🎄 Christmas & Cookies: A Tradition Worth Sharing

The History of Christmas Cookies

Why are cookies so closely tied to Christmas?

It goes back centuries. In Europe, spiced biscuits and shortbread were baked during the holiday season because sugar and spices were rare and precious. Baking them at Christmas was a way of turning everyday ingredients into something truly special.

By the 1800s, cookies had spread across cultures:

• Germany gave us gingerbread.

• Scotland perfected shortbread.

• Denmark shared buttery Danish cookies.

• America popularised decorated sugar cookies for Santa.

No matter the country, the idea was the same: a sweet treat meant to be shared with family, friends, and neighbours. Cookies became a symbol of generosity and joy — exactly what Christmas is all about.

Butter Cookies vs Shortbread at Christmas

People often ask: What’s the difference between butter cookies and shortbread?

Both are Christmas classics, but they each bring their own festive flair.

• Butter Cookies

  • Light, crisp, and slightly sweet.

  • Typically piped or shaped into swirls and packed in elegant tins.

  • Perfect for gifting because they stay fresh for months.

• Shortbread

  • Rich, crumbly, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

  • Rooted in Scottish tradition and often cut into fingers or festive shapes.

  • A classic for tea tables and holiday feasts.

At Christmas, both types appear under trees and on coffee tables around the world. The question isn’t which is better — it’s why not enjoy both?

👉 At Lowrey Foods, we produce artisan butter cookies made with 42% New Zealand cultured butter, and we also celebrate shortbread heritage by offering festive options that complement our tins.

Perfect Pairings: Coffee, Tea & Wine

A cookie tin isn’t just for nibbling — it’s for pairing.

• Coffee & Butter Cookies
  The crisp bite of a butter cookie balances beautifully with a bold espresso or flat white. It’s no wonder butter cookies are so often enjoyed in cafes across Europe and Australia.

• Tea & Shortbread
  Shortbread’s crumbly texture pairs perfectly with English Breakfast or Earl Grey. The buttery richness is mellowed by the tannins in tea, making it a perfect afternoon indulgence.

• Wine & Cookies? Yes!
  Sweet wines like Moscato or dessert Rieslings are an unexpected but delightful match with raspberry butter cookies. Chocolate butter cookies pair beautifully with a rich port.

Pairings transform a simple cookie tin into a full festive experience — one you’ll want to share with guests.

How to Build a Festive Hamper

Cookies shine brightest when they’re part of a bigger picture: a festive hamper. Here’s how to create one that makes jaws drop.

1. Start with the star → Choose a tin of Lowrey Butter Cookies. Our Raspberry and Matcha tins add festive colour.

2. Add a little crunch → Include Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunché, a caramelised indulgence with 38% macadamias.

3. Include a card → Our 3D pop-up cards bring Christmas magic to the moment.

4. Balance sweet & savoury → Pair cookies with cheese or nuts for a complete hamper.

5. Wrap with care → A reusable basket or eco-box makes your hamper stylish and sustainable.

✨ Result: A hamper that’s Instagram-worthy, practical, and heartfelt. Perfect for clients, friends, or family.

Why Cookies Are the Ultimate Christmas Gift

Still wondering why butter cookies belong under the tree?

• They’re universal — everyone loves cookies.

• They’re safe to ship — tins keep them intact, even overseas.

• They last — up to 9 months sealed fresh.

• They feel premium — especially when presented in elegant tins.

Unlike a last-minute gift card or bottle of wine, a tin of cookies feels thoughtful, timeless, and festive.

FAQs: Christmas & Cookies

Q: Why are butter cookies sold in tins at Christmas?
Because tins seal freshness, travel well, and make cookies feel like a premium gift.

Q: Can I send cookie hampers overseas?
Yes — Lowrey ships to 60+ countries with DHL Express, ensuring safe delivery in time for the holidays.

Q: Are butter cookies vegetarian?
Absolutely. Ours are made with simple ingredients: butter, flour, sugar, and starch.

Q: What flavour tin should I gift?

• Raspberry for festive colour.

• Matcha for tea lovers.

• Classic Original for tradition.

• Black Sesame for a nutty, elegant twist.

Final Word: A Sweet Tradition Worth Keeping

Every Christmas, families return to their favourite traditions — and cookies are always part of the story. From shortbread in Scotland to butter cookies in New Zealand, these treats remind us of home, comfort, and generosity.

This year, make your Christmas gifting simple yet unforgettable.
👉 Explore our Butter Cookies Collection and Shortbread Selection today.

Because Christmas and cookies? They’ve always belonged together.