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...
Who doesn't like fresh baked cookies? Nobody I know. While you're here, I'd love for you to check out some of the other tasty cookie recipes I have on my site starting with: Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookies, Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies, Peanut Butter and Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Take 5 Cookies!
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Here's what I said about this recipe in 2011:
- A step back in time about this recipe for vintage rocks cookies:
- Can this cookie dough be frozen and baked at a later date?
- Can rocks cookies be frozen after baking?
- Additional old-fashioned recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- butter
- brown sugar
- eggs
- vanilla
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- ground cinnamon
- raisins
- walnuts
Here's what I said about this recipe in 2011:
One bowl, one spoon, and one simple recipe. These rocks cookies are like taking a flavorful step back in time.
This is a recipe redo 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.
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!
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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?
Can this cookie dough be frozen and baked at a later date?
Yes!!
Wrap the dough well in plastic wrap and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and when ready to bake follow the recipe instructions.
Can rocks cookies be frozen after baking?
You bet!
Store them in an airtight freezer bag or freezer container and freeze them for up to 3 months.
I like to use these dissolvable content labels for adding dates and container content information to the outside of refrigerator and freezer packages.
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!
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 today's 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.
Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
1930s 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, salt, 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.
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!
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!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Cheryl Johnson says
I didn't make your recipe, but "Rock Cookies" was featured in the 1944 Women's Institute Cookbook of Westville, Nova Scotia, which is where my mother grew up. Had she lived, she would be 100 years old today. I was raised in Utah, so she came a long way from home, bringing that cookbook with her.
--The recipe called for cream-of-tartar and almond flavoring. No cinnamon. 2 eggs instead of 3. You ask if adding vanilla is so wrong. My question has been, for years, WHY? Why does vanilla have to be in every baked good recipe? I do not always add it. Also, walnuts. My mother put walnuts in ALL cookies, and quick breads as well. I leave the walnuts out, often. My mother never made this recipe when I was growing up; I was in my teens before I opened the recipe book in the kitchen and found this recipe. I asked my mother if we could make it. We did. It has been my favorite Christmas cookie since then. She said that the drugstore would have them to sell every Christmas, in a bin. They mean CHRISTMAS, so I never make them at any other time.
Renée says
Merry Christmas, Cheryl!
Renee
caitrina monaco says
I haven’t made
It but my mom used to make “ rock cookies when I was a kid. I am now 67 so I am sure I was eating the original recipe, however, I don’t see the one ingredient in this recipe and that would have been coffee. So my question is, did you leave this ingredient out?
Renée says
Hello, Catirina!
The recipe I found for rocks cookies (and shared here) did not have any coffee in the list of ingredients.
I find this an interesting addition as I'm sure it was a good way to use up every last drop of things so nothing went to waste.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear if you think it's similar in taste to what you remember.
Thanks for the great question,
Renee
Georgia says
Renee,
I realize I am a bit late with my comment, but I hope you see it. I have an old cookbook, missing it's front and back cover, that has a handwritten note labeled Aunt Sammy's Cook Book. Another page indicates it is the 4th edition (@1926) of Aunt Sammy's Radio Recipes. Page 118 of this cookbook has the recipe "Rocks" and the ingredients match this recipe except for the vanilla extract (which makes sense, it was not common back then). Please email me is you want the full recipe, including directions. AuntieG
Renée says
Hi, Georgia!
That sounds like a complete treasure.
Please feel free to email me: info@kudoskitchenbyrenee.com
if you're willing to send the recipe. I'd love to see it.
Thank you so much,
Renee
Danette Jiuliante says
you put down salt in your recipe, but then when u gave instructions on how to mix it u didn't use it?
Renée says
Hi, Danette!
Thank you for kindly alerting me to my error. I've since fixed it.
The salt gets added along with the dry ingredients.
Thanks, and sorry for the inconvenience this caused.
Renee
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!
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,
Renee
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.
Renée says
It's my pleasure to share the recipe with you.
Thanks for sharing your memories with me! 🙂
Fondly,
Renee
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
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,
Renee
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. 🙂
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.
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.
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. 😀
Heather Mulholland says
Awww I love the story behind these 🙂 Now I wish I could eat walnuts lol
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!