Christmas cookies may be one of today’s simplest holiday pleasures, but their story is rich, global, and filled with beautifully feminine touches through time. The very first “holiday cookies” date back to medieval Europe, when spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg arrived through trade routes and bakers began crafting sweet, fragrant treats for winter festivities. These spiced biscuits eventually evolved into the charming gingerbread cookies and buttery shortbread we know today.

By the 16th century, women in Germany, the Netherlands, and England became the heart of this tradition—carefully shaping dough into stars, hearts, angels, and seasonal symbols. These early cookie makers weren’t just baking; they were building community. Exchanging homemade cookies became a way to bond with neighbors, share abundance, and bring warmth to the coldest months.

Over time, Christmas cookies traveled across oceans and cultures, landing in American homes where they took on new life: sugar cookies topped with colorful icing, peppermint-crusted creations, and family recipes handed down like heirlooms.

Today, the ritual remains a celebration of creativity and connection. It’s the perfect moment to honor the women who turned baking into an art of comfort and expression. And just like slipping into your favorite Squeem piece—a blend of structure, support, and confidence—holiday baking is a reminder that tradition can feel both grounding and beautifully empowering.