18 Vintage Christmas Cookies That Are Truly Timeless

a close up view of an assortment of classic holiday cookies
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Looking to sweeten your holiday season? These timeless Christmas cookies will take your taste buds back to a simpler time. Whether you're looking for grandma-approved family recipes, retro desserts that will please everyone at your table, or traditional treats that are sure to impress, you'll find a tried-and-true new go-to in this collection of our best vintage Christmas cookie recipes.

01 of 19

Pizzelle

Stack of pizzelles dusted with powdered sugar on a wire rack.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Elegant pizelles, delicate Italian waffle cookies, will be the show-stopping centerpiece of any holiday dessert table.

02 of 19

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

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Make these classic cookies with just four ingredients: a jar of peanut butter, white sugar, an egg, and chocolate candy kisses.

03 of 19

Butter Rich Spritz Butter Cookies

Butter rich spritz butter cookies in a bowl.

ALLRECIPES / QI AI

Use a festive cookie press and food coloring to make these rich, buttery treats. "The kids love to decorate them as much as they love to eat them," according to recipe creator Sheri Lipp.

04 of 19

Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men

Decorated gingerbread cookies with icing and sprinkles on a plate.

Allrecipes/Karen Hibbard

Nothing screams "Christmas" quite like gingerbread people. This top-rated recipe has a bold flavor thanks to an ample dose of molasses and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

05 of 19

Grandma's Gingersnap Cookies

a close up view of a green plate full of grandma's gingersnap cookies, one with a bite out.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This melt-in-your-mouth ginger cookie recipe that I received from my grandmother has been enjoyed in my family since 1899," says recipe creator Marie Ayers.

06 of 19

Festive Shortbread

Plate of festive shortbread cookies with sprinkles and coffee cup nearby.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

It couldn't be easier to make these three-ingredient cutout cookies with just butter, confectioners' sugar, and all-purpose flour.

07 of 19

Italian Cookies

Plate of Italian cookies with a cup of coffee and napkin.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

This old-fashioned Italian recipe has been passed down through the generations, according to recipe creator MARCEA. You can make these cookies with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.

08 of 19

Crackle Top Molasses Cookies

Golden molasses cookies with crackled tops on a cooling rack.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

This molasses cookie dough (which is made with vegetable oil instead of butter) is rolled into balls, coated with sugar, and baked until perfectly crinkly.

09 of 19

Aunt Bert's Fruitcake Cookies

Plate of fruitcake cookies with colorful candied fruit on a green plate.

Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck

If you like traditional fruitcake, you'll love these fruitcake-inspired cookies. According to recipe creator the4taals, the flavor develops the longer the cookies sit.

10 of 19

Cranberry Cornmeal Linzer Cookies

Plate of cranberry cornmeal linzer cookies with jam filling on blue tablecloth.

These gorgeous Linzer sandwich cookies feature a sweet-yet-tangy cranberry filling. They're also delicious with raspberry jam, says reviewer KARENVG.

11 of 19

Granny's Shortbread Cookies

Plate of star and round shortbread cookies decorated with cherries.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are subtly spiced with just a pinch of nutmeg. "These cookies were fabulous," raves reviewer ashlee. "They were soft and extremely delicious."

12 of 19

Grandma Amico's Buttermilk Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Plate of decorated sugar cookies with sprinkles on a pink surface.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

Buttermilk adds richness and tangy flavor to these old-fashioned sugar cookies. "These are like heaven," says reviewer Michelle. "So soft and sugary!"

13 of 19

Christmas Wreaths

a high angle view of several cornflake Christmas wreaths decorated with red hot candies on a red baking tray.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

These festive cookies come together quickly with cornflakes, butter, marshmallows, food coloring, vanilla extract, and cinnamon candies.

14 of 19

Perfect Thumbprint Cookies

Plate of thumbprint cookies with jam and white icing drizzle.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

"I was looking for a quick thumbprint cookie that didn't require refrigeration and here was Chef John's recipe to save the day," says reviewer and Allrecipes Allstar Kim. "Perfect shortbread tastes fantastic and looks beautiful!"

15 of 19

Pignoli Cookies

Golden pignoli cookies on a green plate with red napkin.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

These five-ingredient Italian cookies are gluten-free thanks to ingredients like almond paste and pine nuts. "I've been searching so long for a good recipe for pignoli cookies and I finally found it," says reviewer LUV2BAKE64.

16 of 19

Gingerbread Biscotti

Gingerbread biscotti on plates and trays served with coffee.

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

"These spicy Italian cookies are the perfect accompaniment for cocoa or coffee during the holiday season," says recipe creator Cristina Gomez.

17 of 19

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Festive red and green pinwheel cookies on a plate with milk.

Allrecipes/Karen Hibbard

It's way easier than you think to make these red and green pinwheel cookies at home. You'll never buy the slice-and-bake stuff from the grocery store again.

18 of 19

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane-shaped cookies with sugar topping on plate.

Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck

Peppermint oil adds holiday-perfect flavor to these candy cane-shaped cookies. "My mom has made these cookies every Christmas since I can remember and they've always been my favorite," says reviewer AOLGUIN05.

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