Santa Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, perfect for bringing a bit of nostalgia to your Christmas celebrations. This recipe, found in Vintage Recipe Box 002, was contributed by Audrey Cummings, though the exact identity of Audrey remains a mystery. With their rich, buttery flavor and a hint of almond, these cookies will surely be a favorite for both young and old alike. The recipe reflects the simple, comforting baking traditions of the mid-20th century, offering a sweet taste of holiday cheer.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Santa Cookies
The Role of Oleo in Vintage Baking
The term “oleo” refers to margarine, a butter substitute that became widely used in American kitchens during the 20th century. Oleo was particularly popular during and after World War II when butter was rationed or in short supply. Home bakers often turned to oleo as a more affordable and accessible alternative to butter, and it became a staple ingredient in many vintage recipes, including these Santa Cookies.
You can use shortening or oleo in this recipe, depending on what you have on hand. Both ingredients contribute to the cookies’ tender texture, but oleo adds a distinct richness that is reminiscent of many classic mid-century baked goods. The use of oleo in this recipe is a nod to the resourcefulness and practicality of home bakers like Audrey Cummings, who made delicious treats with the ingredients available to them.
Who Was Audrey Cummings?
While we may not know exactly which Audrey Cummings contributed this recipe, her inclusion in Vintage Recipe Box 002 suggests that she was someone valued in the Sowers family or their circle of friends. Audrey’s Santa Cookies recipe captures the essence of the holidays, with its sweet, spiced flavor and the warmth of home-baked goodness. It’s a recipe that has likely been shared and enjoyed by many, passed down through generations as part of a treasured holiday tradition.
Timeline of Santa Cookies
- Mid-20th Century: Recipes like these Santa Cookies become popular, often passed among friends and family as part of holiday traditions.
- 1950s-1960s: Oleo and shortening are commonly used in baking, as they are more affordable and accessible than butter.
- Today: Santa Cookies remain a festive favorite, enjoyed for their simple, delicious flavor and connection to holiday memories.
Recipe Discussion
The Santa Cookies recipe is straightforward, making it easy to prepare during the busy holiday season. The process begins by creaming together the shortening (or oleo) and brown sugar, creating a rich, sweet base for the dough. Vanilla and almond flavoring are added, followed by eggs, which give the dough its smooth, cohesive texture. The dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking soda—are sifted together and then mixed into the creamed mixture. The dough is shaped into a roll, wrapped in wax paper, and refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easy slicing. When ready to bake, the cookies are sliced and baked until light brown, resulting in a delicious, festive treat.
Preparation Tips
- Use Oleo for Authentic Flavor: If you want to capture the true vintage taste, consider using oleo (margarine) instead of shortening. It will add a rich flavor typical of mid-century baking.
- Chill the Dough: Be sure to chill the dough overnight to make slicing easier and to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Add Festive Touches: Before baking, you can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or add a small piece of candied cherry to the center for a festive look.
Get into the festive spirit with our Holiday Recipes and Vintage Cookie Recipes!
Whether you’re decking the halls or craving something sweet, we have the perfect treats to brighten your season.
Recommended Kitchen Items
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Mixing Bowls: A good set of mixing bowls makes creaming and combining ingredients a breeze.
- Wax Paper: Essential for wrapping the dough and keeping it fresh in the refrigerator.
- Baking Sheets: Heavy-duty, non-stick baking sheets ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Serving Suggestions
- Leave Out for Santa: These cookies are perfect for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve, along with a glass of milk.
- Holiday Gift: Wrap a batch of Santa Cookies in festive packaging for a homemade holiday gift.
- Pair with Hot Cocoa: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
A Sweet Taste of Holiday Tradition
Santa Cookies are more than just a delicious holiday treat—they are a connection to the past, a reminder of the simple joys of baking and sharing during the Christmas season. This recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 002, passed down from Audrey Cummings, is a perfect way to bring a bit of vintage charm to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or even Santa himself, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and warmth.
Explore the History of Vintage Recipe Box 002
This recipe comes from Vintage Recipe Box 002, once belonging to Merridelle DePUE Sowers, an Ohio native with deep roots in family and tradition. While many recipes in this box reflect mid-century convenience, they still hold the charm of a bygone era. Discover more about Merridelle’s life and the fascinating history of Vintage Recipe Box 002.
More Vintage Recipes
We have lots of recipes on the site that may be of interest to you.
Use the links below to view other recipes similar to this Santa Cookies recipe.
Recipe Box and Cards
Start your own recipe box or your family or friends. Click here to view New and Vintage Recipe Boxes.
Once you have your recipe boxes, you will need recipe cards. Click here to view Recipe Cards and Templates.
Want to protect your recipe cards from splats and splatters in the kitchen? Click here to view Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves.
Vintage Kitchen Tools and Dishes
I love vintage dishes and kitchenware.
On the weekends I can often be found in a thrift store poking through the shelves to find vintage treasures to use as props for our photography for the site.
Click here to view Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy.
Vintage Cookbooks
Every once and a while you can find a good cookbook with Vintage Recipes on Amazon. I don’t have any recommendations as I haven’t bought any as I prefer the handwritten recipes that you see on our site.
You can always find treasures on sites that sell used items such as Vintage Cookbooks on eBay and Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Santa Cookies Recipe
Santa Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening or oleo
- 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
- 3 eggs
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Cream the shortening (oleo) and brown sugar
- Add the vanilla and almond flavoring, mixing well
- Beat in the eggs
- Sift the dry ingredients and mix with the creamed mixture
- Make into 3" roll and wrap in waxed paper
- Store in refrigerator overnight
- Bake at 350 degrees until light brown