As lovers of cookies around the world know, December 4th is a special day. It’s National Cookie Day - an event commemorated every year and a moment of indulgence for those who can’t resist these scrumptious delights. This day is about much more than satisfying your sweet tooth though; it’s a tribute to the happiness that cookies bring to our lives.
This day is about baking, eating, and sharing cookies. There are so many types to choose from - from age-old favorites like chocolate chip cookies to novel gourmet variations. There’s definitely a cookie out there for everyone to enjoy on this much-loved day.
History of National Cookie Day
San Francisco’s Blue Chip Cookie Company’s Matt Nader first introduced National Cookie Day on December 4, 1987. His objective was to raise awareness about his brand and to increase cookie sales during the holiday season. This initiative quickly gained traction and was widely accepted by cookie lovers.
The appeal of the day was quite straightforward. It created an opportunity for people to bake and consume cookies, simultaneously boosting the visibility of cookie businesses. Increased media coverage and coverage by the press played a significant role in popularising the day.
What began as a marketing strategy by Nader soon turned into a nationwide celebration. Today, National Cookie Day is more than just a promotion tool. It is an occasion celebrated by cookie enthusiasts, bakers, and anyone who enjoys the comfort that comes with eating cookies. The festivities typically include baking cookies, hosting cookie exchange parties, and availing of special offers from bakeries and cookie brands.
National Cookie Day is not just for indulgence. Charities, social organizations, and companies often hold events around cookies to draw attention to their causes or to raise funds.
National Cookie Day Timeline
Early Cookie-like Wafers
Primitive forms of cookies, known as wafers, were probably made from grain paste by ancient Egyptians.
Spread of Cookies in Europe
The use of cookies spread throughout Europe with the Muslim conquest of Spain and later through Crusaders' journeys.
Cookies Become Widespread in America
During the 1800s, cookies became commonly prepared in American households. Initially, they were small, sweet cakes used as mealtime treats.
Creation of Oreo Cookie
The National Biscuit Company (later Nabisco) introduced the Oreo cookie.
Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ruth Graves Wakefield of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, is credited with creating the chocolate chip cookie.
Creation of National Cookie Day
Matt Nader, from the Blue Chip Cookie Company, created National Cookie Day.'
Variety and Ubiquity
Cookies have become a staple of baking around the world, with countless recipes and variations.
Ideas to Celebrate National Cookie Day
Baking Contest
Organize a cookie baking contest in your community or workplace. The person who bakes the most delicious cookies gets a prize. This is a fun way to engage with others and celebrates National Cookie Day in a competitive spirit.
Donate Cookies
Celebrate National Cookie Day by giving back. Bake or buy some cookies and deliver them to local hospitals, homeless shelters, schools or police stations to bring a little sweet happiness.
Cookie Decorating Class
Book a cookie decorating class for you and your friends or family. It's a fun and educational way to celebrate, and you get to eat your creations afterwards.
Cookie-Themed Movie Night
Host a cookie-themed movie night featuring movies that include a subplot or characters that love cookies. Don’t forget the cookie-themed snacks!
Cookie Recipe Exchange
Arrange a cookie recipe exchange online. It’s a great way to try out new recipes and share your own favorites. This can be done via social media or email.
Try International Cookie Recipes
Use National Cookie Day as an opportunity to explore other cultures. Research international cookie recipes and try making them. French madeleines, Italian biscotti and Chinese almond cookies are just the starts of your culinary adventure.
7 Interesting Facts About Cookies
Origin of Cookies
Cookies were originally designed as a test for oven temperature. Bakers used a small amount of dough to see how the oven was doing before putting the whole cake in. If the small portion of dough, or 'cookie' turned out well, they knew the oven was ready.
Endurance Cookies
Ancient Roman soldiers used to eat 'biscuits', similar to cookies, for fuel during long campaigns.
Worldwide Consumption
An estimated 50 billion cookies are eaten worldwide every year.
Largest Cookie Ever Made
The largest cookie ever made was baked by the Immaculate Baking Company in Flat Rock, North Carolina in 2003. It had a diameter of 101 feet and weighed over 40,000 pounds.
Fortune Cookies Aren’t Chinese
Despite popular belief, fortune cookies are not a traditional Chinese custom. They were actually invented in San Francisco in the early 1900s.
The Most Popular Cookie
According to many surveys, Chocolate chip cookies are the most popular kind in America.
Early Oreo Cookies
When Oreo cookies were first made in the early 1900s, they were sold in a tin with a glass cover for 25 cents per pound.
National Cookie Day FAQs
Next National Cookie Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 4th | Monday |
| 2024 | December 4th | Wednesday |
| 2025 | December 4th | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 4th | Friday |
| 2027 | December 4th | Saturday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 4th | |
National Cookie Day Word Search
- Cookie
- Chocolate
- Baking
- Oven
- Recipe
- Sugar