![Southern Living Cranberry Fluff Salad in a bowl to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/BnFwGq8HBpCScD7vvBv2k0VeGFU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RA_6439_Cranberry_Fluff_Salad_3X3_003-3a3f2c15bd58428894e1547b7b4514a3.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Nothing hits the spot during the holiday season like one of Grandma's tried-and-true Christmas dessert recipes. After all, there’s a reason these goodies have stood the test of time. Some of these treats date as far back as the 1700s, while others were developed during the penny-pinching of the Great Depression or the liveliness of the 1950s. Regardless of the era you or your grandparents grew up in, these recipes will remind you of the long history of festivities this time of year. Bring Grandma’s timeless wisdom to your holiday table with this assortment of cookies, candies, and Christmas spirit.
Mrs. Floyd's Divinity
![Mrs. Floyd's Divinity](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VJhWMsm9XWsZQQ1bInBkuhr7gYg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/divinity-candy-sl-258139-x-85033203cb2643c59fe04fd9154bd349.jpg)
This classic candy's name isn't a coincidence. Pecans add an extra crunch and touch of festivity to this divine treat.
Classic Peanut Brittle
![Peanut Brittle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/t0VDZduvivaZB5RsMIp6TiFJ0n4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peanut_brittle_97be448a9821c41d-2000-acbefa10312f482496cbff5e086f1f25.jpg)
Peanut brittle is basically a requirement during the holiday season, though we wouldn't blame you if you made this recipe year-round.
Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad
![Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/oQ8cB89ku1aswetPR7oh5F6tD8s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Strawberry_Pretzel_Salad_343-8edd4d77353644519ae84893bbdbd8be.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Simple to make and hard to get wrong, strawberry-jello salad is sure to please all ages of holiday guests. Consider your nostalgia appeased.
Hello Dolly Bars
![Hello Dolly Bars - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1bMBaIsSttM__CjCh9dMDjsZM6o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-Hello-Dolly-Bars-Courtney-West-Primary-3x2-613a2ebdf5f04ca08f031f378af84791.jpg)
Courtney West
No matter what you call this dessert, the combination of graham cracker, pecan, chocolate, and coconut flavors will tantalize your tastebuds.
Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge
![Southern Living Mamie Eisenhower Chocolate Fudge cut and ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Nn_nJXxCEiXiePwY8sOSNzttXgA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mamie-eisenhower-chocolate-fudge-ddmfs-01-2c17a9d7a4d34b28a41a6225148ceb5a.jpg)
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
This recipe — once called Million Dollar Fudge —hails from an era when politicians' wives were often asked to share recipes, and we're sure glad Mrs. Eisenhower did.
Bourbon Balls
![Bourbon Balls on a tin plate](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/dFVRUIE_xp6a1bXD1CvOCne3JTA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bourbon_Balls_023-a399497c56824e43bcf01765bc83dcfb.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Small bite, big flavor — this old-fashioned holiday treat brings centuries of baking wisdom to your tastebuds.
Cranberry Fluff Salad
![Southern Living Cranberry Fluff Salad in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BnFwGq8HBpCScD7vvBv2k0VeGFU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RA_6439_Cranberry_Fluff_Salad_3X3_003-3a3f2c15bd58428894e1547b7b4514a3.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Smooth, creamy fluff topped with crunchy pecans — that's how you finish off Christmas dinner the right way.
Potato Candy
![Potato Candy](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NTT6LgsUXlFknyr3LHOYxoL41U8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/potato-candy-recipe-10-1-11577f5755f6474b916aae2b80be96a2.jpg)
Originating in the South during the Great Depression, this treat is designed to make the most of inexpensive ingredients.
Saltine Cracker Toffee
![Saltine Cracker Toffee - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/v_QucGSpiU2gt7NWzDWCvhp_4jI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cracker_Toffee_011-d4e64f8a48cb431ea6a8ec7dd49e4e18.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cracker Toffee (or Cracker Candy, Pine Bark, Toffee Bark, Faux Toffee, Saltine Sweeties, Fooler Toffee, Christmas Crack, or whatever you call it!) features layered saltines with toffee, chocolate, and toasty pecans
Tea Cakes
![Tea Cakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/84rPP4Za-vqWXjmKF5gkAOxt-sI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/567c866e-37c9-49f1-9b92-03597b722803-886071d7bd474c49af6cba1b6defb06e.png)
This simple, no-fuss cookie has been a staple in centuries' worth of cooking books — and for good reason.
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
![Lemon Thumbprint Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vJc368FzOrQ8YdD1ZkdQluYFGfE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lemon-thumbprint-cookies-st_0_1-872c0e0ae7bd41e0954dec012bfd1c00.jpg)
Raspberry jam pairs beautifully with lemony cookies in these festive treats. They're also super simple and fun to decorate.
Coconut Balls
![Coconut Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/o4QRlVX2H-TiodPIxAOxHuZxK4M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/coconut_balls-2000-abbf6c287ff040b3842a28f1d727b626.jpeg)
Similar to traditional Martha Washingtons, these coconut balls are an easy, homemade upgrade to your favorite coconut-almond candy.
Cherry Winks
![Cherry Winks](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/M4SANkXxgY4biAcQUBwcu4C8XGE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL.com-vintage-holiday-desserts-031-2000-27276699cf064454bf5c3ec54df2f3d5.jpg)
These tender, fruit cake-like cookies have stood the test of time. Maraschino cherries add a pop of color and balance the cookies' sweetness.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
![Old-Fashioned Gingerbread on a serving plate with fork](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-3xOp1wDLCCeb_Z8DLLvzyi6t_g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Old_Fashioned_Gingerbread_017-8b4f90adec084f968240a0c38a6eca47.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Nothing says Christmas like a freshly-baked pan of gingerbread — the actual bread, not the cookies or decorating kits.
Cheesecake Cookies
![Cheesecake Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2aEiiY1l6AM2-EqSCm4BeOkfDG0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/seo_holiday_recipes_006_0_1_1_1_0-2000-5e641a7a6b0b4f6eb5506166357ef821.jpg)
Mix up your Christmas flavor palette with these adorable cheesecake confections. But be careful — they tend to disappear if left unsupervised.
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
![Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gwK13ytvHu3ziURAII7YlJX0bIs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Easy-Peanut-Butter-Cookies-05-f93b55d40b21472c982e4369c4e53356.jpg)
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
With just four ingredients and a total time of 35 minutes, these peanut butter cookies are the easiest and sweet treat we can think of.
Toasted Oatmeal Cookies
![Toasted Oatmeal Cookies Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/d148mSn82h4_77pk_mRu5Yd6AUs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2547201_south16819_0_1_0_1_1_0_0_0-7f830ea8d6ca479e9a7396d4ce9bb692.jpg)
Hailing from the November 1992 issue of Southern Living, these cookies utilize a brilliant technique that enhances flavor without extra effort.
Transparent Pie with Whipped Crème Fraîche and Sugared Cranberries
![Transparent Pie with Whipped Creme Fraiche and Sugared Cranberries](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XWj6ftFIj7nePZXC4WIAMcjEMJg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/transparent_pie_with_whipped_creme_fraiche_and_sugared_cranberries_2540501_pieso_599_0_0-2000-81de53d0e9164cb7b4a89f6dd00e5508-6f80c009d42d4c35bdd2d093e9b7f8ab.jpg)
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The original transparent pie is a delicious Kentucky classic, but we added some embellishments for extra festivity.
Millionaire Candy
![Millionaire Candy](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Iq7uifTsEDYY8Cd8FoelTEXaOGU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27087_MILLIONAIRECANDY_527_preview-da3f4d9f090d4b07ae2c177fbf53eefe.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
This classic boxed candy is available in grocery stores across the South, but you'll want to invest in this easy homemade version.
Slice-and-Bake Sugar Cookie Bites
![Slice-and-Bake Sugar Cookie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-nx2UdZ8RUZPmFGyFLfiIOSVlOQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651601_Baker_HolidaySugarCookie_36-2000-33ed15090edd4e44848306c67d91111f.jpg)
Ah, the classic sugar cookies — infinitely customizable and perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Allow these melt-in-your-mouth goodies to brighten your holiday season.
Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies
![Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Ft3wuqXEMWn9qB-AJcUi19vyBZY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Santas-Kitchen-Sink-Cookies_1606-2000-64fdd17bfa1742f88057dbfc0c8920f4-226e3b7a343944e0abb0cb85e7f13496.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
While we love just the pretzel pieces, chocolate chips, and marshmallows included in this kitchen sink cookie recipe, you can add all the sweet or salty mix-ins you desire.
Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs
![Pecan Logs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hhfAeotQEm6vtep2kZNrL9u07NA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan_Logs_0049-S-2000-440e2ee4919e46b79f77527cb25a511c.jpg)
These vintage confections were popularized by Southern-favorite convenience store Stuckey's, but making your own is simple thanks to melted caramel candies.
Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines
![Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines on a baking sheet](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/S0c38uWhIwfksjR0PdfoiizoHNg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/buttermilk-pecan-pralines-10_4x3-275eaf09776e4c7b8df526ab7f1373b5.jpg)
Pecan pralines represent Southern ingenuity paired with old-world European tradition. Simultaneously crunchy, creamy, and sweet, this recipe is one for the history books.
Christmas Fudge
![Christmas Fudge](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Fa5FDGpV_OQrMSxPqbeGRe5W4O4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Christmas-Fudge-2000-4b38d95178014fac880ab29ac2801c0a.jpg)
This recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and butter to transform semi-sweet and unsweetened chocolate into a sweetened and milky ganache, leaving you with the perfect fudge texture.
Chocolate-Pecan Tassies
![Chocolate-Pecan Tassies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/O29Aa8Kj8DE2LQO_nu2RkvtY_hI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651601_Baker_benneSeedThumbChocPecan_43-1-2000-42bfa9230e1a426087a0c54af1206315.jpg)
This twist on a traditional Southern cookie takes only 35 minutes and yields 20 mini pies, making it an excellent option for feeding large families or for gifting.