15+ Old Fashioned Christmas Cookie Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

The History of Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies

The Origins

The tradition of baking Christmas cookies dates back to the Medieval period, when European monasteries and convents would bake and distribute sweet treats to the poor on Christmas Eve. These cookies were often shaped into symbols such as stars, angels, and bells, and were known as "biscuits of the holy night." As time went on, these cookies became more elaborate and were often decorated with icing and other toppings.

The Evolution

During the 16th century, Christmas cookies became a popular tradition among German families. They would bake a variety of cookies, including gingerbread, spritz cookies, and lebkuchen, and hang them on their Christmas trees as decorations. This tradition spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America, where it became a staple in holiday baking.

Ingredients and Instructions

The Recipe

To make these old fashioned Christmas cookies, you will need butter, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and your choice of holiday spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger). Cream together the butter and sugar, then add in the vanilla extract and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients and gradually add them to the wet mixture. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

The Baking Process

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings.

Bringing Back Tradition

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest trends and forget about the simple pleasures of the past. Baking old fashioned Christmas cookies is not only a delicious tradition, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, turn on some Christmas music, and get baking with this timeless recipe.

In Conclusion

As you can see, old fashioned Christmas cookies have a rich history and are a cherished tradition for many families. So, this holiday season, why not add some old fashioned charm to your cookie platter? Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you. Happy baking!