Forgotten Christmas Cookies: Nostalgic Holiday Treats

Every Christmas, there are a few cookie stars that take the spotlight sugar cookies with royal icing, gingerbread men, and peppermint everything. But what about the cookies we grew up with? The ones from grandma’s tin, hand-written in cursive on recipe cards, or clipped from vintage magazines. These “Forgotten Christmas Cookies” are more than recipes they’re memories you can eat. This holiday season, we’re bringing back 15 sweet classics that deserve a permanent spot on your cookie tray.

Christmas Cookie Ideas for Holiday Baking

Nothing says Christmas quite like a tray of homemade cookies. From classic, powder-dusted favorites to rich, chocolatey treats and spiced holiday staples, these forgotten Christmas cookie ideas are perfect for baking days, cookie swaps, gift tins, and festive dessert tables. Traditional recipes or easy crowd-pleasers, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and holiday cheer to every celebration.

Forgotten Cookies (Meringue Chocolate Chip Cookies)

These airy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and filled with rich chocolate and crunchy pecans. The magic? You bake them in a preheated oven that you turn off, and let them sit overnight. In the morning, they’re perfect.

Simple Ingredients

Only a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a special role in these light, magical cookies:

• Egg whites: Whipped to create that classic meringue texture light, airy, and full of lift.
• Sugar: Sweetens the meringue and helps it stabilize as it bakes low and slow.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and holiday coziness.
• Chocolate chips: A melty, sweet surprise in every bite.
• Pecans (optional): Add a little crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft meringue.

Why I Love Them: No-fuss meringue magic that feels like a Christmas miracle. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Forgotten Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Pfeffernüsse

These tiny, spicy German cookies are made with molasses, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves then rolled in powdered sugar.

Simple Ingredients

These cookies use pantry staples with a few seasonal touches:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the cookies and keeps them tender.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies a slight lift.
• Salt: Enhances all the warm spices.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: This quartet is the heart of Pfeffernüsse’s cozy flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness.
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combo gives a balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together.
• Molasses: Deepens the flavor and adds chewiness.
• Vanilla extract: Balances and rounds out the spice.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling and that signature frosted look.

Why I Love Them: They’re bold, bite-sized, and pair perfectly with tea or coffee. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Pfeffernüsse Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

Soft, nutty, and coated in snowy powdered sugar, these buttery shortbread cookies are always the first to disappear.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what makes this cookie so special (ingredients listed without measurements):

• Unsalted butter: brings rich, soft creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the dough and creates the snowy coating.
• All-purpose flour: the simple base that holds everything together.
• Salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla extract: adds warm, comforting aroma.
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): adds subtle crunch and nutty depth.

Why I Love Them: They’re delicate, bite-sized, and look like mini snowballs on the tray. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Snowball Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Moravian Spice Cookies

Extremely thin, crisp cookies loaded with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and molasses. These cookies are traditional in Old Salem, North Carolina.

Simple Ingredients

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and rich flavor with a bit of moisture.
  Unsalted Butter: The fat that makes cookies tender and flavorful.
  Molasses: Essential for that deep, slightly bitter-sweet signature taste.
  All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookie while allowing a slightly soft center.
  Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg): Classic Moravian flavors that make the cookie shine.
  Baking Soda: Just enough to help the cookies puff a little while baking.
  Salt: Rounds out and enhances the flavors.
  Vanilla Extract: A little warmth and sweetness for both the dough and glaze.
  Powdered Sugar & Milk: The base for a smooth, simple vanilla glaze.

Why I Love Them: Their intense spice and beautiful shapes make them unforgettable. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Moravian Spice Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Molasses Crinkles

Deeply flavored cookies with molasses and warm spices. Their sugar-crackled tops make them a vintage favorite.

Simple Ingredients

These cookies come together with simple pantry staples, each adding its own magic:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates that perfect chewy texture.
• Brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with molasses.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and keeps the cookies soft.
• Molasses: The star ingredient for that bold, old-fashioned flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure for the cookies.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies spread just right while baking.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves: A warm, cozy spice trio that makes these irresistible.
• Granulated sugar: For rolling, giving that signature crinkly top and a sweet crunch.

Why I Love Them: They’re chewy, spiced, and feel like a warm hug. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Molasses Crinkles” right here on OvenSpot!

Date-Filled Cookies

Soft cookies folded over a sticky-sweet date filling. A favorite of Depression-era kitchens and a must-try for lovers of chewy, spiced flavors.

Simple Ingredients

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and wholesome, with a few baking basics and naturally sweet dates.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, tender cookies that hold their shape.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the cookie with a warm, caramel-like depth.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and add structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle sweetness and warmth that pairs perfectly with dates.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for a soft and tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Pitted dates: The star of the filling rich, sticky, and naturally sweet.
• Water: Used to soften and simmer the dates into a spoonable filling.
• Lemon juice: Adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweet filling.

Why I Love Them: They taste like little hand pies and smell amazing while baking. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Date Filled Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

A cozy, woodsy twist on the usual Christmas cookie. These soft maple-infused cookies are topped with a glossy maple glaze that hardens beautifully for gifting.

Simple Ingredients

• Butter: Gives the cookies that rich, soft, bakery-style texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple.
• Real Maple Syrup: The star of the show! Brings that woodsy, natural sweetness to both the cookie and the glaze.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and balances out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough for that classic structure.
• Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Both leavening agents ensure a soft, pillowy rise.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the maple flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for the icing): Melts beautifully with syrup to make a smooth glaze.
• Heavy Cream or Milk (for the icing): Helps thin the icing just enough for drizzling or dipping.

Why I Love Them: They feel like a Vermont Christmas morning in cookie form. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Maple Sugar Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Cherry Winks

A retro favorite from the 1950s Pillsbury Bake-Off. These cookies are chewy, sweet, and rolled in crushed cornflakes for a crisp coating.

Simple Ingredients

• Butter: Brings the rich, creamy base that keeps these cookies soft and flavorful.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances out the tartness from the cherries.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a little extra richness.
• Milk: Loosens the dough just enough to keep it soft.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies a little lift so they bake up just right.
• Salt: Just a touch enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Chopped dates: Add a chewy, caramel-like sweetness.
• Chopped pecans: Give a little nutty crunch that pairs so well with the dates.
• Maraschino cherries: The showstopper! Sweet, sticky, and perfectly retro.
• Crushed cornflakes: Roll the dough in these before baking for a crispy golden crust.

Why I Love Them: They’re quirky, colorful, and packed with texture. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Cherry Winks Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Springerle Cookies

These delicate German cookies are embossed with beautiful designs from carved molds. Flavored with anise and air-dried before baking, they are a true labor of love.

Simple Ingredients

• Eggs: Provide the lift and structure. Be sure they’re at room temperature for best volume.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the dough a smooth, fine texture and sweetness without any grittiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base of the cookie, it helps hold the embossed design during baking.
• Anise Extract: The signature flavor of Springerle lightly sweet, herbal, and nostalgic.

Why We Love Them: They’re edible works of art that bring Old World charm to your holiday. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Springerle Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Fig Pinwheels

A soft, rolled cookie with a spiced fig filling think homemade Fig Newtons but made for Christmas.

Simple Ingredients

• In a saucepan, combine figs and orange juice (or water). Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the figs are soft. Let cool slightly, then puree into a paste using a food processor.
• Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
• Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
• Roll one disc of dough into a rectangle (about ¼-inch thick) on parchment paper. Spread half of the fig filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Carefully roll into a log using the parchment to help.
• Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for another 30 minutes. Repeat with the second dough half and filling.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice logs into ½-inch rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Why I Love Them: They have that nostalgic, earthy sweetness and look beautiful sliced. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Fig Pinwheels” right here on OvenSpot!

Lebkuchen

Soft, chewy German gingerbread with almonds, spices, and candied fruit. Often glazed or dipped in chocolate.

Simple Ingredients

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and gives the cookies their classic chew.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with caramel notes.
• Eggs: Helps bind the cookies and give structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, holding all the deliciousness together.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice makes these taste just like the holidays.
• Baking Soda: Gives a little rise and softness.
• Chopped Nuts: Traditionally almonds or hazelnuts for crunch and flavor.
• Candied Citrus Peel: Adds bursts of sweet, tangy citrus in every bite.
• Optional Glaze: A chocolate or sugar glaze makes these cookies truly festive.

Why I Love Them: They taste like a German Christmas market and store beautifully. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Lebkuchen Cookies” right here on OvenSpot!

Jam Thumbprints

Shortbread cookies with a sweet jam center, usually raspberry or apricot. A classic at Scandinavian holiday tables.

Simple Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: The foundation of the cookie, butter makes these soft and rich with a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps the cookies get that lightly golden edge.
• Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the cookies that warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• All-purpose flour: Just the right flour for a sturdy but melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
• Jam or preserves: Raspberry and apricot are traditional, but any jam works. It adds sweetness and beautiful color.

Why I Love Them: Buttery, festive, and fun to decorate. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Jam Thumbprints” right here on OvenSpot!

Coconut Macaroons

Golden, chewy cookies made with shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Naturally gluten-free.

Simple Ingredients

This recipe only uses a few everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:

• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds rich flavor and chewy texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as a binder and sweetener, creating that moist interior.
• Vanilla extract: A little boost of flavor that ties everything together.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Egg whites: Whipped to soft peaks to lighten the mixture and help the cookies hold their shape.

Why I Love Them: Their simplicity makes them shine, and they’re perfect for those avoiding flour. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Coconut Macaroons” right here on OvenSpot!

Sandbakkels (Norwegian Sugar Shells)

Thin, crisp cookies baked in fluted tins, often almond-flavored. Can be filled with fruit preserves or cream.

Simple Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: The base of this dough rich, creamy butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and structure, sugar helps the cookies crisp up just right.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the dough structure while keeping the cookies delicate.
• Almond Extract: This is what gives Sandbakkels their signature flavor just a little goes a long way.
• Optional Fillings: Fruit preserves, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache add a little surprise inside each shell.

Why I Love Them: They’re beautiful, delicate, and perfect for Christmas tea. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Sandbakkels” right here on OvenSpot!

Butter Horns (Rugelach)

Flaky crescent cookies filled with cinnamon sugar, nuts, or jam. A Jewish holiday classic that deserves more Christmas love.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s a quick peek at the classic ingredients that make Butter Horns so irresistible.

• Cream Cheese: This is the secret to the ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create those flaky layers when chilled and baked.
• All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the structure of the dough soft but sturdy enough to roll.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in the filling for a sweet crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar and jam.
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Classic filling option adds texture and nutty depth.
• Jam or Preserves (Apricot or Raspberry): Optional but delicious adds a sweet-tart element and pretty color inside each cookie.

Why I Love Them: They’re rich, elegant, and endlessly customizable. Get the full recipe for these yummy “Rugelach” right here on OvenSpot!