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This vintage cookie recipe dates back to the 1930s. Vintage Rocks Cookies are fast and easy to make and don't require any special equipment. A large bowl and a spoon will work wonderfully well. After all, if it was good enough for grandma...
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- The ingredient list:
- A step back in time about this recipe for vintage rocks cookies:
- Want to know the health benefits of walnuts? Check out this article at Healthy Line.
- Additional old-fashioned recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
One bowl, one spoon, and one simple recipe. These rocks cookies are like taking a flavorful step back in time.
This is a recipe re-do from one I shared back in 2011. While the photos may have changed, the recipe has remained the same. I do hope you'll enjoy the flavor of friendship, and of a simpler time.
The ingredient list:
- butter
- brown sugar
- eggs
- vanilla
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- ground cinnamon
- raisins
- walnuts
Below is one of my original photos from 2011. I think that you'll agree, it wasn't the best, but at the time I thought I was "rockin' it!" LOL! Pun intended!
A step back in time about this recipe for vintage rocks cookies:
A while ago a twitter friend of minesent me a fabulous vintage cookbook from her collection after she'd heard that I was starting my own vintage cookbook collection.
It was such a kind gesture that I sincerely hope she understands what her surprise gift in the mail meant to me.
Upon paging through the book, I ran across a small, warn slip of paper with a handwritten recipe that simply said "Rocks".
The directions were sparse as were the list of ingredients. I immediately knew I had to make these cookies as my tribute to this unknown woman whose spirit is now welcomed into my kitchen with open arms and our shared love of baking.
I'm going to assume that my new/old found friend is Ruth B. Maxwell of Miniwa, Ohio and this cookbook had been lovingly given to her by Grandma Leyda.
It's hard to see these names as they're written in faint pencil on the inside cover of the book, but they're there.
These two women, whom I've never had the pleasure of meeting, are now a part of my heart and home. I am grateful to have them grace my kitchen as I share with you their recipe for "Rocks".
I felt it only appropriate that I did it the old-fashioned way so I opted to use a large bowl and a wooden spoon instead of my modern Kitchenaid mixer.
I think Ruth and Grandma Leyda would have been pleased.
Having a decent knowledge of cookie baking, the fact that the recipe seemed to be missing a considerable amount of directions wasn't a deterrent for me at all so I forged ahead.
The only thing I did change however to the list of ingredients (if you know me, then you know I can't be stopped even if it means messing with history).
To the original recipe, I added a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Is it so wrong?
Want to know the health benefits of walnuts? Check out this article at Healthy Line.
Additional old-fashioned recipes:
Old-Fashioned Grated Sweet Potato Puddingtastes a little like a pumpkin, or sweet potato pie, with the full-bodied flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. It's a rustic dessert that is easy to make using simple ingredients and requires no fancy equipment.
This fast, easy, no-cook and economical recipe for Red Bean Salad (aka Kidney Bean Salad) calls for only a handful of ingredients. It's the perfect chilled side dish to serve for any and every occasion!
Sally Lunn Batter Breadis one of the easiest and most delicious yeast bread you'll ever make. If you've been intimidated by yeast bread in the past, I urge you to invite Sally over. I promise you won't be sorry!
I'm kicking off my brand-new retro recipes category with this recipe for Hoppin' John that dates back to the 1800s. Hoppin' John is a delicious and hearty dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon and is traditionally served for New Year's celebrations.
When you make this recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did. Google appreciates ratings on recipes and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
1930's Vintage Rocks Cookies
Renee Goerger
This vintage cookie recipe dates back to the 1930's. Vintage Rocks Cookies are fast and easy to make and don't require any special equipment. A large bowl and a spoon will work wonderfully well. After all, if it was good enough for grandma...
4.45 from 25 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Dessert - Cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 48 servings
Calories 117 kcal
Equipment
kitchen timer optional
Ingredients
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup walnuts
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius)
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and the brown sugar.
Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter and sugar mixture and stir to combine.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon to the mixing bowl and stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
Add the walnuts and raisins and mix well.
Drop the batter by tablespoons onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven for 15-17 minutes.
Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
Store cookies at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Cookies may be frozen in an airtight freezer container for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 0gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this vintage cookie recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
More Holiday Inspired Recipes
- Mushroom Onion Swiss Burgers
- Sour Cream Poundcake with Blueberries and Orange
- Coconut Custard Easter Bunny Pie
- Oatmeal Pancakes with Banana and Coconut
Reader Interactions
Comments
Bill says
Thank you for posting this recipe. My siblings and I have many fond memories of helping Grandma make these and other cookies in her kitchen many years ago. These are so easy to make and they are delicious to eat!Reply
Renée says
It is my distinct pleasure to share this recipe with you, Bill.
I'm so glad this little cookie brings back such fond memories for you and your siblings.
I love that food can do that!!
Thanks so much for your kind comment and 5-star review. I appreciate it.
I hope you'll visit me again.
Fondly,
ReneeReply
Foery, Sheila says
My favorite cookie growing up! My mother made them I guess her mom got the recipe out of the newspaper. Very similar to yours but has added cloves too, my mom changed it up to do 1/2 raisins 1/2 dates and coconut! She kept them in the porch to keep them cold and that`s the only way I like them slightly frozen, as I would sneak and eat the cookies. My grandma only made them at Christmas my mother said, as they were expensive with all the nuts and fruit. Thanks for sharing their recipe.Reply
Renée says
See AlsoHow to Carve a TurkeyIt's my pleasure to share the recipe with you.
Thanks for sharing your memories with me! 🙂
Fondly,
ReneeReply
Diane says
My grandmother made rock cookies and no one in our family has the recipe. It’s not quite like I remember…In thought she used candied fruit but it makes my heart smile that others know of this cookie. And she mixed them in a big bowl with a spoon
Reply
Renée says
Hi, Diane!
I'm so glad this recipe could bring back fond memories for you.
I'm sure you could add in some candied fruit if you wanted them to be more like your grandmother's.
I think they would be a tasty addition.
Thanks for the comment and for visiting. Please come again.
Fondly,
ReneeReply
Linda Helman says
I found a recipe called Rocks from the 1920s from. Aunt Sammy's Radio Recipes. She was a popular radio host from 1926 until 1934 who talked about things of interest to housewives of the time, like clothing, furniture, world affairs, and cooking. Her recipe compilations sold out immediately, and it was the first cookbook printed in Braille. Her recipe calls for 3 cups of raisins and does not include vanilla, otherwise it's basically the same recipe. BTW, Aunt Sammy was Uncle Sam's wife!
Reply
Renée says
That is so very interesting, Linda. Thanks for telling me about Aunt Sammy.
I had no idea. I appreciate you visiting my website and checking out this recipe.
Fondly,
ReneeReply
Diane Nye says
My mother -in-law made these they were hard as rocks and I was the only one who loved them! Reading some of the comments I see they are not called rocks because they are hard. I have never had them other than the ones my mother -in- law made. My daughters disliked them and I haven't made them in years but now I will and make some that are soft and my favorites that are hard. Many thanks for the recipe.
Reply
Renée says
Hi, Diane!
Your comment made me giggle.
I sincerely hope you and your daughters both enjoy the flavor and texture of these cookies.
Please let me know how it all went once you try this recipe.
Thanks for visiting.
Please come again,
ReneeReply
Martha Y says
I have my grandmother's Rock cookie recipe but it's pretty vague. I love them! Make them every Christmas. I thought she made up the name bc I've never found a recipe until now! They are the best!!
Reply
Renée says
Hi, Martha!
It's a funny name, but they do kind of look like rocks.
I'm glad you finally found a recipe. The recipe in the vintage cookbook was pretty vague too.
Funny how they used to write recipes back then, but since everyone pretty much knew how to cook,
they didn't have to be as step-by-step precise as they do now.
Enjoy the cookies!!
ReneeReply
Cathrine Smith says
Ok so I tried your recipe but my mother—in-law who is 88 said I needed to add a teaspoon of cloves and nutmeg to them these were her favorite cookies growing up
Reply
Renée says
Hi, Catherine! Next time you make them, add the cloves and nutmeg. I'm sure that would be delicious.
Enjoy your day,
ReneeReply
Maureen Needham says
Yes, my grandmother’s original recipe has, 1/4 tsp cloves and 1 tsp cinnamon, very good cookie. Also says currents or raisins,
Reply
Renée says
Hi, Maureen!
You're so fortunate to have your grandmother's actual recipe.
I like the addition of cloves. Sounds wonderful, and the currents would be a nice
replacement for the raisins.
Feel free to make this recipe you own.
Happy baking!
Renee
Debra Kerns says
These are very similar to my great grandmother’s Rocks. (She would have been about 30 in the 1930’s) Her hand written recipe calls for 1 pound each dates, raisins, and walnuts. Other than that identical! Made hers today a wanted to see if they are still being made by others. They are!
Reply
Renée says
Awesome, Debra! I appreciate you writing to let me know!
Take good care, and thanks for being here!
ReneeReply
Linda says
would love to have your recipe, my grandmother made rock cookies and always had dates, raisins and black walnuts. this sounds like hers.
Reply
Holly says
Oh my goodness! I'm am such an airhead! Just realized that it was my fault that they weren't very buttery. I only put 1/2 cup of butter..hahahahha In that case, I will have to make these again the right way. I bet they are phenominal. 🙂Reply
Holly says
I have a few suggestions for these cookies. I think they need some salt and maybe something to make them more buttery...Some chocolate chips and cloves or some other spice might be good too. I liked that these weren't overly sweet. If I did put chocolate chips, I wouldn't put a whole lot. I imagine back in those days, they had fewer ingredients to use. Wish we could all go back to simpler times. Thank you for this recipe. It took my mind off the coronavirus for a little while. 🙂Reply
Victoria G says
I have a christmas cookie book with rocks in it. it calls for 3 tbsp of strong coffee & allspice otherwise seems really similar. my 12 cookies all became 1. not sure if I did something wrong or not, but they definitely spread when I made them.
Reply
Renée says
Hello, Victoria.
That's some pretty big spreading. How large did you make the dough balls? Maybe they were too big.
Also, did you give your oven plenty of time to preheat? If not, that will cause cookies to spread in an undesirable way.
I hope this helps.
Renee
Gail Giddings says
Thank you for posting this! I loved these cookies and I remember my grandmother making them. I loved that you hand mixed them. Maybe they're called rocks because of the fact that they kind of look like rocks, i.e., not uniform in shape and brownish? God bless.Reply
Renée says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and rate this recipe, Gail. I'm thrilled that they brought back memories for you.
And I agree...they do look like rocks. LOL. Tasty rocks for sure! 🙂
God bless you as well!
Take care,
ReneeReply
Antoinette Vitrano says
So many memories. I have been eating these since I was a child and I still make them every Christmas. Only one change in my recipe. My grandmother and mother always used dates instead of raisins. Thanks for the memories.
Reply
Renée says
My pleasure, Antionette! I think dates would be an excellent ingredient. Your grandmother was a smart lady!!
Have a wonderful day!Reply
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