "Take this sweet and talk sweet," is said while holding a slice of Tilgul and represents peace and kindness. A warm cup of tea is the ideal accompaniment to this wintertime treat, which combines earthy sesame and luscious jaggery. For a decadent dessert, dip Tilgul laddus in melted dark chocolate and top with sea salt or chopped pistachios. Your dessert platter will taste rich and nutty thanks to these truffles.
Sakkarai Pongal
Sakkarai Pongal is the centerpiece of Pongal festivities. To the Sun God, it is a spiritual offering. Simmered with ghee, jaggery, and almonds, this creamy rice pudding is made in clay pots and left to overflow, symbolizing abundance. Every hour-long ring-a-ling is enshrouded in a moment of thankfulness and celebration by the lingering scent of cardamom and toasted cashew nuts. It serves as the focal point of Tamil Nadu's Pongal feast and is essential for those watching customs from a distance. Arrange the caramelized bananas, whipped coconut cream, and creamy Sakkarai Pongal in tiny dessert cups. Add roasted nuts on top for a classy take on this traditional dish.
Puran Poli
A delicious traditional Maharashtrian dessert, Puran Poli has a sweet lentil filling that is cooked with jaggery and subtly scented with cardamom. This meal is not a typical dessert; it has a long and illustrious history. Generous amounts of ghee are typically used to taste each school of thought on the sweeter side, creating a wonderful combination of salty and sweet sensations. In actuality, this feast is a staple of the Sankranti cuisine and symbolizes joy and fortune. Turn puran poli into pancake-shaped discs and cover with chocolate sauce or maple syrup. For a delicious breakfast or dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream and decorate with nuts.
Peanuts Chikki
During Sankranti, Peanut Chikki asserts its position as a beloved favorite. This recipe creates the ideal balance of crunch and flavor by blending roasted peanuts with melted jaggery. Peanut Chikki are portable sweets that bring back memories of childhood celebrations. It brings people together and leaves behind bittersweet memories, whether it is given as a present or consumed on its own. Make no-bake cheesecakes with crushed peanut chikki as the base. Creamy cheesecake fillings gain taste and texture from the crisp, nutty crust.
Payasam
Payasam, a creamy dessert that takes center stage during Pongal celebrations, is regarded as the South Indian equivalent of kheer. Payasam is as calming as home-cooked cuisine and is made with rice, jaggery, and coconut milk with cardamom added. After being offered to the gods, it is then shared with loved ones. A taste of this meal conjures up vivid images of Tamil Nadu's verdant paddy fields, where the spirit of Pongal reigns supreme. For a velvety milkshake, blend chilled Payasam with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dash of cinnamon. For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
Laddu
This popular dessert is associated with festivities across India, including besan laddu, rava laddu, and coconut laddu. Laddus is a versatile dessert, with regional variations. These beautiful, lavish balls would be a sign of good fortune and wealth. They are, in fact, a must-have treat for Makar Sankranti. They add a festive touch to any party and are simple to share and enjoy with many. Sandwich a dollop of pistachio or saffron ice cream between laddus that have been gently flattened. For a fun treat, roll the edges in coconut or crushed nuts.
Mysore Pak
Prepared initially in Mysore's royal kitchens, Mysore Pak is regarded as a dish of royal origin and has grown in popularity every festival. Made with sugar, gram flour, and a ton of ghee, this fudgy delight melts on your tongue thanks to its creamy, buttery texture. Mysore Pak is the ideal food for important events like Pongal and Makar Sankranti because of its wealth and elegance. For a gooey, nutty surprise, add pieces to the brownie mixture and bake. Sprinkle the bite-sized brownies with powdered sugar before serving.
Conclusion:
When an event is celebrated with food first and rituals second, there's something lovely about it. Makar Sankranti is precisely that—a day when every Indian kitchen transforms into a temple, every meal into an offering, and every bite contains centuries' worth of knowledge, thankfulness, and hope.