Name: Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Holiday American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup vegetable shortening (or butter for richer flavor); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); Red and green sprinkles (optional, for retro flair)

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Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe is a timeless treasure that revives 1950s charm with simple, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread rounds or cutouts dusted in sugar—evoking jingle bells and tinsel trees. Using classic pantry gems like shortening and vanilla, they’re the ultimate nod to yesteryear baking. Whether you’re recreating family lore or stocking vintage tins, you can whisk up this Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe to transport taste buds back in time without the modern fuss.

What is the Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe?

The Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe is a straightforward dough of flour, shortening, and sugar that rolls out for crisp yet tender cookies with a hint of almond extract for that old-school glow. This oven staple yields shapes ready for sprinkles or jam, ideal for nostalgic holidays. If you’re yearning for mid-century magic, follow the Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe to recreate this cherished classic at home.

Why You’ll Love Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe

There are countless reasons why the retro Christmas cookie recipe has become a staple for sentimental bakers everywhere. From its buttery snap to its vintage vibe, this recipe delivers big on memory without the mittens-off effort. Here’s why you’ll bake it on repeat:

Quick and Effortless Roll
One of the best parts of the retro Christmas cookie recipe is how it chills briefly and bakes in 10 minutes. No fancy tools—just roll and cut. It’s perfect for those twinkling tree-trimming days.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe channels old-fashioned delight with vanilla warmth, a touch of almond, and simple sweetness, creating cookies that are crisp-edged and soft-hearted. They’re customizable with food coloring or nuts—much like how herb-infused flavors elevate dishes in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
True to mid-century ease, everything mixes by hand in one bowl, keeping your kitchen kitschy-cool. It’s as straightforward as the steps below, using basics like flour and sugar for a no-mess nostalgia trip.
Versatile for Any Festive Flashback
Whether it’s a cookie club or secret Santa, these treats adapt seamlessly. Stamp with bells or stars for flair. Experiment with fillings, similar to how lemon brightens up the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Ideal for Cozy Winter Nostalgia
The delicate crumb and subtle spice are incredibly comforting on snowy eves, delivering that vintage hug without heaviness. It’s an invigorating option, providing satisfying crunch for the season.
A Holiday Favorite Showstopper
With their pale golden hue and powdered sugar veil, these cookies look like they stepped from a ’50s cookbook—impressive yet simple. Stack in tins for that enchanting touch; they’re sure to charm, just like the bold layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.

The retro Christmas cookie recipe offers the ideal mix of crisp, charm, and childhood, making it a must-try for heartfelt baking. If you’re after cookies that whisper “home for the holidays,” these will quickly become your treasured tradition!

Crisp, buttery retro Christmas cookie recipe with vintage simplicity—perfect for tins, trees, or anytime you crave nostalgic cheer without the fuss.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour (including chill)
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Holiday American

Ingredients

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Dough

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar

Coating

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract

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Instructions

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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cookie

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Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable shortening (or butter for richer)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Coating Ingredients

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Red and green sprinkles (optional, for retro flair)

How to Make Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until fluffy (2 minutes). Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir dry into wet to form a soft dough. Wrap and chill 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with 2-inch holiday cookie cutters (stars, bells, trees). Place 1 inch apart on sheets.

Step 3: Bake and Dust

Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar. Add sprinkles if desired for that vintage pop.

How Long Will Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe Last?

When storing your retro Christmas cookie recipe, tin-tight care keeps their crisp snap alive. These tips ensure they stay fresh for gifting or grazing, especially for cookie archives.

How Long Does Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe Last in the Fridge?

Baked cookies keep 2 weeks in an airtight tin. They soften gracefully, but a cool spot preserves the bite.

To maintain mid-century magic:

Cool fully before tinnning.
Use wax paper layers.
Freeze dough logs up to 3 months.

Can You Freeze Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe?

Yes—bake and freeze in bags up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp. (Pro tip: Similar to storing custardy desserts in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe, dust after thawing for fresh snow.)

Signs That Your Cookies Have Gone Bad

Watch for:

Stale brittleness or softness.
Rancid shortening smell.
Mold spots.

Follow these to keep the nostalgia new.

Which Shortening is Best for Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe?

The shortening you choose is the heart of your retro Christmas cookie recipe, influencing tenderness and how well it mimics that 1950s flake. Opt for classic vegetable for peak vintage crisp.

Best Type of Shortening for Retro Cookies

For flaky, old-school lightness, use vegetable shortening—at least 1 cup for 36 cookies. It provides the ideal melt without flavor interference.

Vegetable Shortening (Crisco-style): The top pick for its stability and ability to create tender crumb without spreading.
Avoid Butter Alone: It’s flavorful but spreads; stick to shortening for shape.

Measure cold for easy creaming—it’ll incorporate smoothly.

How to Use Shortening for Retro Cookies

Cream with sugar for airy base.
Chill dough to firm for clean cuts.
Bake at high temp; crisp in 10 minutes.

Stabilizing Shortening for Cookies

For longer-lasting batch:

Sugar Balance: Granulated adds structure, much like lemon in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Extract Boost: Almond enhances without sogginess.

Other Shortening Options for Retro Cookies

Butter-Shortening Blend: Richer twist for variety, with buttery notes.
Coconut Oil: Tropical sub for vegan vibes.
Gluten-Free Note: Use rice flour blend for inclusive classics.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Shortening for Your Cookies

The right shortening elevates your retro Christmas cookie recipe from good to grandma’s-best, ensuring every bite flakes with fond memories. Whether pure or blended, you’ll roll out that perfect vintage delight every time.

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Conclusion

Retro Christmas Cookie Recipe is a flavorful, no-fuss bake that delivers nostalgic holiday sparkle in a simple, roll-and-cut package. With the right ingredients and easy steps, it’s bound to become your go-to for timeless treats. From shortening picks to smart storage, these insights ensure success every batch. Roll up, share the stories, and enjoy these delightful cookies with loved ones!