National Bake Cookies Day, celebrated every year on December 18th, is a warm and wonderful holiday dedicated to one of the most beloved treats of all time — cookies! Falling right in the heart of the holiday season, this day encourages home bakers, families, and cookie lovers everywhere to preheat the oven, gather ingredients, and fill their homes with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin, or festive holiday shapes, National Bake Cookies Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite cookie traditions — and maybe start some new ones.
The History of National Bake Cookies Day
While the exact origin of National Bake Cookies Day remains unclear, cookies themselves have a long and delightful history. The word cookie comes from the Dutch “koekje,” meaning “little cake.” Cookies as we know them today began appearing in American cookbooks during the 1700s, evolving into countless varieties over time.
National Bake Cookies Day likely emerged to celebrate the comforting tradition of holiday baking — a practice that brings families together and fills homes with joy, warmth, and delicious treats.
Why We Love National Bake Cookies Day
- Cookies Bring People Together: Baking is a shared experience that creates memories and traditions.
- Endless Variety: There’s a cookie for every taste — soft, crunchy, chewy, frosted, or stuffed.
- Perfect Timing: December is peak cookie season, making this holiday especially festive.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike love decorating cookies, rolling dough, and taste-testing.
- Delicious Aromas: Few things are more comforting than the smell of cookies baking in the oven.
How to Celebrate National Bake Cookies Day
1. Bake Your Favorite Cookies
Whether it’s your grandmother’s secret recipe or your go-to chocolate chip cookies, today is the perfect day to bake a batch (or two).
2. Try a New Recipe
Challenge yourself with something festive or gourmet, like:
- Peppermint chocolate cookies
- Gingerbread cookies
- Almond biscotti
- White chocolate cranberry cookies
- Hot cocoa cookies
3. Host a Cookie Exchange
Invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers to bake their favorite cookies and swap batches — a fun way to taste a variety of treats.
4. Decorate Holiday Cookies
Use frosting, sprinkles, candy, and edible glitter to decorate sugar cookies or gingerbread people.
5. Bake Cookies for Charity
Many local shelters, community groups, and fundraising events accept homemade cookies to spread holiday joy.
6. Share Your Creations Online
Show off your baking photos using #NationalBakeCookiesDay or #BakeCookiesDay to join the celebration.
Classic Cookie Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
Perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself!
Fun Facts About Cookies
- The world’s largest cookie weighed over 40,000 pounds.
- Chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield.
- Americans consume over 2 billion cookies every year.
- December is the most popular month for cookie baking.
- The first cookies were used as test cakes to check oven temperatures.
Cookies Around the World
- France: Madeleines and macarons
- Italy: Biscotti and amaretti
- Mexico: Polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies)
- Germany: Springerle and Lebkuchen
- China: Almond cookies and fortune cookies
- Sweden: Pepparkakor (spiced ginger cookies)
Each culture has its own delicious way of celebrating cookies!
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National Bake Cookies Day is celebrated annually on December 18th
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 18 | Monday |
| 2024 | December 18 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | December 18 | Monday |
| 2029 | December 18 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | December 18 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2032 | December 18 | Saturday |
| 2033 | December 18 | Sunday |
| 2034 | December 18 | Monday |
| 2035 | December 18 | Tuesday |
