Something occurred to me while I was enjoying a tasty gingerbread (that had rested a few days in the cookie box so that the flavors had time to develop): Where did the names of Christmas cookies originate, and why are they associated with this holiday?
I remembered hearing on a quiz show a while back that gingerbread is a 3800-year-old invention and that soldiers of the Roman Empire brought them with them as they didn’t spoil easily.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been quite able to verify that claim, although it seems that these legionaries brought some type of biscuits with them for that reason. These may have been flavored with ginger, but probably not made into elaborate cookie cutouts as we do today.
Be that as it may, here are some interesting facts to ponder as you enjoy your holiday cookie.
What is the tradition of Christmas cookies?
For centuries, Christmas cookies have been a beloved tradition for people worldwide. In medieval Europe, people made cookies to celebrate special occasions like Christmas, and the tradition and cookie recipes were passed down through the generations. Today, Christmas cookies come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, and people of all ages enjoy them. From gingerbread and sugar cookies to shortbread and chocolate chip cookies, these treats are often decorated with frosting and sprinkles.
Whether you make them with a special family recipe or try something new and creative each year, Christmas cookies are a delicious and fun way to celebrate the holiday season and spread holiday cheer. For many people, myself included, it is only really Christmas if I get to both make and enjoy at least some of these festive cookies.
But how and where did this tradition come about? Why are they called certain things? That is what I want to take a look at in this post.
Why are cookies a symbol of Christmas?
For centuries, cookies have been a beloved symbol of Christmas, with many traditions surrounding them. From medieval Europe, where cookies were made to celebrate special occasions, such as the holiday season, to the modern day, cookies’ sweet and festive nature has been a perfect fit for Christmas. Not only do the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread, sugar, and chocolate make for a delicious treat, but baking and decorating cookies with everything from powdered sugar to candy canes can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends.
Plus, the fact that cookies are small and portable makes them easy to share and enjoy with others – a key part of the Christmas spirit. Indeed, cookies continue to be a beloved symbol of the holiday season.
It is difficult to say which Christmas cookie is the oldest, as the tradition goes back so far in time, and many different types of cookies have been enjoyed over the centuries. However, some of the oldest known types of Christmas cookies include gingerbread, which has been made in various forms since the Middle Ages, and Lebkuchen, a spiced honey cookie that originated in Germany. Both types of cookies are still popular today and are often associated with the Christmas season.
Of course, there are no strict rules for what can be considered a Christmas cookie. It can refer to any cookie made to celebrate this holiday and is, therefore, always a work in progress. As you can see from this list of best Christmas cookies, quite a few pastries enjoy great popularity that one might not have guessed. There is sure to be something for everyone.
That said, let’s look at the names and short histories of some of the most classic holiday treats.
Classic Christmas Cookies and Their Names
Gingerbread
Gingerbread has been a traditional Christmas cookie for centuries, and it’s a favorite for holiday baking. From elaborately decorated houses to gingerbread men, this crispy wafer’s sweet and spicy flavor is a classic during the holiday season. They are easy to make and can be great fun for the entire family as you prepare for the holiday.
The word “gingerbread” comes from the from the Latin word “zingiber” via Old French “gingebras,” which means “preserved ginger.” This refers to the use of ginger, a spice commonly used in the cookies, to preserve the bread and give it a spicy flavor.
The term “cookie” originates from the Dutch word “koekje,” which translates to “small cake.” This refers to the small, cake-like treats now known as cookies. Gingerbread cookies were originally called “gingerbread” because they were made with ginger and other spices, and they were referred to as “cookies” because they were small, sweet treats that were baked in the oven. Over time, the two words were combined to form the word “gingerbread cookies.”
Gingerbread cookies have a long and interesting history. The origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where honey-sweetened cakes flavored with spices were popular. The Romans also enjoyed sweetened bread flavored with spices like ginger, and these treats eventually made their way to Europe, where they became a popular treat during the Middle Ages.
During the 16th century, gingerbread cookies became a popular treat in Germany, often shaped into various forms and decorated with icing and other decorations. It was during this time that the tradition of making gingerbread houses, a popular Christmas tradition, began.
The cookies eventually made their way to America, becoming a popular treat during the holiday season. Today, gingerbread cookies are enjoyed by people all around the world during the Christmas season.
Sugar Cookies
Ah, the Christmas sugar cookie. It’s a timeless treat that brings joy to the holiday season. From its sweet buttery flavor to its versatility in decorating, this beloved cookie has been a staple of holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges for generations. Whether for a family gathering or a school holiday party, the Christmas sugar cookie will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Not surprisingly, sugar cookies get their name from their main ingredient: sugar. The word “sugar” comes from the Old French “sucre,” which ultimately derives from the Sanskrit “sharkara,” meaning “ground or candied sugar.” The cookies were initially labeled “sugar cookies” because they were made with sugar, which gave them their sweet flavor.
The history of sugar cookies can be traced back to medieval Europe, where they were enjoyed as a treat during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals. Honey was used as a sweetener in some parts of Europe before the (widespread) introduction of sugar cane to the continent in the 16th century. Therefore it is possible that classic sugar cookies were originally made with honey rather than sugar. In some traditions they where shaped into elaborate designs using carved wooden molds. Over time, sugar became more readily available and was used as a sweetener in cookies, giving rise to the modern sugar cookie as we know it today.
Shortbread Cookies
The history of shortbread cookies dates back to (surprise, surprise) medieval Europe, where they were originally made from a type of dough known as “short dough.”
The short dough is a type of pastry dough that is made by mixing together flour, sugar, and butter. The dough is termed “short” because it contains a high proportion of fat, typically in the form of butter, which gives the finished product a crumbly, short texture. When this dough is rolled out and cut into shapes, it is known as shortbread.
The earliest known shortbread cookies were made in Scotland, where the dough was traditionally made with oats and shaped into rounds or triangles known as “shortbread fingers” or “shortbread petticoats.” Over time, the shortbread recipe spread to other parts of Europe and the world, and today it is a popular holiday treat in many countries.
Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are a type of cookie popular in the United States. They are made with a simple cookie dough that is rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking. This gives the cookies their characteristic sweet and spicy flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
The origins of the snickerdoodle are uncertain, but it is believed to have become popular in the United States in the early 1900s.
The “snickerdoodle” is derived from the German word “schneckennudeln,” which means “snail noodles.” It is unclear why the cookie was given this name, but it is possible that the twisted shape of the cookie resembled a snail. Snickerdoodles are a beloved treat and a staple of the holiday season in many parts of the country.
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark cookies are a type of cookie that is made with peppermint bark. It is made by layering white and dark chocolate, then breaking it into pieces. The chocolate is flavored with peppermint extract, which gives it a refreshing and festive flavor.
Chop the peppermint bark into small pieces, then incorporate it into the cookie dough. The cookies are then baked and decorated with additional pieces of peppermint bark on top. They are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season.
The history of these cookie platter favorites is not well documented. Peppermint bark is a relatively new type of candy, and the cookies were likely developed more recently as well. It was first created in the early 20th century and quickly became a popular holiday treat.
Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are sandwich cookies originating in Linz, Austria. They are made from a mixture of ground nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, flour, sugar, butter, and spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The cookies are typically filled with a fruit jam, such as raspberry or apricot, and have a lattice-patterned top that is dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
The cookies, named after Linz, Austria, where they originated in the 17th century, were possibly created by bakers in the city, which was a significant baking and confectionery center.
The origins of the cookies are unknown, but they are thought to have been inspired by traditional Middle Eastern pastries made with ground nuts and spices. The first recorded recipe for Linzer cookies was published in 1653, and over time the cookies became popular throughout Austria and other parts of Europe. Today, they are enjoyed as a traditional Christmas treat in many parts of the world.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Last but certainly not least, chocolate cookies belong on any Christmas cookie recipe list. Perhaps indeed, on any such list.
Chocolate chip cookies are an iconic treat beloved all year round, but their popularity peaks around Christmas. It’s no wonder why; they are ooey-gooey, comforting, and the perfect addition to a holiday spread. Whether baking them with your family around the kitchen table or gifting them as a special treat, chocolate chip cookies are an essential Christmas tradition.
The history of the chocolate chip cookie dates back to the 1930s when it was created by a woman named Ruth Wakefield. Wakefield owned the Toll House Inn, a popular restaurant in Massachusetts, and she is credited with inventing the chocolate chip cookie.
According to legend, Wakefield was making a batch of cookies one day and ran out of baker’s chocolate, so she chopped up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate and added it to the dough. The chocolate did not fully melt, and the resulting cookies had small chunks of chocolate in them. The cookies were a hit with her customers, and the recipe for chocolate chip cookies quickly became one of the most popular in the United States.
Today, the chocolate chip cookie is a staple of American cuisine, and it is enjoyed all over the world.
Time for Some Actual Holiday Cookies!
I hope you had a great time learning about the history and origins of some of the most popular Christmas cookies. I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you’ll have a chance to make some of these delicious treats this season. Whether you’re making sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or something else, I hope you have a chance to enjoy the Christmas spirit with your family and friends.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Featured image credit: Michele Purin on Unsplash.
Author bio:
Emily is an experienced writer who specializes in creating informative and entertaining how-to content. She has written for numerous publications on a variety of topics such as travel, lifestyle, arts and entertainment, food and drinks. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. She also loves hitting the dancefloor and trying out new recipes.