National Cookie Day – December 4, 2024

National Cookie Day is an annual celebration observed on December 4th each year. Cookies need no special occasion to be enjoyed, as they are loved by people of all ages, from children to adults and seniors. Many of us, as children, may have stolen cookies from the jar without leaving a trace. Whether fresh from the oven or arranged on a tray, cookies are a delight.

The aroma, flavor, and the nuts inside make them irresistible. The love for cookies doesn’t stop with kids; it grows stronger with age. Cookies make the perfect companion, whether as a snack or a dessert. So, why not celebrate these beloved treats with a special day on the calendar? It’s time to indulge your sweet tooth with your favorite cookie on National Cookie Day!

“Baking cookies is comforting, and cookies are the sweetest little bit of comfort food. They are very bite-sized and personal.” – Sandra Lee

National Cookie Day Observance

History of National Cookie Day

National Cookie Day was first celebrated in 1987. Matt Nader of the San Francisco-based Blue Chip Cookie Company established this fun celebration. The Cookie Monster from Sesame Street championed Cookie Day. Since then, people from various countries around the world have been celebrating it.

A cookie is a small, flat, and sweet dessert that is baked or cooked. It typically contains flour, sugar, and some type of oil or fat. Other ingredients, such as oats, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, and more, are also commonly included. These cookies are sometimes called biscuits. The word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word koekje, meaning “little cake.” The term first came into use in the early 1600s in American English, with the Dutch settlement of New Netherland.

Cookies are most commonly baked until they achieve a crisp texture, though they can be baked for a shorter time to remain soft. They come in a wide variety of styles, using ingredients like sugar, spices, chocolate, butter, peanut butter, nuts, and dried fruits. The baking time determines their softness. Cookies are often served with hot beverages such as milk, coffee, or tea.

Cookies or biscuits can be produced in various places, including factories, small bakeries, or homes. Historically, Dutch bakers would test the oven temperature by baking small amounts of batter before preparing the full mixture. This method was used to avoid wasting the entire cake mix if the oven temperature wasn’t correct.

Factory-made cookies are sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines, while fresh-baked cookies are available at bakeries, coffeehouses, and small shops. Cookies are believed to have originated in Persia in the 7th century AD, shortly after sugar became widely used in the region. They spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain, and by the 14th century, cookies were common throughout Europe. The earliest reference to cookies in America was in 1703, when it was mentioned that “The Dutch in New York provided… at a funeral 800 cookies…“

The modern-day cookie, made by creaming butter and sugar, did not become common until the 18th century.

Other Celebrations on December 4

December 4 is also celebrated as

• Wear Brown Shoes Day
• National Dice Day
• World Wildlife Conservation Day
• Cab Franc Day
• Indian Navy Day

How to Celebrate National Cookie Day

The best way to celebrate National Cookie Day is by enjoying cookies! Baking is a fun activity, and it gives you the chance to learn more about cookies, how to prepare them, and the different varieties available. You can make homemade cookies for your children and family members, bringing extra joy to the celebration. Another simple way to celebrate is by buying delicious cookies from a bakery and enjoying them with your loved ones. Encourage your children to learn how to bake cookies and assist them while they make them. Don’t forget to share your cookie-making moments and celebration pictures on social media using the hashtag #CookieDay.