The concept of vintage often evokes images of clothing and furniture from the past. Typically, something is considered vintage if it’s between 40 and 99 years old, while items over 100 years old are deemed antique. However, when it comes to cookies, vintage takes on a different meaning. This collection of 21 authentic cookie recipes has been passed down through generations, carrying with them memories and emotions tied to the baking process.
These vintage cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia, as they were often made in celebration of special occasions like Christmas. The decorated sugar cookies may not be as numerous as their modern counterparts, but the classic combinations like chocolate chip and sugar remain fan favorites. The beauty of these recipes lies in their timelessness, with many variations still enjoyed today.
If you’re perusing your recipe collection and come across measurements or temperatures that seem ambiguous, this post aims to provide guidance on interpreting them. Take a trip down memory lane as we explore the rich history behind these vintage cookies.
Pizzelle Della Nonna
Pizzelles, also known as wafer cookies, have been delighting taste buds for centuries. These delicate treats originated in Italy, possibly as far back as the 8th century. To create these crispy wonders, bakers rely on a pizzelle iron, similar to a waffle maker. The simplicity of their composition is part of their charm – eggs, sugar, flour, oil, and anise are all that’s needed to craft these flavorful cookies.
A crucial step in the process is allowing them to air dry for a couple of hours after cooking, laid out flat in a single layer. For those looking to add a chocolatey twist, using a touch less flour and unsweetened cocoa powder can result in rich and decadent treats.
Grandma’s War Time Peanut Drop Cookies
During World War II, when food rationing was a reality, this vintage cookie recipe from the 1940s is a nostalgic treat that’s sure to delight. The star ingredients include butter, honey, egg, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and peanuts – a classic combination that yields soft, chewy cookies with a delicious peanut flavor. What’s more, these cookies require some time to chill before baking, which adds an extra layer of anticipation to the process.
While peanuts are a key component, feel free to substitute with dried cranberries or chocolate chips if you’re not a fan – and the best part? This recipe makes four dozen, so you can experiment with different combinations and flavors. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a tasty treat to share with friends and family, this vintage cookie recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Sour Cream Cookie
This vintage cookie recipe, penned on a notecard and rooted in the Robert Show Cookbook of 1936, embodies nostalgia in its very essence. The decline of cursive writing adds to the allure of handwritten recipes, which transport us back in time. This particular treat requires combining ingredients, rolling them out, cutting shapes, and finishing with an egg wash and vibrant sugar. Its adaptability makes it suitable for any occasion or holiday, offering a delightful treat for all.
Clutzens
There’s something endearing about vintage Christmas cookies with a rich history behind them. Case in point: Clutzens, a German cookie that has seemingly made its way to Anamosa, Iowa. While it may not have a widespread reach, this sweet treat holds a special place in the hearts of families who cherish it. What sets Clutzens apart from other cookies is its unique blend of ingredients, which includes butter, lard (rendered and clarified pork fat), evaporated milk, and baking powder. The best part?
These cookies can be baked to perfection – whether you prefer them soft and tender or crispy and golden.
Original Toll House Cookie
The original Toll House cookie, a true vintage classic, has been delighting taste buds for generations. First introduced in 1939 by Ruth Wakefield at her iconic Toll House Inn in New England, this beloved recipe has become synonymous with the phrase ‘chocolate chip cookies.’ According to historical accounts, including newsprint of the time, Toll House cookies are indeed as fun to make as they are to serve – a sentiment that perfectly captures the warm and inviting spirit of baking.
A testament to the bygone era’s positive marketing ethos, this recipe also highlights the charming quirk of chocolate ‘chips’ being broken apart from larger bars.
Classic Hermit Cookies
The hermit vintage cookies are a quintessential example of how fruit can elevate a recipe. With origins dating back to the 1800s, these treats may also be referred to as raisin cookies if no specific date is mentioned. This recipe boasts a warm spice profile that combines cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, raisins, and chopped dates for added depth. A unique twist comes in the form of sour milk, so it’s essential to have vinegar on hand to achieve this effect.
Interestingly, some commenters have shared their memories of the recipe featuring black coffee as an ingredient, adding another layer of complexity to this historic treat.
Grandma’s Snickerdoodles
Vintage sugar cookies recipes have earned their reputation as the gold standard, serving as a foundation for countless variations like snickerdoodles. The appeal of that sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar coating is undeniable! This beloved recipe from Grandma’s collection combines the richness of butter with white sugar, eggs, flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and warm cinnamon.
To achieve those perfect cookies, you’ll need to follow a simple process: chill the dough before shaping it into balls and rolling them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and satisfying finish.
Quaker Famous Oatmeal Cookies
Quaker Oats’ vintage oatmeal cookie recipe has been a beloved classic since its introduction on the company’s iconic box in 1955. This unassuming treat boasts a comforting chewiness that transcends generations, making it a timeless favorite. While simplicity is its charm, you can easily elevate this basic cookie by incorporating creative add-ins such as coconut, nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to give them a unique twist.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cookie
A vintage treat that’s sure to delight is gingerbread decorated cookies, a true showstopper! This recipe is a unique blend of two original printings from 1866 and 1868 in Mrs. Winslow’s Domestic Recipe Book. What sets them apart is the distinctive combination of spice seasonings and molasses. To bring these treats to life, you’ll need powdered sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup (optional), and water for the icing.
The key to achieving the perfect size after baking lies in the thickness at which you roll out the dough.
Valencia Delights
Here’s another treasured family recipe passed down through generations, courtesy of a loving grandmother. What makes these Valencia cookies truly special is that they were created by the author alongside their own grandmother. The marriage of orange zest and semi-sweet chocolate creates an incredible flavor combination that will leave you craving more.
Fig Newton
A nostalgic treat with its roots dating back to 1891, the Fig Newton has a fascinating history. Charles M. Roser from Ohio was the creative force behind this classic cookie, initially selling the recipe to Nabisco in the late 19th century. While traditional recipes call for either fresh or dried figs, the difference lies not only in the ingredient choice but also in the resulting texture and flavor profiles.
To recreate these delicious treats at home, start by rolling out your cookie dough and blending the fig filling into a thick paste using a food processor. Then, simply assemble and bake – the end result will be well worth the effort invested.
Heirloom Chocolate Chip Cookies
Betty Crocker’s vintage chocolate chip cookie recipe is a treasured find in her classic cookbook. Specifically, this beloved recipe hails from the 1969 edition of their ‘Heirloom Recipes’ collection, where it takes center stage alongside nostalgic page scans. The original formula combines the richness of shortening and butter with the sweetness of white and brown sugar, complemented by crunchy nuts and a generous helping of chocolate morsels.
What’s truly astonishing is that this recipe yields an impressive seven dozen cookies, making it an ideal solution for cookie enthusiasts seeking to satisfy their cravings in large quantities.
Amish Sugar Cookies
The origins of vintage sugar cookie recipes can be traced back to the 1700s, with the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities playing a significant role in their circulation. One look at the ingredient list is enough to understand why these treats have endured for centuries. The combination of oil and butter, along with granulated and powdered sugar, creates a delicious and timeless treat. For those without cream of tartar on hand, lemon juice or white vinegar serve as reliable substitutes.
It’s astonishing that these cookies have brought joy to people for so long, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the power of traditional baking.
Grandma’s Ranger Cookies
Vintage ranger cookies owe their existence to the creative minds of grandmothers past. One such grandmother deserves special mention for her innovative use of ingredients. Unlike traditional oat-based treats, these cookies boast an unconventional combination of flaked coconut and Rice Krispies. The latter’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a departure from the typical cookie recipe. This unusual pairing can be traced back to 1935, when a Ranger cookie recipe was first published.
Interestingly, Rice Krispies itself debuted in 1928, making this a true case of history repeating itself. The result is a complex texture that’s both fascinating and delicious. These drop cookies are a testament to the resourcefulness of home bakers throughout the years.
Springerle Cookies
The world of vintage Christmas cookies is a diverse and fascinating place, with recipes spanning centuries and continents. One such treat hails from Bavaria and Austria, where springerle cookies have been delighting palates since the 1600s. Made with a simple combination of egg, flour, butter, sugar, and anise for added flavor, these traditional treats can be molded into a variety of shapes.
In days past, springerle rolling pins or press boards were used to imprint festive images onto the cookies, showcasing everything from biblical scenes to everyday life. Over time, the designs on these rolling pins have evolved, reflecting changing tastes and cultural influences.
Old-Fashioned Frosted Butter Cookies
Indulge in the sweetness of these stunning vintage-inspired cookies, a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. The classic combination of ingredients – rich butter, granulated sugar, egg, pure vanilla extract, flour, and baking powder – yields an unbeatable flavor profile. Meanwhile, the creamy frosting, comprising powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and butter, adds a velvety smoothness that complements the cookies’ tender texture perfectly.
This versatile recipe allows you to tailor your creations to suit any occasion, from understated simplicity to elaborate decorations.
Vintage RG&E Pineapple Cookies
Vintage cookie recipes can be uncovered in unexpected places, offering a glimpse into the past. This pineapple cookie recipe, for instance, was first printed in a Rochester Gas & Electric home service booklet, a marketing tool used to promote new services and products during the 1960s and 1970s. The result is a sweet treat that’s both soft and fluffy, with a subtle hint of tropical flavors.
But it’s the drizzle of icing glaze that adds an extra layer of delight, making these cookies truly special.
Butterscotch Icebox Cookies
As a devoted aficionado of butterscotch, I was confident that my quest would yield vintage treasures incorporating this beloved flavor. The widespread availability of butterscotch chips didn’t arrive until 1960, so it’s no surprise that the recipe I’m sharing from 1936 features ingredients designed to evoke the signature taste and aroma.
This particular icebox cookie recipe boasts a unique charm: the dough is carefully preserved in the refrigerator until needed, then expertly sliced and baked to perfection. The irresistible fusion of scents and flavors is sure to captivate even the most discerning palates.
Cranberry–Honey Walnut Drops
During the sugar rationing of the 1940s, Rumford Baking Powder took out an ad in the newspaper to promote their products. One of the recipes featured was for a unique cookie that sweetened with honey instead of traditional sugar. This vintage recipe has since been reimagined to include additional flavors like maple syrup, chopped cranberries, and walnuts, resulting in a delicious and distinctive treat known as cranberry honey walnut drops.
Traditional Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Fruit Cookies & More
While browsing through the vintage pages of ‘Fannie Farmer Cookbook’, I stumbled upon a trove of old-fashioned cookie recipes from The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook’s earliest printings dating back to 1896. Among the collection, entry number 34 – Chocolate Fruit cookies – stood out with its intriguing ingredients: seeded raisins and finely chopped nut meats.
Unlike modern cookbooks, this page has a rustic charm, featuring forty-nine recipes with sparse instructions that evoke a sense of simplicity and authenticity. The recipe’s unassuming nature only adds to its appeal, making it a delightful discovery for anyone who appreciates the art of traditional baking.
The bottom line
The word ‘vintage’ evokes a plethora of memories. When nostalgia washes over you and you yearn for the taste or experience of cookies that evoke childhood days or reminiscent moments with loved ones, this list is your go-to guide. In addition to providing inspiration, I stumbled upon an extraordinary resource while researching – the 1918 ‘Gingerbreads, Cookies, and Wafers’ from The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, featuring Fannie Farmer on Bartleby. com.
This treasure trove of recipes includes gems like Fairy Gingerbread, Spice Cookies, and Jelly Jumbles, offering a genuine glimpse into the past. And today, we’re focusing on a collection of 21 authentic cookie recipes that have been passed down through generations, waiting to be rediscovered.
