National Cookie Day falls on December 4th, just in time for the cozy season of baking. The day isn’t just about cookies—it celebrates the warmth, joy, and nostalgia of homemade treats fresh from the oven, especially during the holiday season. While cookies can be enjoyed year-round, there’s something about December that makes them extra special. From classic sugar cookies adorned with festive sprinkles to rich, spiced gingerbread, December is the time when cookies take center stage.
➡️ Check out these 15 Christmas cookie recipes.
National Cookie Day comes at the perfect time of year when holiday baking is in full swing. Many families and friends gather in December to make cookies as part of their holiday traditions, from Christmas cookie swaps to enjoying these sweet treats at gatherings. This day celebrates the variety of cookies that bring us together during this festive season. It’s a chance to indulge in comforting, seasonal flavors like peppermint, chocolate, and cinnamon—flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of the holidays.
When is National Cookie Day Celebrated?
National Cookie Day takes place during the holiday season, giving you the perfect excuse to indulge in festive flavors like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and more. If you’re planning to mark your calendar for this sweet celebration, here are the dates for the next several years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | December 4, Wednesday |
| 2025 | December 4, Thursday |
| 2026 | December 4, Friday |
| 2027 | December 4, Saturday |
| 2028 | December 4, Monday |
| 2029 | December 4, Tuesday |
| 2030 | December 4, Wednesday |
Four Fun Facts About Cookies
Cookies have been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots that span cultures and histories. From their early beginnings in ancient Persia to their widespread popularity in America today, cookies have evolved into a favorite indulgence, especially during the holiday season. Here are four fun facts that highlight the history, origin, and cultural significance of cookies.
- The most popular cookie in the U.S. is the chocolate chip cookie, invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at the Toll House Inn. This classic treat has become an American staple, especially during the holidays, when it often appears in festive versions with colorful toppings.
- Cookies have ancient roots, dating back to 7th century Persia, one of the first regions to cultivate sugar. From there, cookies spread through Europe and eventually to America, evolving into the delicious varieties we know today.
- The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje”, which means “little cake”. Dutch settlers brought the term to America, and it became widely used to describe the small, sweet treats we enjoy today, particularly during holiday seasons.
- Many holiday cookies, such as gingerbread men and sugar cookies, originated in Europe. These traditional holiday treats symbolize the fusion of old-world customs with modern-day celebrations, making December the prime time for baking them.
Ways to Celebrate National Cookie Day
There are many ways to enjoy National Cookie Day, from baking to sharing, and this holiday encourages creativity and indulgence during a time when cookies are at their festive best. If you want to start new traditions or stick with classic holiday recipes, here are some fun ideas to try.
- Bake a batch of your favorite holiday cookies, embracing festive flavors like peppermint, chocolate, and cinnamon. December is the perfect month for experimenting with cookie recipes, using seasonal spices to fill your home with the smell of fresh-baked goodness.
- Host a cookie exchange with friends, family, or coworkers. Not only does it spread holiday cheer, but it’s a fun way to discover new recipes while connecting with loved ones. Sharing cookies adds an element of community to the season.
- Support a local bakery by purchasing a box of freshly made cookies. This is an easy way to celebrate the day while supporting small businesses during the holiday rush, when bakeries are often offering special seasonal flavors.
- Get creative in the kitchen by decorating holiday cookies in festive shapes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or stars. Using colorful icing and sprinkles, you can transform simple cookies into edible art that captures the spirit of the season.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
