22 Christmas Cookies Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Molasses, cinnamon, and ground ginger flavor these soft lace cookies. Sprinkle sugar on top for a little holiday shimmer. 

"This is my grandmother's recipe which my whole family loves. You can use almond extract instead of lemon, if you wish," Mai Forrester says of these date-filled bars with chewy oatmeal crusts. 

Reviewers report that these fruitcake cookies — filled with chopped mixed nuts, raisins, dates, candied pineapple, and candied cherries — taste just like their own grandmothers' recipes. 

"These were one of the two Christmas cookie recipes my German grandmother made every year until her death at age 92. While they may not be fancy like other Christmas cookie recipes, they are easy to make and taste very nutty," KitchenGeisha says of these icebox cookies. 

"My family's favorite Christmas cookie. Buttery and crispy. The slight coconut flavor makes this cookie the best," writes recipe creator NCHIANCONE. This simple recipe takes just 20 minutes.

Dusted with confectioners' sugar and shaped like snowballs, these cookies would be perfect for a cold Christmas. 

"I got this recipe from my grandmother, who got it from her grandmother. She had to translate it and then figure out measurements. The original recipe called for 'enough flour to make a dough.' Thankfully Grandma knew what kind of dough." — Darlene

"This melt-in-your-mouth ginger cookie recipe that I received from my grandmother has been enjoyed in my family since 1899." — Marie Ayers

With almost 200 reviews averaging five stars, this crowd-pleasing snickerdoodle recipe would be great for large gatherings.

"Bubba brought it with her when she came from Lithuania. I pass it on in the true spirit of this season," says recipe creator THEAUNT708, who adds that five generations have now made these cookies during the Christmas season.

Make these tea cakes a day or two before Christmas to enjoy with your Christmas morning coffee.

"My granny always made these around Christmas. They are the easiest, best-tasting cookies around. Be warned, they are addictive," Kim Borris says. Fill them the fruit-flavored jam of your choice. 

Strawberry preserves make an ideal cookie filling, especially when the berries are not in season. Recipe creator Julie Holden calls these soft, spiced cookies a favorite for Christmas.

Oatmeal, chocolate chips, and caramel ice cream topping create a gooey, buttery bar. 

This recipe from home cook Lori Dehn's grandmother includes finely crushed peppermint candy canes for a holiday twist on Russian tea cakes.

These thin, crispy cookies would pair well with a glass of milk and a Christmas movie. 

Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these oatmeal cookies would taste extra comforting during the holidays.

"These are delicate lace cookies with an amazing taste! A tradition in our family for Christmas since I was a little girl. These cookies spread to make a very thin wafer, almost transparent. Super easy to make, but be careful, as they can be quick to burn or cool too much on your cookie sheet — and then you'll be chipping the cookies off of your cookie sheet!" — Bluetiger

These five-ingredient cookies taste like peanut butter fudge with a nice crunch from cornflakes.

"My grandma Opal June Carlson, "Gram C," made these cookies whenever my dad and I came to her cottage on Lake Okoboji for a visit. Although at the time I picked off the pecan halves that my seven-year-old self didn't yet appreciate, these simply delicious cookies were amazing and will live forever in my heart along with my Gram C!" — Cucina di papa

"Light, buttery shortbread cookies! Cut them into Christmas shapes and decorate with colored sugar and maraschino cherries." — Lori G

These tart raisin cookies contain a few drops of lemon extract, setting them apart from the chocolaty offerings at the dessert table.