Many believe cookies symbolize the spirit of giving.
WASHINGTON — Have you ever wondered about the history behindChristmascookies? Or how they became baked into holiday tradition?
Well, there are a few theories. Most commonly it is believed that the first Christmas cookies arrived in America in the 17th century thanks to Dutch immigrants. Modern Christmas cookies are said to trace their recipe routes back to Medieval Europe biscuits. Historians say by the Middle Ages, spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper were just starting to be used widely. These items, along with ingredients including butter, sugar, and lard, were prized delicacies in the eyes of medieval cooks. Historians say only on the most important holidays, such as Christmas, could families afford treats like this.
Also, unlike pies or cakes, cookies could be easily shared and given to friends and neighbors. Before refrigeration, it was possible to bake them in advance and they kept longer than most sweet treats, which contributed to their popularity.
Dutch and German settlers also introduced cookie cutters in the 17th century, giving way to the fun, holiday-shaped cookies we see today.
Traditional holidays flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are still used in cookies as they were ages ago.
And it wasn't until the 1930s, during the Great Depression, that children in the U.S. and Canada began leaving out cookies and milk for Santa. Many claim this tradition was started as a way for parents to instill a sense of thankfulness in their children. In fact, many believe cookies symbolize the spirit of giving.
Go figure, I guess that's just how the cookie crumbles.
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1) Gingerbread
- During medieval times, gingerbread cookies shaped like different subjects were a staple at fairs in Germany, England, France, and Holland.
- In the late 17th century, gingerbread became associated with Christmas. Gingerbread houses were introduced nearly 200 years later. It's alleged that when the Grimm brothers wrote Hansel and Gretel, the decorated cookie houses became even more popular.
- Fun Fact: Some historians claim that when gingerbread arrived in America with English colonists, the cookies were used on occasion to sway Virginia voters.
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Assortment of craft handmade Christmas toys on wooden background. Homemade gingerbread cookies, dry orange as decor.
2.) Sugar Cookies
- Along with Gingerbread, sugar cookies are another Christmas staple that started in the 1700s when German settlers in Pennsylvania brought over the treat from Europe.
- Also called Amish sugar cookies or Nazareth sugar cookies, the modern sugar cookie was created by the Moravians, who settled in the Nazareth area from Germany during the mid-18th century. Pennsylvania adopted the Nazareth sugar cookie as the official state cookie in 2001.
3.) Moravian Spice Cookie
- If you've never tried this North Carolina classic, expect paper-thin cookies flavored by molasses, ginger, and cloves traditionally.
- The cookies first came to Winston-Salem after European travelers brought over new spices including the ones listed above. Officials say those spices, if stored well, could still be used after their long journey from their tropical regions of production to North Carolina. The spices were expensive, however, so the cookies were usually prepared only for holidays and special occasions. Early Moravians referred to these cookies as "cakes."
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4.) Snickerdoodle
- Traditional snickerdoodle cookies are coated with cinnamon sugar before being baked. They were brought to the United States by English, Scottish, Dutch immigrants.
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5.) Linzer Tarts
- These cookies are comprised of almond dough and a sweet jelly filling. They come from the town of Linz in Austria.
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6.) Chocolate Crinkles
- Originating from St. Paul Minnesota, the chocolate crinkle cookie is believed to have been invented by Helen Fredell in the early 20th century.
- The cookies are brownie-like on the inside and rolled in powdered sugar before being baked, which forms "crinkles" as they rise in the oven, giving them their namesake.
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7.) Coconut Macaroons
- A French company is accredited with first discovering the coconut macaroon. It is said that the company used shredded coconut to help the macaroon from spoiling during long shipping processes. Within five years, this same issue occurred in America when Franklin Baker, a Philadelphia flour miller, received a shipload of coconuts in payment of a debt from a Cuban businessman. Shredding was his only option to sell them before the nuts spoiled.
- Fun Fact: Since the cookie has no flour or leavening, Italian Jews adapted the recipe in order to enjoy it on Pesach or Passover.
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8.) Peanut blossoms
- The cookie was created by an Ohio woman named Freda Smith for the 1957 Pillsburg Bake-Off, which has been held on-and-off since 1949. Now, its a Christmas time staple.
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9.) Pizzelle
- The thin, waffle-like cookies are a beloved Italian tradition. The word “pizzelle” comes from the word pizze in Italy, which means round and flat. Elle means small.
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10.) Shortbread
- With origins dating back to the 12th century, the history of shortbread is a long one. It was originally reserved for celebrations such as weddings, christenings, and of course, Christmas.
- Although made in many countries, shortbread is seen as a Scottish item and flagship of their food.
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So which one is your favorite? WUSA9 would love to see what holiday cookies you favor. Send us your photos and videos through our Near Me section of our app or by emailing photos@wusa9.com to be shared on-air and online.
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