51 Vintage Christmas Recipes

Vintage Christmas recipes bring back the charm and warmth of holidays from long ago. These old-fashioned recipes for Christmas are filled with nostalgic flavors and traditional touches that remind us of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and cherished memories. From classic fruitcakes to spiced cookies and festive puddings, these timeless treats are perfect for adding a touch of history to your holiday celebrations.

In this post, I'm sharing a collection of 51 vintage Christmas recipes that have been passed down through generations, offering you a chance to recreate the magic of a truly old-fashioned Christmas.

Old-Fashioned Cookies For Christmas

Sand Tarts

Old-Fashioned Sand Tarts are addicting, thin, and crispy cookies that are perfect to add to your Christmas cookie plates. A traditional PA Dutch Christmas cookie recipe that is fun to make with your kids!

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Date and Nut Pinwheel Cookies

Soft and buttery cookies with a little added crunch and an amazing date and nut paste that's rolled up between the dough! These old-fashioned date pinwheel cookies are a nostalgic choice for your Christmas cookie trays.

Raisin-filled Cookies

These Amish raisin-filled cookies give me a feeling of nostalgia, taking me back to my mother's kitchen. They are made with a soft and delicious basic cookie dough that gets rolled out and cut into circles. Then the middle is stuffed with a sweet raisin filling. A perfect addition to Christmas cookie plates and to add to your vintage Christmas recipe collection.

Gingerbread Men

This old-fashioned gingerbread men recipe makes classic cut out gingerbread men cookies. This simple recipe takes minimal prep to make, and the gingerbread men make a tasty addition to any cookie tray. (Recipe by I Heart Eating)

Soft and Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

These Amish Ginger Snap Cookies are a delightful treat with a rich molasses flavor and a perfect blend of warm spices. They have a soft and chewy texture, with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. They're so delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.

Gingersnaps Just Like Grandmas

Chewy, spicy gingersnap cookies belong on every cookie table and dessert tray. These are an easy drop cookie made festive with spices and colored sanding sugar. (Recipe by Kitchen Surf)

Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian wedding cookies are a Christmas staple in our house. My mom made these every year during the holidays, but they are also perfect for bridal or baby showers. 

These nutty cookies are a riff on shortbread. Buttery and crumbly, they're full of finely chopped nuts. Whether or not these are traditional Italian wedding cookies, this is what they are called on my my mom's vanilla stained recipe card dating from the early 60s. The ingredients are simple; butter, flour, sugar, ground almonds, and salt. (Recipe by What A Girl Eats)

Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies are delightfully nutty cookies that have an incredible texture and a light, simple flavor. A delicate shortbread combines with chewy, flavorful pecans and creates a cookie that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you're looking for something effortless to make in a pinch, these sandies are perfect for you. (Recipe by Love from the Oven)

Pignoli Cookies

Pignoli cookies are a traditional Italian treat, known for their rich almond flavor. The dough is rolled in pine nuts before baking, giving these cookies a perfectly chewy interior with a hint of crunch. They are very easy to make with simple, quality ingredients! (Recipe by Little Nonni)

Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are traditional Austrian Christmas cookies. These cut-out cookies are filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They're fun and festive treats! (Recipe by I Heart Eating)

Savoiardi (Ladyfingers)

Homemade savoiardi, also known as Italian ladyfingers, are delicious and fun to make! These light and airy cookies are ideal for classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, or as the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea! (Recipe by Little Nonni)

Orange Cookies

These orange cookies are a classic sliceable sugar cookie, flavoured with orange juice, zest and orange blossom water. Known in my family as orange refrigerator cookies, they're a recipe that's been passed down for generations and have always been one of my dad's favourite! (Recipe by Waiting for Blancmange)

Kris Kringle Cookies

Kris Kringle Cookies and Frosting Recipe. This is a traditional Christmas cut-out cookie and frosting recipe! This Christmas cookie cut-outs recipe is easy-to-make. Perfect for your holiday cookie tray, Christmas cookie exchanges, or on a plate for Santa, these delicious holiday cookies are a family favorite. (Recipe by Ann's Entitled Life)

Kourabiedes: Greek Almond & Butter Cookies

Kourabiedes are one of the most popular Greek cookies and they are unmissable from the Christmas table. 

They could be described as almond snowball cookies since they contain almond flakes, flour, sugar, butter, bitter almond liqueur or cognac. After being baked, they are topped with a copious amount of icing sugar. (Recipe by Chef's Pencil)

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft and tender peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss. It's another great Christmas cookie, with the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

Cinnamon Toast Cookies

These sweet and buttery Cinnamon Toast Cookies are delicious and unique treats that capture the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon toast in a crisp, bite-sized cookie! Only 3 basic ingredients and a really simple technique are all you need to make these addictive little treats. (Recipe by Coley Cooks)

Traditional Kifle Crescent Cookies with Homemade Jam

Kifle are a traditional crescent-shaped pastry with apricot, raspberry, nut or cheese filling. This recipe has been handed down through the generations and is always a part of our Christmas festivities. (Recipe by the Dinner Bell)

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Date Bar Recipe

Dating back more than half a century ago, this Date Bar recipe was a Christmastime treat on the Ohio farm where my mother grew up. They're a special, old-fashioned cookie for the holidays - but honestly, we love them so much that we make them all year 'round. They're super-easy and freezable, too, so you can always keep a stash on hand! (Recipe by Two Healthy Kitchens)

7 Layer Bars

7-layer bars are a vintage dessert that have been around since at least the mid-60s, but possibly the mid-50s. They are known by several different names including "Hello Dolly bars" or "magic bars", but I grew up calling them 7 layer bars. (Recipe by What a Girl Eats)

Mincemeat Tarts

Mincemeat tarts have a richly spiced fruit filling with notes of citrus and brandy baked in a flaky all-butter pastry crust. They're a classic holiday dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas! (Recipe by Edible Mosaic)

Old-Fashioned Recipes for Christmas

Mincemeat Filling for Pies

Mincemeat pie filling for mince pies is a fabulous make ahead traditional British concoction. Use it for so many desserts and treats. Pretty jars of mincemeat make wonderful holiday gifts, too! (Recipe by Christina's Cucina)

(*I just gotta add here...my Amish mom used to can homemade mincemeat filling. Hers had bits of meat in it. She made it whenever we butchered beef and I think she used bits of meat that were cooked off the bones. Unfortunately, I don't have her recipe. 🙁 )

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Suet Pudding with Vanilla Hard Sauce

Traditional suet pudding is an English dish made from suet fat, flour, raisins, and spices and steamed to perfection. Give this recipe a try and make it your new Christmas tradition. (Recipe by Dani's Midlife Homestead)

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake with Creme Anglaise

This easy, one-bowl gingerbread cake is baked in a Bundt pan. It has a moist, light texture without losing that signature rich and spicy gingerbread flavor. I love to serves slices warm, topped with a cool vanilla bean creme anglaise (custard sauce) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Recipe by peanut butter & Julie)

Fig and Walnut Cake

This rustic-looking, beautiful yeast cake is one of our favorite family-baked treats, deliciously infused with pockets of sweet, dry figs and chopped walnuts.

It's also a ridiculously easy Holiday or weekend bake (yeast-leavened) that pairs best with coffee or tea, family, and friends. (Recipe by My Chefs Apron)

Date and Walnut Cake

Amish Date Pudding is a delicious basic cake with chopped dates and walnuts that is cut up and mixed with cool whip or whipped cream. An easy make-ahead Christmas dessert.

Cherry Cheese Babka

This babka is as delightful as it sounds, and I'm sure it'll completely charm you with its rich, buttery brioche dough, creamy cottage cheese, and juicy, succulent cherries, all wrapped up in one gorgeous loaf. (Recipe by Food Nutters)

Traditional British Christmas Pudding Plum Pudding

Traditional British Christmas pudding is a make-ahead, steamed, fruit filled dessert, also known as plum pudding, which is set alight when served. It is beautiful culmination of many British Christmas dinners. (Recipe by Christina's Cucina)

Lolly Cake

This kiwi lolly cake is a classic New Zealand treat. With just five ingredients is easy to make and even easier to eat. Perfect for kids and kids at heart. (Recipe by Aussie Home Cook)

Amish Christmas Fruitcake

A vintage Christmas favorite, this easy-to-make fruitcake recipe is packed with dates, cherries, and nuts. It makes three loaves of the best Christmas fruit cake ever.

Jello Fruit Cake

A jello fruit cake made with fresh seasonal fruit is an easy, crowd-pleasing no-bake dessert perfect for any major holiday!

This layered jello Bundt cake is light, refreshing, and you can endless customize it with your favorite fruits and juice. Have fun making it your own and impress your guests! (Recipe by Jello Joy)

Layered Jello Ribbon Salad

Amish Ribbon salad is a three-layered jello salad that is made with red and green jello and includes a middle layer of cream cheese and pineapple. It is traditionally served with the Christmas holiday dinner.

Christmas Tree Bread

This Christmas Tree Bread Recipe makes a festive pull-apart bread, perfect as a holiday table centerpiece or for serving on a charcuterie board with favorite dips. (Recipe by Recipes from Leftovers)

Sourdough Nut Rolls

These delicious sourdough nut rolls are sure to please this holiday season. Make a batch and give as gifts to friends and family!

Nut rolls (walnut rolls) and nut horns are a staple treat in central Pennsylvania and are served at Christmas and Easter holidays. (Recipe by Dani's Midlife Homestead)

Pear Cheese Streudel with Raisins

Is there anything sweeter than the smell of homemade strudel baking in the oven while you sip your morning coffee or gather around the kitchen with your family? This pear cheese strudel recipe brings cozy warmth to any day with its buttery, flaky layers and dreamy combination of cottage cheese, pears, raisins and cinnamon. (Recipe by Food Nutters)

Holiday Party Mix

This homemade party mix (doo dads recipe) is a favorite snack every holiday season. It's so much better than what you can find in the grocery store, and it's so easy to throw together. Plus, because it makes a hefty amount, it's perfect for holiday gift giving! (Recipe by Little Black Skillet)

Caramel Popcorn

Amish Caramel Corn is a delicious and popular sweet treat that is made by coating popped popcorn with a simple homemade caramel syrup. It's perfect for a sweet and crunchy snack to enjoy at your holiday parties or any time you're craving a tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

4 Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws

A hint of spice and a whole lotta crunch, these Southern cheese straws are the perfect nibble for your next get together. Add them to a charcuterie board or give them as gifts to spread some holiday cheer. (Recipe by Little Black Skillet)

Vintage Christmas Candy Recipes

Chewy Homemade Caramels

Made with only a few basic ingredients, rich and buttery homemade caramel candy is easy to make. It's a sweet caramel treat for the holidays that is popular in Amish country.

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Homemade Toffee

No need for any fancy equipment or even a candy thermometer when making this easy homemade toffee! Just a few ingredients and you'll be enjoying the buttery goodness in no time. (Reipe by Raia's Recipes)

Cashew Crunch

Amish cashew crunch is a delicious and crunchy confectionery treat with a toffee-like base embedded with cashews. It is a delightful homemade candy with a sweet, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that makes it downright addictive!

Cashew crunch candy is often made to enjoy as a treat during the holiday season or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Peppermint Bark

A festive and easy-to-make treat, this peppermint bark combines rich chocolate layers with crunchy peppermint pieces for the perfect holiday indulgence. Great for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa! (Recipe by Tandra Nicole)

Candy Cane Fudge

This creamy and rich Candy Cane Fudge is infused with peppermint flavor and is decorated with bits of crushed candy canes, which not only add a pop of color but also a delightful crunch. (Recipe by Mommy Evolution)

Fantasy Fudge

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious and easy-to-make Fantasy Fudge Recipe. It's a classic, no-fail fudged loaded with chocolate and creaminess throughout. This recipe originally appeared on the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar and is a tried and true recipe! (Recipe by the Cookin' Chicks)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Satisfy your sweet tooth with my Easy Amish Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. This simple recipe combines the deep flavor of cocoa powder with the smoothness of peanut butter, creating a rich and creamy treat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Crispy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls are a traditional Amish Christmas holiday candy made with only four ingredients: peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and Rice Krispies. Shape the peanut butter mixture into balls, and dip them in your favorite chocolate.

These chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with rice krispies are very easy to make and a great addition to any cookie or candy platter.

Vintage Christmas Dishes

Old-Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

Grandma's old fashioned stuffing recipe is a holiday classic made with day-old bread, savory herbs, and butter. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any festive meal. (Recipe by Recipes from Leftovers)

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Stuffing with Sausage and Apples

This apple sausage stuffing is a winner, as it is highly aromatic and flavorful. Slightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. It's always someone's favorite side dish for the holidays. (Recipe by Chew Out Loud)

Potato Filling

PA Dutch Potato filling is a delicious side dish made of mashed potatoes and bread stuffing. A popular holiday side dish in Pennsylvania.

Beef Rouladen

Thin slices of beef are rolled with a bit of mustard, bacon, onions, and a dill pickle! The beef rolls are slow-roasted and served with a rich brown gravy.

This dish has an old-fashioned, hearty flavor with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef. Serve with mashed potatoes or cooked macaroni like my grandma always did. (Recipe by Spend with Pennies)

Honey Baked Ham

No need to spend a lot of money or time on your favorite holiday ham. Easily make your own version with this 5-Ingredient Baked Honey Ham Recipe. It's ridiculously easy and always a hit. Recipe by Chew Out Loud)

Old-Fashioned Holiday Recipes

I've gathered an interesting collection of old-fashioned Christmas recipes. Hopefully there's something here that you would enjoy!

And I hope this collection of vintage Christmas recipes brings back sweet memories of holiday celebrations from long ago. There's something magical about the flavors and traditions that have stood the test of time!

Did your family make any of these recipes, or do you have other old-fashioned favorites? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

Wishing you a blessed holiday filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious food. Save this post for inspiration, and be sure to share it with someone who loves a taste of nostalgia. Merry Christmas!