24 Traditional Old-Fashioned Christmas Recipes

By: Kitchen Crew   December 12, 2025

These traditional old-fashioned Christmas recipes will have you singing carols by the fire and make you nostalgic for the holidays of yesteryear. From buttery spritz cookies and soft sugar treats to rich fruitcake and classic eggnog, each recipe will make you nostalgic for baking in mom and grandma’s kitchen during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for family, giving a sweet gift, or baking to create a special memory, these dessert recipes will fill you with the holiday spirit.

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“These cookies are very special to me as my grandmother gave me the recipe in 1974. She would have been 101 years old this year. Grandma used to give these cookies as Christmas gifts to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would begin baking in November and freeze them in order to have enough ready for Christmas.” – Kathy
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“My mom loved recipes. I remember her making this recipe only once or twice, but I fell in love with it. I knew I loved gingerbread because of this recipe. It was soft, warm, spiced just right, and tasted good with a little butter spread on it, like bread. My mouth is watering!” – Marcia
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“This recipe is from my mom. As a child, I would watch her make these cookies and it was always around the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. They simply melt in your mouth. I remember watching her add or take out an ingredient until she had it just right. I know you will love this recipe!” – Rosemarie
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“This recipe is over 100 years old. It is one for the ages. The crust is flaky and flavorful. Delicious for any kind of pie your heart desires. Makes enough for 4 8-inch pie crusts or about 3 9-inch crusts.” – Diane
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“My mother made these every year for Christmas. She would make them and freeze them thinking they would last until Christmas. FYI – they are GREAT frozen. Just ask all 6 of us kids!!” – Lynelle
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“This is my mother-in-law’s German version of Linzer Christmas Cookies. She says they are best filled with currant jelly but it is hard to find. Otherwise, she uses apricot.” – Sheila
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“Soft and chewy, with a good spicy molasses flavor. These cookies are a harbinger of the holidays. Yes, you can make them any time of the year, but to me, they scream Christmas!” – Hope
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“This recipe has been handed down from my great-grandmother and before.” – Denise
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“My husband is 1/2 Hungarian, and I was the lucky recipient of a lot of his family recipes because I liked to bake. It is so simple with only 6 ingredients. And you can add the jam or preserves of your liking, or sub a nut filling too. Dress it up with powdered sugar, frosting, or serve them plain. No matter what, you can bet they will get rave reviews with their buttery taste.” – Donna
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“Growing up in an Italian family, our kitchen was always filled with family, food, and fun. But during the holidays, it was simply magical! My favorite cookies were my grandmother’s vanilla anisette, which I would help her make every year.” – Nancy
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“These were a staple of holiday cookies in my childhood. My great grandmother, grandmother, mom, and I would make them together. As the child, I had the job of using a thimble to make the perfect dent to fill with sparkling jellies.” – Wendy
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“Spritz cookies have a colourful history, come in all shapes, and all of my grandchildren have taken their turns making them, while still in their preschool years.” – Maureen
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“This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is made by my dad every holiday. It can be made up to one month ahead of time. If you don’t like peanuts, try pecans or walnuts instead.” – Shelley
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“This recipe is at least 65 years old, according to my mom. She remembers her mom making it when she was a little girl, and she is now 74 years old. Mom said it was an economical pie and very rich, so it would serve a large family. It is scrumptious.” – Gloria
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“A melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a light lemon flavor. The recipe can easily be doubled for a cookie exchange.” – Denise
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“This was a personal favorite of my dads! He loved this cake.” – Vanessa
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“As a child, receiving these cookies from my Grammy Peg was a huge part of our Christmas tradition. Now, my mom, sisters, sister-in-law, nieces, and daughter-in-law all get together and make these delicious cookies every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.” – Bridget
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“This is a very old recipe from Germany. These cookies are usually served with coffee or tea and enjoyed mainly at Christmastime. There is no shortening or butter in this recipe.” – Beth
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“Another traditional Christmas cookie recipe. They’re good for any time of year, but they are a must on our cookie platter.” – Val
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“This recipe has been in our family for as long as I can remember – at least 55 years or more. The only time we ever got this cake was at Christmas time. You will love it.” – Rose Mary
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“In our family, Christmas cookies are kind of a big deal. The cookie is bite-sized, soft, and tender, and the filling is slightly sweet. Finished off with a little glaze and nonpareil sprinkles!” – Angela
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“It wouldn’t be Christmas without my grandfather’s eggnog. This is not for the faint of heart. Its smooth and creamy deliciousness hides a powerful dose of whiskey! You may run into Santa after a few of these!” – Susan
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“This is another one of my Grandma Bure’s recipes. The sour cream gives it an unusual taste. Over the years, I’ve had kids of varying ages come to make and decorate these Christmas cookies. Great memories and yummy cookies!” – Carie
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“I am not really sure why fruit cakes have such a bad wrap, as this fruit cake was really good. It was nice and moist and full flavour! The cake had a hint of booze without being overwhelmed by it.” – Kevin