Pan cookies & cookie bars recipes: 20 vintage versions of popular & super easy treats to make!

If you’re a fan of yummy treats you can whip up in a flash, you’ll love this collection of delicious cookie bars made famous in the last century.

Pecan fingers cookies: Delicious old-fashioned vanilla powdered sugar treats from the 1970s

These cookies — and other very similar ones — have many names! Besides pecan fingers, you might find them called German or Austrian vanilla crescent cookies (vanillekipferl), Viennese crescent cookies, sand tarts, pecan crescents, or powdered sugar cookies.

Granola bars from the 70s, 80s & 90s were delicious or healthy, but not both

Remember when these popular brands of old granola bars were called natural and wholesome… and seemed they were too delicious to be healthy? Yeah, we were right. But still, so yummy!

Remember these old Shake and Bake seasoned coating mixes that shook up our dinner options

Back in the mid-1960s, the newly-invented marvel of Shake’n Bake coating mixes was kind of a big deal – or at least the shake and bake concept was marketed that way!

Make sensational sesame-herb chicken with this homemade shake and bake recipe from the 70s

This retro recipe for homemade shake and bake sesame-herb chicken from the 70s is an easy way to make a dinner the whole family will love!

Chocolate chip cookies: Your ultimate guide to the best ever vintage recipes (1930s-2000)

We’ve collected some of the most well-known, classic versions of this vintage chocolate chip cookies. Which one will you bake today?

People as vegetables: Weird old trade cards from the 1800s showing men & women literally made from veggies

Trade cards, the granddaddy of today’s trading cards, were common in the 1800s, and often showed offbeat images that existed solely to build brand buzz. Here’s a strange set showing people as vegetables.

Chocolate crinkle cookies with powdered sugar

These big chocolate crinkle cookies are covered in powdered sugar before they’re baked, and come out of the oven with little cracks in the snowy sugar. This classic recipe comes from the 1980s, and uses unsweetened cocoa.

Ayds candy: The diet candy with the unfortunate name

Ayds candy debuted in the 40s, and was basically a piece of caramel or fudge that contained an appetite suppressant. For years, the diet candy called Ayds was a big seller… and then came AIDS.

Box social memories: How these fun old-time gatherings united communities (1940s-70s)

A box social, sometimes called a box supper social, was an old-fashioned way for communities to connect, share a meal and raise money for local causes. From

Our 14 best vintage brownie recipes

Ready for some good old-fashioned chocolate treats? Here are more than a dozen of our best vintage brownie recipes — lots of fudgy deliciousness with a retro twist!

Jamaican pound cake with bananas & almonds (1972)

Here’s a retro 1970s recipe from Dole for a delicious Jamaican Pound Cake. It’s made extra delicious with bananas, almonds and rum – and made easy with boxed pound cake mix. 

Homemade chocolate truffles recipe

Skip buying expensive candy and make your own! These homemade chocolate truffles can be whipped at home in no time at all with this simple recipe from the 80s. 

Accordion Treats: In 1957, this vintage cookie recipe won $25,000!

Now you can try the wedge-shaped cookies that won the Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1957! Accordion Treats was the name of a creative cookie recipe that was the

Fruit cocktail eggnog pie: The old-fashioned recipe

This old-fashioned fruit cocktail eggnog pie was a holiday favorite in the 1950s! It’s easy to make, too – only the pie shell needs baking.

Vintage recipes: Glossary of 44 helpful cooking terms & definitions

When working with vintage recipes, it’s not uncommon to come across unfamiliar terminology or cooking methods. This cooking terms glossary is designed to help you navigate those unfamiliar terms and successfully prepare your classic dishes!

Homemade scrapple recipe & about this meaty Pennsylvania treat

What is scrapple, exactly – and how do you make it? Get a good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch homemade scrapple recipe here, and find out about the history of this meaty mixture.

Under-the-sea Jell-O salad: The popular retro 60s recipe

Here is the 1960s version of Jello’s popular Under-the-Sea salad – a combination of lime gelatin, cream cheese and canned pears – all molded and colorful!

6 collections of sweet & spicy gingerbread recipes – the ultimate Christmas treat!

If you are looking for a treat so Christmas-y that you can actually taste the festivity, it’s hard to beat the old-fashioned charm of gingerbread recipes.

Fancy gift decanters filled with alcohol were the go-to Christmas gifts in the 50s & 60s

In the 50s, special edition holiday gift decanters like these were incredibly popular Christmas presents. Check out a couple dozen of these glass bottles that are collector’s items now!

Retro party food: 12 fun & fabulous cheese ball recipes from the 70s

If you’re having a party, consider these 12 cheese ball recipes! These tidbits provide a good color, taste and texture contrast to other foods, and can be made ahead of time, too — even several days ahead to suit your convenience.

DIY vinegar: Recipes for 16 flavored homemade vinegars, including raspberry, strawberry, tarragon & celery

Get old-fashioned recipes to make your own flavored homemade vinegars with fruit and herbs – raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, onions, celery, tarragon and more!

Easy peanut blossoms cookies from 1985, made with sweetened condensed milk

By using baking mix and sweetened condensed milk, you don’t need sugar, egg, butter or flour… in fact, everything you need to make easy peanut blossoms cookies might be in your cupboard right now.

10 genius ways to serve canned cranberry sauce with old-fashioned charm

Serving canned cranberry sauce this year? Don’t be shy about getting out the jellied stuff, because it turns out you can do lots of cute and creative things with it, from making little turkey cutouts to eye-catching Christmas trees.

Turkey cooking times: Charts & tips to help you roast the perfect bird

How long do you need to cook your turkey? While making a roasted turkey for Thanksgiving is about as vintage American as it gets, our turkey cooking times and tips offered here are based on the most up-to-date standards.

Caramel apple oat squares dessert recipe

These wonderfully rich and indulgent caramel apple oat squares don’t take long to make, and these dessert bars are doubly delicious when served with ice cream on top.

Cranberry pumpkin bread recipe: How to make the classic Libby’s loaf

This retro cranberry pumpkin bread recipe makes for a breakfast or dessert filled with warm flavor from just the right blend of fall spices, plus a little bit of a tart kick from the popular autumn fruit, cranberries.

Orson Welles for Paul Masson wines: The classic TV commercials & outtakes

As great an actor and director as Orson Welles was, it would be remiss of us if we did not touch on some of his later, slightly less epic works… like his classic ads for Paul Masson wines.

Get Truman Capote’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes (1968)

Here’s a tasty holiday menu you probably haven’t seen before: Truman Capote’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Find a collection of delicious vintage dishes here.

14 different delicious and creative pumpkin pie toppings to try: Creamy, crunchy, sweet & tangy

Once you have made your perfect pumpkin pie – using the classic Libby’s pie recipe or another version – you might want to accent your delicious dessert with one of these tasty pumpkin pie toppings!

Rice Krispies crunchy chicken: Get the retro recipe from the 80s

Here’s the easy way to make deliciously moist ‘n crispy Rice Krispies crunchy chicken, with a crust so crisp, it crunches.

31 essential cookie baking supplies for a very merry Christmas in the kitchen

As you prepare to dive into the busiest cookie-baking season of the year, make sure you’re prepared with the best quality cookie-baking supplies!

Toll House Marble Squares bar cookies: Get the classic recipe

Toll House Marble Squares have the same old-fashioned flavor of Toll House Cookies, but the whole batch is baked at one time in a baking pan instead of on cookie sheets.

Make a turkey cheese ball appetizer (1972)

Use up your extra turkey in a new way – make this tasty turkey cheese ball! It’s a great appetizer for Thanksgiving, or you can use holiday leftovers to make a retro snack with this rich spread.

Awesome 80s cereal, including old brands & cool flavors you probably forgot!

Take a look back at dozens of the most popular cereals from the 1980s, along with some really random varieties that didn’t last long.

What is the best pumpkin pie recipe? We have 30+ classics for you to choose from

If you think your quest for the best pumpkin pie recipe has only just begun, we have news for you: you’ve just found the vintage recipe motherlode. Which is the best pie? Try some and decide!

Remember pink Strawberry Quik drink mix?

While chocolate milk will always be the rock star of milky mixed drinks, strawberry drink mix has a charm all its own. Here’s a look back at the debut of Nestle’s Strawberry Quik back in the sixties!

Campbell’s easy Chicken Marengo recipe (1967)

Chicken Marengo, one of the great French classics, was invented on the battlefield at Marengo for Napoleon by his master chef, Dunand. Here’s an easy version made with soup!

Easy chicken paprika: A retro dinner recipe from the 60s

Here is a Hungarian-inspired chicken paprika recipe, simplified by using tomato soup for the base. Serve it with noodles and alongside a green salad.

Holiday spinach rice recipe (1989)

This retro holiday spinach rice recipe makes 12 servings of a delicious and festive-looking side dish, which includes spinach, cheese and green onions – plus sliced almonds for crunch.

See some vintage Shasta sodas, from chocolate cola to lemon-lime to strawberry pop

Look back at dozens of flavors of vintage Shasta sodas – including root beer, sparking lemonade, strawberry, cream soda, pineapple cola and more from the 60s, 70s and 80s!

Chocolate cherry brownies recipe & chewy cherry brownies: Two classic recipes

Here, get two classic recipes that combine two sweet flavors in one treat: chocolate cherry brownies. Try them both ways and figure out which is your favorite!

Chocolate-butterscotch Rice Krispies treats: Get the retro choco-scotch clusters recipe here!

Originally called Choco-Scotch clusters when they came out in the 60s, these easy no-bake chocolate-butterscotch rice krispies treats have delicious chocolate, butterscotch and peanut butter flavors.

Country apple pie with streusel crumb topping (1973)

What made this tasty classic country apple pie recipe from the 70s so special? Well, there were two big differences to traditional apple pies. Find out what they were here!

41 classic sweet potato recipes

Whether you’re looking for basic sweet potato recipes or need some ideas for Thanksgiving side dishes, these 41 classic sweet potato recipes cover the gamut, from main dishes to desserts!

Life Savers candy history (plus see a list of 30+ classic flavors)

The Life Savers candy brand has been around for more than a century! Here’s a look back at how the little sweets with a hole became so popular, and the many flavors they have made over the years.

Almond Legend cake recipe (1976)

This almond legend cake has one whole almond baked inside, and the lucky person who receives the slice with the hidden almond is said to enjoy good fortune all year! Here’s the classic recipe from the 1970s!

Here’s Queen Elizabeth’s drop scones recipe that she gave to President Eisenhower (1960)

Queen Elizabeth’s drop scones recipe – a very British treat – was sent by Queen Elizabeth II to Dwight David Eisenhower, on January 24, 1960. Get the recipe here, and see the letter the Queen wrote along with it!

After vintage automatic coffeemakers like these were invented, mornings were never the same

When small appliance manufacturers started selling vintage automatic coffeemakers, they were taking the popular (but cumbersome) drip method of coffee making and making t so much easier.

Classic almond sherry cake recipe from the 80s

If you love the flavor of almonds and sherry, try them together in a fabulous cake! You make this almond sherry cake with cream sherry, sliced almonds and cake mix.

Hershey’s easy chocolate buttercream frosting, made with cocoa

The flavor of this easy (no cooking), fast (5 minutes), classic Hershey’s recipe can be adjusted up or down, based on the chocolate intensity level you prefer. Get the delicious details here!

How to throw a formal dinner party, Edwardian-style (1905)

Want to host a throwback celebration, with ideas straight out of the early 1900s? Here’s a menu describing each of the fourteen courses served at a formal dinner party, plus other hosting tips for an event with true Edwardian style.

Old-school Halloween party table decorations & menu ideas from 100+ years ago

How did people celebrate the spookiest holiday many generations ago? Look here for some very vintage – but hauntingly creative – old-school Halloween party table decor ideas & menus!

1960s ice cream brands & flavors you used to be able to get

These fab retro 60s ice cream flavors may surprise you! You’re about to see a lot of vintage ice cream flavor (and color!) combinations you used to be able to get at the store, but don’t see much today. Take a look!

7 classic Hershey’s chocolate cake recipes from the 70s

For many Americans, a big, sweet part of our past involves chocolate – *especially* chocolate in cake and cupcakes. Check out these 7 heavenly Hershey’s chocolate cake recipes from the 70s!

Light o’ lemon no-bake pie recipe (1980)

This retro pie recipe is a quickie – no oven needed! Just some easy-to-find ingredients combined in a saucepan and mixed in bowls, and you can have a fluffy and light lemon no-bake pie tonight.

Remember these vintage Welch’s candies? Junior Mints, Sugar Daddy, Nut Fudge, Pom Poms & more

The people now best known as the juice and jelly people used to make popular vintage Welch’s candies like Junior Mints, Nut Fudge, Cordialed Cherries and Sugar Daddies. See them here!

Walnut chicken with broccoli: Get the retro recipe here

With seasonings like ginger, garlic and red pepper, this easy walnut chicken with broccoli recipe from the ’80s makes a delicious dinner with a little Asian flair.

Ready-made & canned cocktails from the 60s & 70s were the coolest party drinks (no bartender required)

Why stop the party to mix drinks, when you could have the perfect booze blend ready to go? That was the theory behind the retro ready-made canned cocktails and bottled mixes that were popular in the 60s and 70s.

The history of Tootsie Rolls, once America’s favorite candy (and Tootsie Pops, too)

The Tootsie Roll has a sweet legacy that started way back at the end of the 1800s, and continues to this day. From the early days, the unique chocolaty chewy candy was a huge favorite with kids. Find out more about them here!

Try this old-fashioned Imperial salad dressing recipe

This retro recipe for the catsup-based Imperial salad dressing is a little more complicated than making a basic vinaigrette, but the results earned it a spot in many recipe collections over the years. Here’s how to make this kicky classic!

Easy chewy chocolate cookies

Find out how to make the Hershey’s classic – easy chewy chocolate cookies made with powdered cocoa – in this retro recipe from the 80s!

6 old-fashioned ways to preserve raspberries: Jam, jelly, vinegar, marmalade & more

How can you make use of all those fresh summer berries? We looked to the experts of the past to find delicious old-fashioned ways to preserve raspberries so you can enjoy the fruit all year long.

Brownie oatmeal gems recipe: Chocolate cookies with oats & walnuts (1989)

The secret to these precious brownie oatmeal gems lies in the cookie’s perfect combination of rich, smooth Baker’s chocolate, quick oats, walnuts and brown sugar.

What is a Charlotte russe? 8 delicious classic Charlotte dessert recipes

Today, many of the great desserts of old are being rediscovered and enjoyed – luxurious offerings like the Victorian classic Charlotte Russe. Here are some recipes!

Easy peanut butter cookies: 3 & 4-ingredient recipes made with biscuit mix

Here are two different retro recipes for easy peanut butter cookies — in fact, they’re so simple, neither recipe uses butter or eggs! How do they work?

See the best vintage gum brands from the 20th century

Can you imagine life before bubble gum? Here’s a brief history of vintage gum brands in the US!

Update your old Corelle patterns with one of these 15 popular, vintage-inspired dinnerware sets – now without lead!

It’s a great idea to replace your vintage Corelle patterns like these with more modern and safer versions. We curated this great collection of modern-day Corelle dishware that has that retro style!

Vintage Crock-Pot Slow Cookers from the 70s & 80s changed the game for families

In the 70s, vintage Crock-Pot Slow Cookers became popular, because a meal could be cooked for pennies a serving, and cuts of meat could be easily tenderized. Who knew how famous the small appliances would become?!

These pretty 41 retro-style glassware sets are guaranteed to ramp up today’s vintage decor

We remember getting drinks in glass tumblers that looked a lot more interesting than many of the plain drinking glasses you see today. We found these fantastic vintage-style (but brand-new) glassware sets you can get now! Check them out here.

Baby Ruth candy bars & chocolates, the way they used to be years ago

Baby Ruth candy bars – and even Baby Ruth gum – were among the most popular sweets back in the day. Right here, take a look at more than 50 years of the history of the brand.

Almond-raspberry cream roll dessert recipe

Here’s a wonderful cake to make for a special occasion. This almond-raspberry cream roll has a whipped cream filling flavored with raspberry.

Lemon-orange rainbow poke cake (1980)

This retro lemon-orange rainbow poke cake recipe gets an extra boost of flavor from orange juice and lemon-flavored cake mix.

Vintage chocolate milk brands we’ve loved over the years: Mixes & ready-to drink deliciousness

Chocolate milk has been loved by kids – and, yes, adults! – since at least the 1920s. Here’s a look back at some vintage chocolate milk brands that have hit supermarkets over the years – some of which you know, but many more than have been lost to time.

Jell-O pudding brownies: Two vintage recipes from the 60s

Chewy, moist pudding brownies. If you loved them as a kid, try this recipe. It’ll bring back the good old days. Here are two recipes from the 60s for you to try!

Easy-Bake Ovens: See the vintage kitchen toys that let kids bake their own mini cakes

For decades after their introduction in 1963, Easy-Bake Ovens showed up on wish lists for Santa and for birthdays, and millions of them were sold. Take a look back!

Hot buttered tomato juice & hot buttered tomato soup: Would you try these retro recipes?

Hot buttered tomato juice is a surprising ‘wow.’ Butter blends the subtlety of oregano and the zip of Worcestershire with the goodness of tomato juice.

Make this pretty & easy rainbow Jello recipe the 60s way

Tilted rainbow jello layers form a striped color spectrum that delights the eye as well as the palate. Prepare several fruit flavors of jello for this fun dessert!

Try one of these 14 decadent Valentine’s Day desserts & celebrate love!

What better way to celebrate love than with delicious Valentine’s Day desserts?

This sweet & simple Valentine’s Day cake from the 50s is a delightful way to ‘win your man’

Have you considered making a Valentine’s Day cake to woo your Valentine? We know it’s cliche, but it’s honestly not the worst dating advice the 1950s had to offer!

The milkman of years ago delivered milk & happy memories

Why can’t we have a milkman? Judging from the blissed out faces featured in these 1950s dairy ads and other milk bottle photos, we’re missing out big time!

Country meatball stew recipe (1978)

This 1970s meatball stew recipe (originally called meatball ragout) was created by the Campbell’s soup company, and combines beef broth and mushroom soup to make a rich base for these beef meatballs.

True Love homemade truffles candy (1986)

Homemade truffles = candy from the heart With the season of love just around the corner, we’ve found some easy and delicious vintage candy recipes to help

Here’s how people in the 50s stretched their food dollar

When it comes to saving money on food, it’s hard to always get the most out of your food dollar. Here’s a quiz from the fifties to see how budget-wise people were – and even though it’s old, most of it would still be helpful today!

Magic tomato soup cake recipes from the 50s & 60s – and we tried it!

What is a tomato soup cake? Find out with these vintage recipes for what was really a classic spiced cake – although with one unusual addition: a can of regular tomato soup.

38 cool, non-alcoholic drinks for an old-fashioned party punchbowl

Here are 38 different classic punch recipes to try — none with alcohol as an ingredient. The fruit juices and different varieties of carbonated waters and ginger ales will satisfy the palate, and cool you off in a most refreshing manner.

Easy one-pan pumpkin bread recipe, made with Bisquick (1983)

You need only 7 ingredients needed to make this quick, delicious and easy one-pan pumpkin bread recipe – and it’s as good for breakfast as it is for dessert! Get the 1980s how-to here.

Did you know Popsicles were invented by an 11-year-old? Have a look back at ice pops and other delicious frozen treats!

Thanks to a simple, happy collaboration between a kid and Mother Nature… we have popsicles! Here’s a look back at the frozen treats we’e enjoyed over the decades.

Cinnamon crescent: An easy & delicious coffee cake ring recipe (1968)

Try this easy Cinnamon Crescent – a delicious coffee cake ring that’s made with roll mix, then filled with a spicy raisin-nut mixture. Get the classic ’60s recipe here!

Try one (or all!) of these 3 easy retro fall desserts: Pumpkin pie bars, Coconut choco-swirl cake & Date bar cake

Find out how to make these delicious old-fashioned fall desserts with recipes for pumpkin dessert squares, a coconut choco-swirl cake & a date bar cake.

Cheesecake pumpkin pie: You will love these 3 luscious holiday recipes from the 60s and 70s

Something new has happened to pumpkin pie: Double layer pumpkin cheesecake pies! Cream cheese blends perfectly with spicy pumpkin, and bakes up smooth and creamy.

That time Skippy Peanut Butter paid big names to pitch their brand in the least serious way (1960)

Skippy Peanut Butter paid stars like Groucho Marx to endorse it in 1960—and the ads made no effort to pretend they weren’t in it for the money.

Two-tone fudge with chocolate & butterscotch is a delight (1968)

Try some two-tone fudge, featuring both chocolate and butterscotch flavors! Your whole family will love both sides. Here’s a retro recipe from the 60s!

Easy Butterscotch bars: Kind of like a homemade Butterfinger, but better (1991)

Chilly, creamy and crunchy, but with a flavor profile that might put you in mind of a deconstructed homemade Butterfinger, you can whip up these butterscotch bars in a jiffy!

The classic Lemon Freeze no-cook dessert recipe from the 60s

Tangy lemon juice, crisp corn flake crumbs and sweetened condensed milk combine in this easy vintage no-cook lemon freeze recipe.

Easy pumpkin chiffon pie with no-bake filling: Retro 50s recipe

This vintage easy pumpkin chiffon pie features a no-bake filling – and is made completely from scratch. Make it in just 9 easy steps, illustrated here!

Oh yeah! Do you remember these vintage Kool-Aid flavors?

See how Vintage Kool-Aid soft drink mixes looked over the years, along with all of the flavors they’ve made so far. Plus, see the Kool-Aid man break down some walls!

Make super-thin Karo lace cookies with this vintage recipe

These Karo lace cookies are so thin & elegant, crisp & crunchy, you can serve them to company, give them as gifts, or hang them on the tree.