Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

2K Shares
2K Shares
WedDec 18

Bake Cookies Day – December 18, 2024

Bake Cookies Day is on December 18, just in time for Christmas. Cookies are more than just a baked treat, with generations bonding over it. What we love best about cookies is their versatility; crispy or soft and chewy, traditional shapes or special cookie-cutter designs, sugar, spices, dried fruit, chocolate, the list of options goes on. So get baking and fill your house with the aroma of warm, soft cookies baked to perfection.

History of Bake Cookies Day

From simple sugar ones to triple-chocolate ones, we think cookies are the greatest thing to have come out of an oven since baked bread. Although the exact origin of the day is unknown, every year on Bake Cookies Day, people merrily bake cookies for bake sales, charity drives, and sharing with friends and family.

Cookies have been around in some form or another pretty much forever. The earliest documented cookie goes back to seventh-century Persia. Cookies were introduced to America sometime in the 17th century, but the name ‘cookie’ was given much later. The original dutch form ‘koekje,’ meaning ‘small cake’ was altered to ‘cooky’ and eventually ‘cookie.’ Since then, they have taken the world by storm and thanks to the countless flavors, varieties, and styles, have become a beloved treat for every event and occasion year-round.

Two recipes for cookies debuted in the first cookbook written by an American that was published in the United States. ‘American Cookery,’ authored by Amelia Simmons in 1796, included two recipes; the first titled ‘Cookies’ and the other ‘Christmas Cookie.’

Cookies are one of those few treats you can make where your imagination is the limit. Bakers with a creative streak to break the mold have invented some of the most well-loved cookies we eat today. For example, the chocolate-chip cookie was invented by Sue Brides and Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1938. The duo owned a popular inn in Massachusetts, featuring in-house baking that ultimately led them to try something new.

Bake Cookies Day timeline

7th century
Cookies in Persia

Being one of the first countries to grow sugar, cookie-style cakes are popular in the Persian empire.

1921
Betty Crocker is created

Baking icon Betty Crocker is created by the Washburn-Crosby milling company.

1938
Choco Power

Chocolate-chip cookies are created by Ruth Graves Wakefield and Sue Brides.

July 9, 1997
Commonwealth Cookie

The chocolate-chip cookie is declared as the official cookie for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Bake Cookies Day FAQs

Who invented the cookie?

The original cookies didn’t look exactly like the ones we know today. They were shortcakes that were popular in Persia in the seventh century A.D. From there, they spread to Europe and became common in all segments of society.

What is the oldest cookie?

The oldest-known cookie on record is the ‘pizzelle’ which was created in Italy.

What were the first chocolate-chip cookies called?

The first chocolate-chip cookie recipe was published in a Boston newspaper, titled ‘Butter Drop Do Cookies’.

How To Celebrate Bake Cookies Day

  1. Bake Cookies

    The ideal way to celebrate this day is to bake a batch of cookies. You can even think out of the box and experiment with various flavors you have never tried before.

  2. Cookie Exchange

    Cookies are made to be shared. Exchange cookies with your friends and family who are also baking cookies on this day to further expand your repertoire of cookie recipes.

  3. Gift cookies to a loved one

    Bake Cookies Day conveniently falls in the Christmas season, making cookies the ideal gift. Warm, sweet, and baked with love, it is sure to be a hit with the recipient of your gift.

5 Delicious Facts About Cookies

  1. That’s a lot of cookies

    The average American eats approximately 35,000 cookies in their lifetime.

  2. The Americans are cookie eating champs

    245 million Americans consumed ready-to-eat cookies in 2020.

  3. Making room for calories

    Baking burns 348 calories an hour so you can make some (calorie) space prior to binging on cookies.

  4. Chocolate reigns supreme

    Chocolate-chip cookies are the most popular and common cookies baked each year.

  5. Biggest cookie ever

    The biggest cookie ever recorded was baked in 2003 and weighed 40,000 pounds!

Why We Love Bake Cookies Day

  1. It's a fun and sweet holiday

    Just like baking cookies is a traditional activity, Bake Cookies Day has become a tradition for many during the holiday season. We at National Today love the mini-holidays within the Christmas-holiday season!

  2. Cookies in all shapes, sizes, and flavors!

    A day to celebrate cookies in all shapes and sizes, and the countless combination of ingredients is what we look forward to. Get out of your cookie comfort zone and try a snickerdoodle or chocolate-mint cookie, or experiment with an uncommon cookie recipe.

  3. The gift that keeps on giving

    Baking cookies may be personalized, but it sure is a gift that keeps on giving. Nothing compares to the joy on a loved one’s face upon receiving cookies, or the funds raised for the needy during bake sales.

Bake Cookies Day dates

YearDateDay
2024December 18Wednesday
2025December 18Thursday
2026December 18Friday
2027December 18Saturday
2028December 18Monday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.