Grandma’s Favorites: 23 Classic Christmas Recipes

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Grandma’s Favorites: 23 Classic Christmas Recipes

Embrace the nostalgia that comes from recreating Grandma’s favorite recipes. These 23 classic Christmas recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; they’re a link to the past!

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Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rum Balls

Rum balls with chocolate sprinkles in a tray.
Rum Balls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With their boozy kick and rich flavor, Rum Balls are a classic no-bake delight that’s perfect for adding a retro touch to your Christmas festivities. And they’re incredibly easy to make! These little bites are the ideal combination of convenience and indulgence for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Rum Balls

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Meringue cookies decorated with red and white stripes on a cake stand.
Peppermint Meringue Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Peppermint Meringue Cookies have a light, airy texture and festive candy cane stripes. These cookies are a sweet nod to vintage holiday charm, just like grandma used to make. They’re a must-bake for your Christmas celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the comfort of a Southern-style Blueberry Cobbler, where juicy berries meet a flaky biscuit topping for a dessert that screams grandma’s kitchen. Every spoonful is loaded with the taste of sweet blueberries and syrupy goodness, making it a heartwarming addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad, affectionately known as Pink Fluff, is a pretty and easy-to-make dessert that’s a throwback to potluck favorites. And you need just six ingredients and five minutes of prep. This old-fashioned salad is a playful and tasty side that’ll liven up your Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Swedish Almond Cake

Slices of Swedish almond cake dusted with powdered sugar and topped with almonds.
Swedish Almond Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The simplicity and elegance of a Swedish Almond Cake make it a standout dessert for the holiday season. This traditional Scandinavian treat, dusted with powdered sugar, brings a taste of heritage to your festivities.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Almond Cake

Cool Whip Cookies

Cool whip cookies on parchment with powdered sugar.
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cool Whip Cookies are a testament to the ingenious baking hacks of Grandma, turning a box of cake mix into soft, chewy wonders. They’re the ultimate quick-fix for satisfying your sweet tooth during the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

Classic Peanut Brittle

Red plate with peanut brittle on a red and white checked table cloth.
Classic Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

There’s something truly special about making Peanut Brittle during the holidays, a tradition that feels as cozy as grandma’s kitchen. This old-fashioned candy is not only delicious but also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift. Its crunchy texture and buttery flavor are timeless.
Get the Recipe: Classic Peanut Brittle

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies decorated with Christmas sprinkles.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Ricotta Cookies are the soft, tender morsels that bring a touch of grandma’s baking to your Christmas festivities. Their subtle sweetness and festive appearance make them a holiday favorite that’s cherished across generations.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Green Bean Casserole

Classic Campbell's Green Bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Nothing says holiday comfort like a classic Green Bean Casserole, a dish that’s been gracing tables for generations. This creamy, crunchy casserole is a nostalgic nod to Christmases past. It’s a side dish that’s as essential to the holiday menu as the tree is to your living room.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Top view of raspberry pinwheel cookies topped with sparkling sugar.
Jam Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Jam Pinwheel Cookies are a sweet spiral of nostalgia, combining raspberry jam and walnuts in a rich, buttery dough. Bake a batch and watch them become the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Jam Pinwheel Cookies

Icebox Cake Recipe

Icebox cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries on a pink plate.
Icebox Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Icebox Cake is an old-fashioned favorite that’s perfect for those who love no-bake simplicity. Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and berries come together to create an amazing dessert. This cake is a throwback to simpler times, yet it never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Icebox Cake Recipe

Butterscotch Cookies

Butterscotch cookies on a red plate.
Butterscotch Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Butterscotch Cookies are a chewy, nutty treat that will transport you back to a time when recipes were simple and flavors were bold. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and butterscotch chips creates a delicate richness that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Cookies

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring a classic to the table with the vintage Pea Salad, a creamy and tangy dish that’s as colorful and delicious. This make-ahead salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, just like Grandma used to make. It’s a comforting and familiar taste that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Haystack Cookies

No bake haystack cookies on a white cake stand.
Haystack Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Haystack Cookies are the no-bake wonders that are as fun to make as they are to eat, requiring just four ingredients and a few minutes of your time. Enjoy making and munching on these cookies this holiday season for a quick trip down memory lane.
Get the Recipe: Haystack Cookies

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Watergate Salad, with its light and fluffy texture, is a sweet retro side that’s a breeze to whip up with just five ingredients. This blast-from-the-past is perfect for making ahead. It’s a unique addition to your holiday table that adds a hint of nostalgia and a lot of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties in a red mug.
Peppermint Patties. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Homemade Peppermint Patties offer a refreshing minty burst enrobed in smooth chocolate, reminiscent of a classic Christmas candy favorite. Make a batch to share, and watch them become a much-anticipated part of your holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Patties

Church Window Cookies

Church window cookies with colored marshmallows and coconut.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Church Window Cookies are the old-fashioned, colorful treats that combine chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts for a simple yet festive no-bake delight. These fun treats are just like Grandma used to make, and will create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Loaf of cinnamon bread sliced to show the ribbon of cinnamon inside.
Amish Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a sweet, cinnamony treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of spices. It’s the kind of vintage comfort food that’s perfect for a cold Christmas morning.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Bread

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies on a baking rack cooling.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie, boasting a fudgy brownie-like center with a crackled exterior. They’re the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie roster, sure to be devoured as soon as they’re out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Swedish Tea Ring

Side view of holiday tea ring.
Swedish Tea Ring. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Swedish Tea Ring is a traditional pastry that’s beautiful and delicious, perfect for gracing your holiday table. Filled with almond paste and shaped into a festive wreath, this dessert adds a touch of old-fashioned Scandinavian elegance to your Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Tea Ring

Speculoos

Speculoo cookies stamped with snowflakes on a platter.
Speculoos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Speculoos, a beloved holiday cookie, brings a bit of retro European charm to your Christmas with its unique spices and crisp texture. Their distinctive shapes and designs make them a holiday hit.
Get the Recipe: Speculoos

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad is a zesty and tangy dish that adds a pop of retro green to your holiday table. This old-fashioned favorite is a fun addition to any Christmas spread, bringing a sweet and tangy flavor, just like Grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Chocolate Almond Fudge

Plate of chocolate almond fudge stacked with chocolate chips and almonds scattered around.
Chocolate Almond Fudge. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This four-ingredient treat is a quick and easy way to bring some old-fashioned goodness to your holiday candy collection. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself, this fudge is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Almond Fudge

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