Many of us love baking, sharing, and eating Christmas cookies, a holiday tradition that fills our homes with warmth and sweet, familiar aromas. But have you ever wondered about the history behind this time-honored custom? It all started nearly 1,000 years ago in Medieval Europe. Back then, the growing spice trade introduced flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, while sugar—still a luxury—became more accessible. Inspired by these new ingredients, bakers created simple cookies, often shaped into stars, animals, or other festive designs. These treats weren’t just for eating—they were also given as gifts or used to decorate homes. Over the centuries, this joyful tradition spread, evolving into the Christmas cookie rituals we cherish today.
Read: How to Make Fireweed Honey
Traditional Christmas Cookies
Over time, traditional recipes emerged, such as gingerbread, spiced shortbread, and sugar cookies, each reflecting the culture and creativity of different regions. Let’s briefly explore gingerbread, Papparkakor, Pfeffernusse, and Krumkake.
Gingerbread was the first “spicy” cookie recognized as a Christmas cookie. It retains its popularity as Gingerbread Men and Gingerbread Houses appear throughout the holiday season.
In Sweden, the preferred cookie was Papparkakor, a spicy ginger, and pepper treat.
Pfeffernusse, a German cookie made with honey, molasses, and spices was an old favorite and was one of the traditional cookies served at all of my family’s childhood Christmas Eve gatherings.
Krumkake, thin lemon, and cardamon wafers were the favorites in Norway.
Today there are many different cookies synonymous with Christmas with the sugar cookie being one of the most versatile for rolling and cutting into various holiday shapes.
***********************
Don’t have time to bake?
If you don’t have time to bake but want something homemade, I’ve got you covered.
These semi-homemade no-bake Oreos cookies and cream bars are quick and easy to prepare and are sure to please.
They are excellent for:
- cookie exchanges
- a last-minute sweet treat for the office party.
Don’t be put off by their appearance; once cut they make a much better presentation. They’re rich and delicious and so simple to make! Invite the kids and grandkids to join in the fun.
3 Ingredient No-Bake Oreos Cookies and Cream Recipe
What you will need:
- 1 (14 oz.) bag of Oreo cookies
- 8 cubes of white chocolate bark
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, whip out a rubber mallet. Put the Oreos in a plastic bag and start pounding away. This can be a great way to relieve some holiday stress.
Oreo Cookies – RMKK Companion
2. Heat the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Chocolate Bark Melting – RMKK Companion
3. When chocolate is melted, stir the crushed Oreos into the mixture. Blend well. Turn the mixture onto a flat surface covered with waxed paper. Let set and when firm, cut into squares.
Cookies and Cream No-Bake Cookies – RMKK Companion
I hope you enjoy these No-Bake Oreo Cookies and Cream bars. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Product Recommendations:
Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links to products we recommend. If you click through and make a purchase through these links, we’ll get a small commission, but you won’t pay any extra. Thank you!
You may also like:
Happy Baking!
Marlene
