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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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 mine sent 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 Pudding tastes 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 Bread is 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!
When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!
Printable Recipe Card
1930's Vintage Rocks Cookies
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
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this vintage cookie recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
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Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
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!
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,
Renee
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.
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,
Renee
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!!
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!!
Renee
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
Renée says
Hi, Catherine! Next time you make them, add the cloves and nutmeg. I'm sure that would be delicious.
Enjoy your day,
Renee
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,
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!
Renée says
Awesome, Debra! I appreciate you writing to let me know!
Take good care, and thanks for being here!
Renee
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.
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. 🙂
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. 🙂
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.
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,
Renee
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.
Renée says
My pleasure, Antionette! I think dates would be an excellent ingredient. Your grandmother was a smart lady!!
Have a wonderful day!
Jennifer Farley says
Delicious cookies! My husband couldn't get enough of them!
Renée says
My husband feels the same way, Jennifer. Thanks!
Beth says
Recipes with a fun story are my favorite thing!! These look so delicious, then & now!
Renée says
I couldn't agree more! Thanks, Beth!!
Renee says
Wonderful memories. I remember my mom boiling the raisins with just enough water to cover raisins. Reserving a small amount of liquid; drain; cool. Then add raisins and liquid to batter. They were the softest cookies ever. Delicious
Renée says
That trick of rehydrating the raisins is great. I'll bet it makes these cookies even more plump and delicious. I'll have to try that next time. Thanks, Renee!
Kelley Smythe says
I have been looking for this recipe for yrs. My Nana made them and they were my favorite. I thought she called them rock cookies but no one else did. So I thought the recipe died with her. I made them and was so excite to find they tasted as I remembered. The one thing I changed was instead of raisins I put in currents.
Thank for the happy memory
Kelley
Renée says
I'm so glad this recipe brought back wonderful memories for you. Currents are a wonderful option. I'll have to try that next time.
Thanks for the idea, and thanks for your kind comment, Kelley! I appreciate it!!
Renee
John sprague says
Hi , my mother who was irish lovedto bake Xmas Rocks back in 50's - 70's! I loved them ! But they always
had cloves ,dates and walnuts . Thanks John upstate NY
Renée says
Hi, John!
I'm sure there are many variations for this recipe, just as there are many variations to many recipes.
Feel free to add cloves, dates, and walnuts. I'll never tell!
Happy Holidays!
Renee
Nellie Tracy says
I am in love with Brown Butter flavor. These cookies will be a great hit at my house!
Renée says
What's not to love, right? Thanks, Nellie!
jenn says
I'm all about that brown butter and cinnamon! Cannot wait to dive into the kitchen and make up a batch of these - awesome!
Renée says
If your house is anything like mine, they won't last long! Enjoy!!
vanillalemonade.com says
Ahh, I love the thoughtful Heirloom Cookies you sent! Nothing beats an old cook book recipe!
Loveforfood says
that is just perfect for christmas. i would like to receive it.. as a gift.. 🙂 (heeee..heee....)
Mags says
Oh my goodness I know EXACTLY what cookies you are talking about! My grandmother makes these cookies every year, a tradition that started way back in the 60's when her oldest two boys were in vietnam. She sent the rock cookies in the mail because they were the only cookies with enough hair on their chest to withstand the long voyage overseas. I have no clue why they're called rock cookies though, maybe because they're so hard to break?
Paula says
What a lovely post for a great cookie recipe and a great cookie swap. I've read a lot of posts on the swap today and yours is the first that provided the link to register for notices for the swap next year. Thank you for that. I hope to be able to participate next year so I signed up.
Lucky the ladies who are getting your cookies this year 🙂
JulieD says
I love that these came from a vintage cookbook! They look so yummy! So glad you participated in the cookie swap. 😀
livingthesweetlifeblog says
There's something extra special about hand mixed cookies - - it's almost like there's a little extra love in them 🙂 - - these look delicious. What a great recipe
terri says
awwww, this was so sweet(pun intended) the cookies looked delicious. i am going to try then veganized, I'll let know how they turn out.
cheers terri
BigBearswife says
oo those cookies look wonderful and oo that cookbook! I'd be in cookbook heaven with that! I love vintage cookbooks, and have quite a little collection that I started by shopping at our goodwill store. what a treasure! both the cookies and book!
Heather Mulholland says
Awww I love the story behind these 🙂 Now I wish I could eat walnuts lol