When I think of Christmas cookies, I envision this plate.
How did this collection of Christmas cookies come to be? Well, it is truly a marriage of traditions from my mom and my dad.
My great aunt, Mamie (mentioned and photographed in the fudge recipe), would send my mom’s family a box of Christmas cookies each year. It was filled with treats like candy cane cookies, popcorn balls, divinity, and of course, fudge. I don’t think her family did much holiday baking but they always looked forward to receiving their box of holiday goodies.
When my mom met my dad, she learned of their holiday baking traditions which included cookies like the Swedish cookies, French cookies, and most importantly, the almond crescents.
So when they bought their first home together, my mom thought it would be nice to bake cookies for all the neighbors and deliver them. She picked her favorites, added some new additions (the wreaths and almond roca), popped them all on a festive plate, and well, the rest is history.
Growing up, I loved helping my mom with holiday baking (and taste testing along the way!) Every December, we dedicated an entire weekend to baking cookies, listening to Christmas music and steadily making our way through the four pounds of butter required to produce this volume of cookies. Once they were done, our family would head out together to deliver them to friends and neighbors, spreading holiday cheer one plate at a time. Those weekends are some of my most treasured childhood memories, and it’s a tradition I’m committed to continuing.
The Standard Cookies
Corn Flake Wreaths
These corn flake wreaths are basically rice krispy treats, but better. Festive and still delicious, they’re the perfect pop of color to add to any holiday cookie plate.
Swedish Cookies
So simple and buttery, Swedish cookies are the epitome of a classic cookie. Perfect for pairing with coffee or enjoying with family and friends during the holidays.
Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate fudge is a classic treat that you don’t see in the wild very often these days. Rich, smooth, and irresistibly creamy, it’s easy to make and even easier to eat.
Almond Crescents
Almond crescents are delicate, melt in your mouth cookies with just a hint of almond. Shaped into crescents and dusted in powdered sugar, they’re the perfect bite.
Almond Roca
Almond roca combines buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy almonds for a deliciously indulgent candy treat. Almost too easy to make at home, give this recipe a try before getting a tin from the store.
French Cookies
French cookies are spiced, soft, cake-like squares with rich coffee, light icing, and sweet raisins (if you want!). I’ve yet to encounter them in any other form outside of my family but they’re an instant hit for anyone who’s fortunate enough to give them a try!
Seven Layer Cookies
Seven layer cookies are a rich and decadent treat featuring layers of graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, butterscotch, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly gooey, these holiday favorites are simple to make and packed with classic flavors.
A New Tradition
As of 2024, my new tradition will be to add a rotating 8th cookie to the standard seven seen above. My husband and I think this is a fun way to add our own spin on the classic cookie plate tradition and motivate us to try new recipes throughout the year. The rolling list will live below:
2025 – Mocha Shortbread Cookies
Mocha shortbread cookies combine the buttery, crumbly texture of classic shortbread with rich cocoa and a hint of espresso. These easy-to-make cookies are delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
2024 – Peanut Butter Miso Cookies
These Peanut Butter Miso Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic, combining the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the umami depth of miso. Rolled in demerara sugar for a crunchy finish, each cookie has a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center. An unexpected treat that’s sure to impress!
