Nothing beats the cozy charm of Grandma’s Christmas desserts. These cookies, candies, and classic treats have been family favorites for generations. They’re more than just sweets—they’re memories of holidays past, full of love and tradition. Ready to bring a little old-school magic to your holiday table?
Table of Contents
1. Mrs. Floyd’s Divinity
This light, fluffy candy lives up to its heavenly name. Pecans add a festive crunch, making it a must-have for any dessert spread.
2. Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad
Sweet, salty, and a little nostalgic. This strawberry Jello dessert is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
3. Hello Dolly Bars
Call them what you like—these graham cracker, chocolate, and coconut bars are pure joy. No family gathering feels complete without them.
4. Mamie Eisenhower’s Chocolate Fudge
This rich fudge comes from the former First Lady’s recipe box. It’s easy to see why it was once called “Million Dollar Fudge.”
5. Bourbon Balls
Big flavor in a tiny package. These bite-sized treats are a holiday classic and make great homemade gifts.
6. Cranberry Fluff Salad
Creamy, sweet, and topped with pecans, this retro dessert salad is always a hit after Christmas dinner.
7. Potato Candy
Yes, potatoes! This budget-friendly treat from the Great Depression proves that simple ingredients can make something wonderful.
8. Saltine Cracker Toffee
Also known as “Christmas Crack,” this toffee uses saltines, chocolate, and pecans for a crunchy, sweet treat.
9. Tea Cakes
Soft and simple, these cookies are timeless. They’re not cakes, but their lightly crisp edges and tender centers will win you over.
10. Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Bright lemon flavor meets sweet raspberry jam in these easy-to-decorate cookies.
11. Cherry Winks
These fruity, tender cookies with maraschino cherries are a throwback to holiday baking at its best.
12. Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
Forget the kits and cookies. A warm, spiced gingerbread loaf, dusted with powdered sugar, is Christmas on a plate.
13. Cheesecake Cookies
Creamy, sweet, and impossible to resist. These cookies are always the first to disappear.
14. Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Just four ingredients and 35 minutes. They’re simple, satisfying, and even better sandwiched with jam or fluff.
15. Transparent Pie with Sugared Cranberries
This Kentucky classic gets a holiday upgrade with festive sugared cranberries.
16. Millionaire Candy
Homemade and indulgent, this rich candy is worth every bite.
17. Santa’s Kitchen-Sink Cookies
Pretzels, chocolate, marshmallows—these cookies have everything but the kitchen sink. Add your favorite mix-ins for extra fun.
18. Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs
Sweet, nutty, and coated in caramel, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
19. Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines
Crunchy, creamy, and Southern to the core. These pralines are a holiday tradition worth keeping.
20. Ambrosia Trifle
Bright, creamy, and layered with holiday cheer. This trifle combines the best of ambrosia salad and classic trifle desserts.
21. Rum Balls
Perfect for grown-ups, these rum and bourbon treats pack a flavorful punch. Swap in juice for a kid-friendly option.
22. Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies
Soft cookies with festive red and green edges. A pecan half on top adds the perfect Southern touch.
23. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate kisses. Let the kids help—this recipe is all about family fun.
24. Fruitcake Cookies
Think fruitcake, but better. Spiced dough, dried fruit, and nuts make these cookies a festive delight.
25. Spritz Cookies
These buttery little cookies bring nostalgia to any dessert plate. Originally from Europe, they’ve been holiday favorites in the U.S. for decades.
Grandma’s desserts remind us what the holidays are all about—love, family, and the joy of sharing something sweet. Which one will you bake first?