Bake Cookies Day is celebrated each year on December 18, a date that fits naturally into the pre-Christmas season when many households are already baking homemade cookies. The observance encourages people to prepare and share cookies with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Cookies have a long history that reaches back to at least the 7th century in the region of modern-day Iran, where sugar first became widely used in baking. Early bakers placed small amounts of batter in ovens to test temperatures before baking larger cakes. These small test portions gradually became a food of their own, valued for their size, convenience, and long shelf life.
The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “small cake,” which reflects the cookie’s origins as a test cake.

When Is Bake Cookies Day Celebrated?
Bake Cookies Day is celebrated on December 18, during the heart of the holiday season. The day highlights the tradition of baking homemade cookies and sharing them with others.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | December 18, Thursday |
| 2026 | December 18, Friday |
| 2027 | December 18, Saturday |
| 2028 | December 18, Monday |
| 2029 | December 18, Tuesday |
| 2030 | December 18, Wednesday |


How to Celebrate Bake Cookies Day
Bake Cookies Day offers a simple way to take part in holiday traditions while adding a personal touch. The focus is not just on baking, but on how the activity supports learning, sharing, and connection.
Here are some easy ways to celebrate:
- Bake a Family Recipe. Baking a familiar family recipe helps preserve traditions and skills passed down through generations. These recipes often rely on basic techniques and simple ingredients, making them easy and reliable choices during a busy season.
- Try Something New. Trying a new recipe or baking style encourages learning and creativity. Exploring different ingredients, shapes, or methods helps build confidence in the kitchen and keeps baking from becoming repetitive.
- Give the Gift of Cookies. Sharing homemade cookies is a thoughtful form of gift-giving. Cookies are easy to portion, transport, and enjoy, which makes them well suited for neighbors, coworkers, or small gatherings.
- Involve the Kids. Baking with children turns the kitchen into a learning space. Measuring ingredients introduces basic math, mixing demonstrates simple chemistry, and following steps builds patience and focus. It also creates shared experiences that children tend to remember.
