Every time we make a recipe that’s been handed down to us from mom, grandma or great-grandma, it’s like they’re in the kitchen with us again.
44 Treasured Recipes Found in Family Recipe Boxes
Updated on Apr. 26, 2024
Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother made many dozens of these and measured ingredients using the palm of her hand. We’ve passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
1/44
2/44
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 328 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
3/44
Nana's Italian Roulade
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
4/44
Honey-Lime Almond Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Decades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 106 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/44
Carrot Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma was very special to me. She had a big country kitchen that was full of wonderful aromas any time we visited. This was one of her prized cake recipes, and it continues to be a favorite from generation to generation. —Denise Strasz, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 593 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
6/44
Buttermilk Biscuits .Updated by AQA
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 222 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/44
Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 352 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
8/44
Grandma Brubaker’s Orange Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At least two generations of my family have enjoyed the recipe for these light, delicate orange-flavored cookies. —Sheri DeBolt, Huntington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 97 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/44
Mini Strawberry Shortcake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when store-bought shortcake was an unheard-of thing, my grandmother passed this mini strawberry shortcake recipe down to my mother. Mother later shared it with me, and I've since given it to my daughter. —Althea Heers, Jewell, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 shortcake: 202 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
10/44
Carrot Chowder
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quart)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandmother passed this recipe on to us, and it's just wonderful—especially with a basket of warm, fresh bread on the side. This soup freezes well. —Wendy Wilkins, Prattville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 130 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
11/44
Green Bean Salad with Creamy Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother passed on this refreshing side dish recipe. It’s always devoured at my house. —Jodi Galanis, Murray, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 107 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/44
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 11 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/44
Holiday Lace Cookies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to stop eating these buttery cookies dotted with pecans and dried cranberries. I cherish this recipe from my mother. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 121 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/44
Broccoli Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother passed down this broccoli quiche recipe to me. She has been making it for over 30 years. You can serve it for brunch, lunch and even dinner. Any leftover quiche can be frozen and reheated in the microwave later. —Bridget Corbett, Valdosta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 622 calories, 53g fat (24g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
15/44
South Liberty Hall Relish
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandparents originated this recipe that's been treasured in our family for four generations. It's named after a dance hall they ran in rural Iowa. Whenever I bite into a hot dog or hamburger dressed up with this taste bud-tingling relish, I think of them and their delicious country cooking. —Melinda Winchell, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 16 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/44
Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 311 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
17/44
Belarus Pickled Carrots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom’s holiday buffet always included these pickled carrots. I kept the tradition going, then passed the recipe to my daughter. In our family, it isn't a party without this dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, GA
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 38 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
18/44
White Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
19/44
Spiced Molasses Doughnut Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen donut cookies plus donut hole cutouts
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't know where this recipe came from, but my family has been making these cookies for four generations. I am from upstate New York, and I haven't met anyone who has heard of doughnut cookies outside of that area. But when folks try these, they love them! —Brenna Phillips, Lawrenceville, Georgia
20/44
Crunchy Ice Cream Delight
Total Time
20 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Four generations of home cooks have shared our crunchy ice cream bars. If you love almonds like my family does, double the butter and almonds and save half to sprinkle on top. —Angie Ricklefs, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 212 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/44
Scottish Shortbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 123 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/44
Frikadeller
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My great-grandmother made these meatballs, and I'm sure her mother must have taught her. Six generations have enjoyed them, and one of my daughters even served them at her wedding. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 meatballs with 3 tablespoons gravy: 333 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 786mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
23/44
Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 500 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
24/44
Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Dessert
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother passed this old-time recipe on to me because she knew I'd want to make it. I love desserts—especially this one! —Mary Wright, Morriston, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 515 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/44
Maple Butter Twists
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 coffee cakes (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 119 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/44
Kid-Friendly Chili
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This third-generation hearty chili is a family favorite. It's a sweet and easy chili that's sure to warm up the whole family on those chilly fall nights. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 359 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 9g fiber), 30g protein.
27/44
Sun-Dried Tomato Provolone Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This savory quick bread, which was passed down from my mother, is packed with great flavors. It not only goes well will soups and chowders, but makes a delicious accompaniment to beef and chicken entrees. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 121 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
28/44
Turkey Sausage Bean Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is from my great-grandmother, though I've added a few ingredients to make it my own. Serve it with a side salad and some artisan bread for a wonderful, hearty family dinner. —Terrel Porter-Smith, Los Osos, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 168 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
29/44
Chocolate & Coconut Cream Torte
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother passed this recipe down to me years ago and now I make it for my own grandchildren. When preparing, make sure the chocolate layer is properly chilled before adding the next layer, or the coconut will sink into it. —Jason Purkey, Ocean City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 691 calories, 49g fat (32g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
30/44
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
31/44
Kolaches
Total Time
40 min
Servings
28 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 kolache: 164 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
32/44
Black Forest Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as I know, this cake recipe can be traced back to my German great-grandma. When I got married, my mother gave me a copy and I hope to someday pass it down to my children. —Stephanie Travis, Fallon, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 659 calories, 34g fat (15g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
33/44
Martha Washington Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Passed down by my grandmother and mother, this Martha Washington candy recipe is a cherished family tradition. We've even had each grandchild and great-grandchild take a turn stirring the candy mixture! —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 196 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/44
Supreme Green Vegetable Bake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My paternal grandmother passed this recipe down to me. She also offered comments on different ways to prepare this dish, "so as not to become bored with the same old dish over and over." She was a great inspiration for my love of baking and cooking.—Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 261 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
35/44
Steamed Carrot Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, passed down from my Canadian grandmother, has been in my family for at least three generations. It's been a favorite wintertime dessert for us and is always served for Easter and other holiday meals. —Ann Searcey, Kettering, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup sauce: 570 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
36/44
Sweet and Golden Easter Bread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
It is an Italian tradition to make this sweet, golden braid at Easter. This family heirloom recipe came from my mother-in-law and was passed down to her from her mother. If you're not a fan of raisins, the bread is just as wonderful without them. —Kathi West, Canton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 158 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
37/44
Focaccia Barese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
38/44
Frosted Spice Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has been handed down through many generations of my husband's family. The cookies were always in his grandmother's cookie jar when he'd visit. Today, he enjoys them more than ever—and so do I. —Debbie Hurlbert, Howard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 149 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
39/44
Meringue Snowballs In Custard
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup sauce with 1 snowball: 216 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
40/44
Italian Wedding Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
41/44
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 239 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
42/44
Spiced Christmas Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious cookie recipe has been passed down through six generations and was brought to America from Germany in 1846! It's a holiday tradition in our house and we're proud to share this wonderful recipe with you. —Tanya Juhasz, Newberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 187 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
43/44
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
28 cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is so special to me because it was passed down from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me. This family classic is now often requested for any type of work function.—Leann Schmid, Covington, Kentucky
44/44
Grandma's Raspberry Rugelach
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember sitting on my great-grandmother's couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it's a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 96 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
