Granny’s got you covered.
No one — we mean no one — bakes cookies like a grandmother. Perhaps Grandma gleaned enough baking experience over time to just know what works. Perhaps it’s her no-fuss, old-fashioned approach to baking. Or it could be thanks to some secret ingredient like ~love~ or cream of tartar. Just guessing here. Whatever the reason, these recipes from actual grandmothers are just the taste of Christmas nostalgia everybody craves.
1. Melissa’s Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
Molasses, cinnamon, and ground ginger flavor these soft lace cookies. Sprinkle sugar on top for a little holiday shimmer.
Recipe here: Melissa’s Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
2. Gramma’s Date Squares
“This is my grandmother’s recipe which my whole family loves. You can use almond extract instead of lemon, if you wish,” Mai Forrester says of these date-filled bars with chewy oatmeal crusts.
Recipe here : Gramma’s Date Squares
3. My Grandma’s Fruitcake Cookies
Reviewers report that these fruitcake cookies — filled with chopped mixed nuts, raisins, dates, candied pineapple, and candied cherries — taste just like their own grandmothers’ recipes.
Recipe here :My Grandma’s Fruitcake Cookies
4. Oma Kiener’s Hazelnut Christmas Cookies
“These were one of the two Christmas cookie recipes my German grandmother made every year until her death at age 92. While they may not be fancy like other Christmas cookie recipes, they are easy to make and taste very nutty,” KitchenGeisha says of these icebox cookies.
Recipe here : Oma Kiener’s Hazelnut Christmas Cookies
5. Grandma’s Drop Sugar Cookies
“My family’s favorite Christmas cookie. Buttery and crispy. The slight coconut flavor makes this cookie the best,” writes recipe creator NCHIANCONE. This simple recipe takes just 20 minutes.
Recipe here : Grandma’s Drop Sugar Cookies
6. Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies
Dusted with confectioners’ sugar and shaped like snowballs, these cookies would be perfect for a cold Christmas.
Recipe here : Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies
7. Old German Honey Cookies
“I got this recipe from my grandmother, who got it from her grandmother. She had to translate it and then figure out measurements. The original recipe called for ‘enough flour to make a dough.’ Thankfully Grandma knew what kind of dough.” — Darlene
Recipe here : Old German Honey Cookies
8. Grandma’s Gingersnap Cookies
“This melt-in-your-mouth ginger cookie recipe that I received from my grandmother has been enjoyed in my family since 1899.” — Marie Ayers
Recipe here : Grandma’s Gingersnap Cookies
9. Grandma Ruth’s Snickerdoodle Cookies
With almost 200 reviews averaging five stars, this crowd-pleasing snickerdoodle recipe would be great for large gatherings.
Recipe here : Grandma Ruth’s Snickerdoodle Cookies
10. Russian Tea Cakes I
“Bubba brought it with her when she came from Lithuania. I pass it on in the true spirit of this season,” says recipe creator THEAUNT708, who adds that five generations have now made these cookies during the Christmas season.
Recipe here : Russian Tea Cakes I
11. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
Make these tea cakes a day or two before Christmas to enjoy with your Christmas morning coffee.
Recipe here : Grandma’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes
12. Granny’s Filled Cookies
“My granny always made these around Christmas. They are the easiest, best-tasting cookies around. Be warned, they are addictive,” Kim Borris says. Fill them the fruit-flavored jam of your choice.
Recipe here : Granny’s Filled Cookies
13. Granny’s Strawberry Preserves-Filled Cookies
Strawberry preserves make an ideal cookie filling, especially when the berries are not in season. Recipe creator Julie Holden calls these soft, spiced cookies a favorite for Christmas.
Recipe here : Granny’s Strawberry Preserves-Filled Cookies
14. Granny Mabel’s Best Bar Cookies
Oatmeal, chocolate chips, and caramel ice cream topping create a gooey, buttery bar.
Recipe here : Granny Mabel’s Best Bar Cookies
15. Snowballs II
This recipe from home cook Lori Dehn’s grandmother includes finely crushed peppermint candy canes for a holiday twist on Russian tea cakes.
Recipe here : Snowballs II
16. Grandma’s Lace Cookies
These thin, crispy cookies would pair well with a glass of milk and a Christmas movie.
Recipe here : Grandma’s Lace Cookies
17. Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies
Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these oatmeal cookies would taste extra comforting during the holidays.
Recipe here : Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies
18. My Nana’s Lace Cookies
“These are delicate lace cookies with an amazing taste! A tradition in our family for Christmas since I was a little girl. These cookies spread to make a very thin wafer, almost transparent. Super easy to make, but be careful, as they can be quick to burn or cool too much on your cookie sheet — and then you’ll be chipping the cookies off of your cookie sheet!” — Bluetiger
Recipe here : My Nana’s Lace Cookies
19. Grama’s Corn Flake Peanut Butter Cookies
These five-ingredient cookies taste like peanut butter fudge with a nice crunch from cornflakes.
Recipe here : Grama’s Corn Flake Peanut Butter Cookies
20. Gram Opal’s Sugar Cookies
“My grandma Opal June Carlson, “Gram C,” made these cookies whenever my dad and I came to her cottage on Lake Okoboji for a visit. Although at the time I picked off the pecan halves that my seven-year-old self didn’t yet appreciate, these simply delicious cookies were amazing and will live forever in my heart along with my Gram C!” — Cucina di papa
Recipe here : Gram Opal’s Sugar Cookies
21. Granny’s Shortbread Cookies
“Light, buttery shortbread cookies! Cut them into Christmas shapes and decorate with colored sugar and maraschino cherries.” — Lori G
Recipe here : Granny’s Shortbread Cookies
22. Grandma M’s Raisin Cookies
These tart raisin cookies contain a few drops of lemon extract, setting them apart from the chocolaty offerings at the dessert table.
Recipe here : Grandma M’s Raisin Cookies
