Celebrating National Cookie Day—Because Salad Never Sparked Joy
December 4th isn’t just any day—National Cookie Day is the ultimate excuse to swap your salad for a stack of chocolate chip cookies and call it “celebrating culture” in the USA. Whether you’re a dunker, a nibbler, or the type who eats the dough before it hits the oven, this day is your chance to channel your inner Cookie Monster with zero judgment. So grab your stretchy pants because cookies don’t count on holidays, right?
About National Cookie Day:
- Date: Celebrated annually on December 4th.
- Origin: Established in 1987 by Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company.
- Purpose: A day to honor and enjoy the wide variety of cookies loved by people of all ages.
- Celebrations:
- Baking cookies at home.
- Hosting cookie swaps with friends and family.
- Visiting bakeries are offering special deals or free cookies.
- Sharing cookies as gifts or with coworkers.
- Exploring new cookie recipes or flavors.
- Fun Fact: The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “little cake.”
USA’s Favorite Cookies:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- It is a classic treat made with chocolate chips and a buttery base.
- It was created by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts.
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- They are recognizable by their crisscross pattern on top.
- Perfect for peanut butter lovers.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- A chewy, hearty option featuring oats and sweet raisins.
- It is often considered a healthier cookie.
- Sugar Cookies
- Simple and sweet, often decorated with frosting and sprinkles.
- A popular choice for holidays.
- Snickerdoodles
- A cinnamon-sugar-coated delight with a tangy twist from the cream of tartar.
- A cinnamon-sugar-coated delight with a tangy twist from the cream of tartar.
- Molasses Cookies
- Soft and spiced with ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
- It’s a favorite during the holiday season.
- Double Chocolate Cookies
- It’s a rich treat with chocolate dough and chocolate chips.
- Shortbread Cookies
- Buttery and crumbly, often associated with Scotland but loved in the USA, too.
- Thumbprint Cookies
- It is filled with jam or chocolate in the center.
- Perfect for festive occasions.
- Macadamia Nut and White Chocolate Cookies
- A luxurious combination of creamy white chocolate and buttery macadamia nuts. (Optional: for a tropical flavor add in pineapple).
Ideas to Celebrate:
- Host a cookie-themed party.
- Support local bakeries with cookie purchases.
- Share a box of assorted cookies with neighbors or coworkers.
- Try recreating your favorite childhood cookie recipe.
Did you know?
You might not know that cookies were created as test cakes! In 7th-century Persia, bakers would use small dollops of cake batter to test the oven temperature before baking a full cake. These little “testers” turned out to be so delicious that they became a treat of their own—and voilà, cookies were born!
A little history:
The Origin of Cookies
- The history of cookies dates back to 7th-century Persia, one of the first regions to cultivate sugar.
- Originally, cookies were test cakes—small dollops of batter used by bakers to test oven temperatures before baking large cakes.
- By the 14th century, cookies spread across Europe, thanks to the spice trade, becoming a popular treat in royal courts and among the general public.
The Word “Cookie”
- “cookie” derives from the Dutch word koekje, meaning “little cake.”
- Dutch settlers brought the concept to America in the 1600s, making it a staple of American cuisine.
Rise of Iconic Cookies in the USA
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: Invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She unintentionally created the treat when she added chopped chocolate to her cookie batter, hoping it would melt, but instead, it stayed in chunks.
- Peanut Butter Cookies Gained popularity in the early 1900s, and the crisscross fork marks became a signature style in the 1930s.
National Cookie Day
- National Cookie Day was established in 1987 by Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company as a playful way to promote cookies and celebrate their universal appeal.
- Since then, December 4th has become a day for cookie lovers to indulge, bake, and share their favorite sweet treat.
