A Glamorous Holiday Cookie Party: 1920s & 30s Style

The holidays are here, and you know what that means: cookies, glitter, and the occasional kitchen mishap that you’ll laugh about next year (or maybe next century). This time, I decided to embrace the glitz and glamour of the roaring 20s and 30s for a cookie party that’s part Great Gatsby, part sugar-coated chaos. Imagine art deco vibes, jazz tunes, and enough edible glitter to make a disco ball jealous. Ready to throw a party your friends will never forget? Let’s dive in.

Set the Scene: Bring the Glamour

The first rule of a 1920s-inspired cookie party: make it sparkle. The second rule? Add more sparkle. Here’s how to transform your home into a scene straight out of a glamorous Gatsby soirée.

Jazz Tunes and Speakeasy Vibes

Start with the music. The right playlist can transport your guests back in time. Think Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, or Duke Ellington. If you’re feeling extra fancy and happen to know a pianist, set them up in the corner and let them play some jazzy tunes while everyone decorates cookies. Bonus points if you hand them a bow tie.

Lights, Lights, and More Lights

Don’t forget to add lights to your decorations

Twinkling fairy lights are your best friend here. Drape them over tables, around doorways, and anywhere else that could use a little sparkle. Add some gold garlands, a few feathers, and maybe even a faux chandelier to give the room that art deco elegance. If anyone asks, just say you were inspired by the Plaza Hotel’s holiday decor. They don’t need to know you found half of it in the clearance aisle.

Tables That Dazzle

Your cookie-decorating station needs to be as glamorous as your theme. Black and gold tablecloths, art deco-inspired platters, and crystal dishes for sprinkles and icing will do the trick. Scatter some faux pearls and feathers for good measure. If it feels over the top, you’re doing it right.

Dress to Impress: Vintage Attire

Now, let’s talk about what everyone’s wearing. A themed party isn’t complete without costumes, and the roaring 20s and 30s had some unforgettable style.

For the Ladies: Flapper dresses, long gloves, feathered headbands, and strings of pearls. Add a little red lipstick, and you’re ready to go.
For the Gents: Pinstripe suits, suspenders, and maybe a newsboy cap or a pocket watch. Bow ties are mandatory. (Okay, maybe not mandatory, but strongly encouraged.)
For Everyone: Aprons! Because icing doesn’t care how fabulous you look—it’s getting everywhere.

The Main Event: Glamorous Cookies

Cookies are the heart of this party, but not just any cookies. These need to be as fabulous as your guests.

Cookie Shapes with Style

Think martini glasses, jazz instruments, vintage cars, and stars. You can find cookie cutters in these shapes or, if you’re feeling ambitious, carve them out yourself. Imperfect shapes are just part of the charm.

Glitz, Glam, and Edible Glitter

This is the time to go wild with gold dust, silver dragees, and shimmering sugar. Your cookies should look like they belong in a Tiffany’s display window—or on the set of The Great Gatsby. Don’t hold back.

Art Deco Icing

Use royal icing to create geometric patterns and bold lines that scream art deco. Gold accents are a must, and black icing adds a dramatic flair. Not into piping intricate designs? Slather on some gold food paint and call it a masterpiece.

Recipes to Steal the Show

A cookie party needs standout recipes. These will not only impress your guests but also fit perfectly into the glamorous theme.

Golden Shortbread Cookies

These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simple but stunning with a touch of edible gold.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Edible gold leaf
Instructions: Cream the butter and sugar, mix in the flour, and roll out the dough. Cut into elegant shapes, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and decorate with gold leaf once cool.

Sparkling Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These festive cookies bring the glamour with their deep red color and sugary shimmer.

Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Edible glitter
Instructions: Mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with glitter.

Speakeasy Chocolate Bourbon Cookies

Decadent and a little boozy, these cookies are a nod to prohibition-era indulgence.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and bourbon, mix in dry ingredients, and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

Activities for a Party They’ll Never Forget

Now that you’ve got cookies, it’s time to add some fun. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained:

Cookie Decorating Contest

Turn your cookie station into a friendly competition. Categories like “Most Glamorous,” “Most Likely to Be Stolen Off the Plate,” and “Best Art Deco Design” will get everyone’s creative juices flowing.

Vintage Photo Booth

Set up a corner with 20s and 30s props—feather boas, bow ties, pearls, and jazz-inspired signs. It’s Instagram gold.

The Great Cookie Swap

Ask everyone to bring a dozen cookies, then swap at the end of the night. Guests will leave with a little taste of everyone’s holiday baking magic.

Sips and Snacks: Beyond Cookies

Every great party needs drinks and savory snacks to balance out the sugar.

Drinks:

A champagne tower for Gatsby-level decadence.
Classic cocktails like Sidecars and French 75s.
Sparkling mocktails for non-drinkers (cranberry juice + ginger ale + a sprig of rosemary).

Snacks:

Mini tea sandwiches for a retro touch.
A cheese board with gold-dusted brie and crackers. Yes, gold-dusted brie is a thing. You’re welcome.

Party Favors: A Sweet Goodbye

Send your guests home with a little something to remember the night. Mini cookie boxes, recipe cards on art deco stationery, or vintage-inspired ornaments all make great parting gifts.

Final Thoughts: Glitz, Glam, and a Dash of Chaos

A 1920s- and 30s-inspired cookie party is the perfect way to bring elegance and fun into the holidays. Sure, you’ll probably find sprinkles in strange places for weeks, but that’s part of the charm. So throw on your pearls, cue up the jazz, and get ready for a party that would make even Gatsby jealous. Happy baking, and may your cookies—and your night—sparkle!

Glamorous 1920s Holiday Cookie Party Ideas