Why Do We Bake Christmas Cookies? A Short History Behind This Wonderful, Festive Tradition!

When it comes to Christmas, there’s no scent quite as magical as cookies baking in the oven—warm cinnamon, a hint of ginger, maybe a touch of nutmeg. Those smells don’t just remind us of the holidays; they are the holidays. From buttery shortbread stars to intricately decorated gingerbread men, cookies are as much a part of Christmas as twinkling lights and carols. But how exactly did this sweet tradition begin? Why, when December rolls around, do we suddenly feel the urge to preheat the oven, break out the cookie cutters, and whip up batch after batch of festive treats?

The Ancient Roots of Holiday Baking

Long before Santa came down chimneys or Christmas trees were adorned with ornaments, the act of baking during winter celebrations had already taken root. In ancient times, mid-winter festivals like Saturnalia in Rome and Yule in Northern Europe were marked with feasting—because, let’s face it, nothing warms up a cold winter day like good food. Sweetened baked goods were rare luxuries, reserved for special occasions. Sugar and spices were precious imports, brought over from faraway lands, and their use was a sign of prosperity and celebration. Cookies—at least as we know them—didn’t quite exist yet, but dense, spiced cakes and small pastries were often baked as offerings to gods or to celebrate the turning of seasons.

The Medieval Spice Boom

By the Middle Ages, Europe had entered its spice era. The Crusades opened trade routes to the East, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg became highly sought after. Though expensive, these aromatic treasures became synonymous with celebration and indulgence, particularly during Christmas. Medieval bakers began incorporating spices into their bread and pastries to mark this holy season.

This is also when cookies—or “biscuits,” as they were often called—started gaining popularity. Their small, portable size and longer shelf life made them perfect for sharing, gifting, and storing. Plus, they were easy to mold into symbolic shapes, from stars to angels, adding a festive touch. If you’re wondering where that gingerbread man came from, thank Queen Elizabeth I, who reportedly had gingerbread figures baked to resemble visiting dignitaries. A little shade, a lot of sugar—royalty knew how to entertain.

From European Traditions to American Ovens

The cookie tradition really took off in the 16th and 17th centuries when Christmas celebrations evolved across Europe. The Germans perfected Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), the Dutch brought us speculaas (crisp, spiced cookies often shaped like windmills), and the Swedes baked pepparkakor (thin ginger snaps). Each culture added its unique twist, but the common theme was clear: spices, sugar, and festive shapes were the hallmarks of Christmas baking.

When European settlers came to America, they brought these recipes and traditions with them. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Christmas cookies became a firmly established part of the American holiday experience. Advances in agriculture made sugar, flour, and butter cheaper and more accessible. Meanwhile, German and Dutch immigrants continued baking spiced cookies during the holidays, passing their recipes down to future generations. By the late 1800s, cookbooks began featuring recipes for Christmas cookies—though we’re guessing they weren’t yet as Pinterest-worthy as today’s gingerbread houses.

As Christmas became more commercialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cookie craze kicked into full gear. Around this time, we see the rise of the “Christmas cookie exchange,” a tradition where friends and family bake and swap their best cookie creations. It was festive, practical, and, let’s be honest, delicious.

Magazines and advertisements played their part, too, promoting cookies as essential to Christmas celebrations. Recipes for sugar cookies, spritz cookies, and thumbprint cookies began appearing everywhere. By the time World War II ended, baking cookies during Christmas had become an American ritual—an affordable way to celebrate, share, and feel connected during the holidays.

The Rise of the Cookie Cutter and Decorating Craze

If you’ve ever wrestled with a reindeer-shaped cookie cutter, you have the Industrial Revolution to thank. By the late 1800s, mass production made metal cookie cutters widely available, and suddenly, bakers could create intricate designs without much effort. Snowflakes, trees, stars—you name it, there was a cutter for it.

Around the same time, icing became a decorative staple. Previously, cookies were often plain or spiced, but the addition of sugar icing turned them into edible works of art. Decorating cookies became a holiday activity in itself, particularly for families. It was creative, a little messy, and perfect for bonding—plus, kids could snack on their “masterpieces” afterward.

Cookies for Santa!

Of course, we can’t talk about Christmas cookies without mentioning Santa Claus. The tradition of leaving cookies out for Santa dates back to the Great Depression. Parents encouraged children to leave a treat for Santa as a way to teach gratitude during difficult times. It was a simple act of generosity that turned into a beloved ritual. Today, cookies and milk for Santa are as American as apple pie—though we’re sure Santa wouldn’t mind a little variation.