11 Vintage Christmas Cookies Retro Recipes

Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines simplicity and sweetness, making them perfect for festive occasions. With their crisp edges and soft centers, these cookies can be enjoyed plain or decorated with colorful icing and festive sprinkles. Baking these cookies together with family and friends can create lasting memories, while their flexibility in design allows for a personal touch to each batch.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the cookies bake evenly and rise to a perfect texture.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
8. Roll and Cut Cookies: Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to slightly flatten each ball.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.
11. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies are completely cool, feel free to decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or any other festive toppings you desire!

Enjoy your classic sugar cookies as a delightful treat during the holiday season!

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Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a classic holiday cookie that embodies the spirit of Christmas with their warm, aromatic spices and friendly shapes. These delightful cookies are not only fun to make but also enjoyable to decorate, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a rich and flavorful treat that can be enjoyed all season long.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the gingerbread men.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup once the cookies are baked.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. This will guarantee that the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and may appear slightly sticky.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape.
8. Roll and Cut Out Shapes: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters in the shape of men to cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the gingerbread men in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
10. Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate: Once cooled, you can decorate the gingerbread men with icing, candies, or any festive toppings of your choice for a cheerful finish.

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread men as a sweet holiday treat or as a fun activity to share with family and friends!

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Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a beloved holiday cookie known for their delightful cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, chewy texture. These classic cookies have a rich flavor profile thanks to the cream of tartar used in the dough, offering a slightly tangy taste that complements the sweetness perfectly. Snickerdoodles are simple to make and are certain to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the snickerdoodles.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats to guarantee easy removal of cookies once baked.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This helps to evenly incorporate the leavening agents and assures an even rise throughout the cookies.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to guarantee the cookies remain soft.
7. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will be used to coat the snickerdoodles.
8. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Space the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as they will spread while baking.
10. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
11. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the snickerdoodles to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies!

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Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are a classic holiday treat known for their beautiful shapes and buttery richness. Made using a cookie press or piping bag, these delicate, crisp cookies can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or icing, making them an attractive addition to any cookie platter. They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee during the festive season.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender. If the dough seems too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach a softer consistency.
7. Fill the Cookie Press: If using a cookie press, fill it with the prepared dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a piping bag, load the dough into the bag fitted with a large star or round tip.
8. Shape the Cookies: On the prepared baking sheets, press the cookies into desired shapes, such as stars or circles, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. If desired, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for decoration.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful spritz cookies!

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful treat often enjoyed during the holiday season. These rich, fudgy cookies are characterized by their cracked, crinkled tops and dusting of powdered sugar, which gives them a beautiful contrast in both appearance and taste. They are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a glass of milk.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
4. Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
8. Prepare for Baking: Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
10. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will spread and the tops will crack.
11. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate crinkle cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat during the festive season!

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Pecan Tassies

Pecan tassies are small, decadent tartlets filled with a sweet pecan mixture, making them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. With their buttery crust and rich filling, these bite-sized treats are sure to please your guests and become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form Crusts: Take a small amount of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and press it into the bottom and up the sides of each cup in a mini muffin tin to form small tartlet shells. Make sure there are no holes or cracks.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.
5. Fill the Shells: Spoon the pecan filling into each prepared tart shell, filling them about three-quarters full. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand while baking.
6. Bake the Tassies: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden.
7. Cool and Remove: Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the pecan tassies to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each tassie to help release them, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, the pecan tassies are ready to be enjoyed. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for holiday gatherings!

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Holiday Biscotti

Holiday biscotti are crunchy, twice-baked cookies that provide the perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverages during the festive season. These Italian-inspired treats can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, making them versatile and a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray. This recipe features a combination of almonds and dried cranberries, giving the biscotti a wonderful texture and seasonal flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the sliced almonds and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your hands and divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
7. First Bake: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the logs from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs diagonally into approximately 1/2-inch thick cookies.
9. Second Bake: Place the sliced biscotti back on the baking sheet, cut side down. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
10. Cool Completely: Remove the biscotti from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed or stored in an airtight container for later.

These holiday biscotti are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

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Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a delightful holiday treat that originated in Austria. These beautiful sandwich cookies are filled with jam and are known for their signature almond flavor and unique cut-out shapes, often topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them a beloved choice for holiday cookie trays or as a sweet gift to share with loved ones.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
7. Roll and Cut Shapes: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and then cut out smaller shapes from the center of half of the cookies. This will create the sandwich effect.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake them for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, spread a spoonful of raspberry or framboise jam onto the solid halves of the cookies. Place the cut-out cookies on top of the jam-filled cookies to create sandwiches.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Enjoy these delightful Linzer cookies with family and friends during the holiday season!

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Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies are a beloved holiday classic known for their rich, warm flavors and chewy texture. These cookies are infused with the deep, sweet notes of molasses and seasoned with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfectly soft, they often bring a sense of nostalgia during the festive season and make wonderful gifts or additions to any holiday cookie platter.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses and the egg until everything is fully blended together.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Confirm that the dry ingredients are well mixed.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop once you see that no flour is visible.
6. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form tablespoon-sized balls from the dough. Roll the balls in sugar (granulated or powdered) until well coated.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, once the cookies have cooled, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for an added festive touch before serving or storing.

These molasses cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days and continue to develop flavor as they sit. Enjoy your holiday baking!

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Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies are a festive treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season with their cheerful red-and-white swirl design and invigorating minty flavor. These delightful cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously buttery, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or a sweet gift for friends and family.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to guarantee that the dry ingredients are well mixed.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop when no dry flour is visible.
6. Divide Dough: Split the dough in half, placing one half in a separate bowl. To the reserved half, add the peppermint extract and red food coloring, mixing until the color is well incorporated.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover both dough halves with plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
8. Shape Cookies: Once chilled, take small portions of the white and red dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into ropes approximately 6 inches long. Twist one red rope and one white rope together gently to form a candy cane shape.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
10. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
11. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy finish before serving or gifting.

Italian Anistrelli Cookies

Italian Anistrelli cookies, also known as anisette cookies, are a traditional Italian treat often enjoyed during the holiday season. These delightful cookies are flavored with anise or fennel seeds, giving them a distinctive and aromatic taste. They are typically soft, slightly chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar, making them perfect for pairing with a hot beverage or adding to a festive cookie platter.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporating Eggs and Anise: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the anise extract until evenly combined.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and fennel seeds (if using) until well combined.
5. Combining Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Forming Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread a little while baking.
7. Baking the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown but the centers still remain soft.
8. Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Your delicious Italian Anistrelli cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing during the holiday season, or savoring all to yourself.