Searching for cookies worthy of a holiday cookie platter—with a vintage twist?
These timeless treats are not only delicious and easy to make, but they’ve also been beloved by home bakers for generations. Each recipe is a true classic, passed down and perfected across the decades.
Take a delicious walk through sweet history—you just might discover a new holiday favorite.
Currant Cakes (aka Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies)
Adapted from the Pennsylvania Dutch Cookbook (1961)
I was immediately drawn to these cookies when I spotted them in the Pennsylvania Dutch Cookbook. These cake-like cookies are soft, lightly citrusy, and studded with tangy currants – and they are absolutely delicious. For an extra lemony kick, feel free to add a lemon glaze—but honestly, I think they’re absolutely perfect just the way they are.
Lemon Pecan Refrigerator Cookies
Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens Dessert Cookbook (1960)
Lemons and toasted pecans come together in this classic refrigerator cookie, from my favorite dessert cookbook from the 1960s. They bake up quickly, and are crisp, full of citrus flavor, and sturdy enough to take to any get-together. Better yet, you can make a batch ahead of time and tuck it into the freezer—they’ll be ready to slice and bake for all your holiday dessert needs!
Date and Walnut Pinwheel Cookies
Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens Dessert Cookbook (1960)
If you love dates and nuts, these pinwheel cookies are a must-bake!The cookies feature a swirl of jammy dates, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of citrus, and are just the right amount of sweet. They come from the same cookbook as the lemon pecan version, and their pinwheel patterns add an especially lovely touch to any holiday cookie platter.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Adapted from Great Aunt Kate’s Recipe Collection (1920s-1960s)
This quick and easy recipe is a classic for a reason — what’s not to love about a no-bake treat that tastes just like a peanut butter cup? These are also known as Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars, though unfortunately they never appeared on my school lunch tray!
Almond Roca Bar Cookies
Adapted from the Wednesday Wine Bunch Cookbook (1970s)
This recipe may be simple, but it delivers big toffee flavor—just like classic Almond Roca candy in cookie form. It starts with a buttery shortbread base, topped with melted milk chocolate and finished with chopped toasted almonds. For a festive finishing touch, wrap them in gold foil to mimic Almond Roca and make them perfect for gifting.
Orange Teacake Cookies
Adapted from Aunt Sammy’s Radio Recipes (1931)
This cake-like drop cookie from the 1930s is a wonderful choice for any special gathering. Rich walnuts add depth, while a zesty orange glaze brings a bright burst of citrus—perfect for lifting spirits on a cold day. The glossy glaze adds a hint of shine to the cookie plate, making these treats feel extra festive.
