Food

National Cookie Day 2026

Bake, share, and enjoy the sweetest day of the year on National Cookie Day! From classic chocolate chip to exotic international varieties, cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Discover new recipes, learn baking techniques, and explore the endless possibilities of cookie decorating. Whether you're a baking novice or a cookie connoisseur, this day is all about celebrating the joy of homemade treats.

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National Cookie Day - Bake, share, and enjoy the sweetest day of the year on National Cookie Day! From classic chocolate chip to exotic international varieties, cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Discover new recipes, learn baking techniques, and explore the endless possibilities of cookie decorating. Whether you're a baking novice or a cookie connoisseur, this day is all about celebrating the joy of homemade treats.

About National Cookie Day

History & origins

National Cookie Day is observed on December 4, and one widely cited modern origin credits Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company in San Francisco with creating the day in 1987. The cookie itself has a much older history, with roots often traced to Persia in the 7th century after sugar became more common in the region. Today, the observance is informal and food-focused rather than an official holiday.

Why it matters

National Cookie Day turns a simple dessert into a shared cultural moment around baking, gifting, and small celebrations. It also highlights how cookies connect home cooking, bakery businesses, and seasonal traditions, especially in December when people are looking for easy treats and edible gifts.

How to celebrate

Bake your favorite cookies from scratch or try a new recipe. Host a cookie exchange party where everyone brings different types of cookies to share. Visit a local bakery to sample their cookie varieties. Learn cookie decorating techniques with royal icing or fondant. Share your cookie creations on social media with #NationalCookieDay and tag friends to join the celebration.

Facts

The word 'cookie' comes from the Dutch word 'koekje', meaning 'little cake'
Americans consume over 2 billion cookies per year
The first chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938
Fortune cookies were actually invented in California, not China
The largest cookie ever made weighed 40,000 pounds and was 102 feet in diameter

Upcoming dates

Friday, December 4, 2026
Saturday, December 4, 2027
Monday, December 4, 2028
Tuesday, December 4, 2029
Wednesday, December 4, 2030

What you need

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page.

Cookie Day is a sheet-pan problem: one bowl of dough, two trays, not a crowded one.

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer

Creams butter and sugar the way a spoon will not.

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Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet (2-Pack)

Two sheets. Bake one, cool, rotate.

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Frequently asked questions

When is National Cookie Day in 2026?

National Cookie Day in 2026 falls on Friday, December 4, 2026.

Is today National Cookie Day?

No. National Cookie Day in 2026 falls on Friday, December 4, 2026, not today.

What is National Cookie Day?

National Cookie Day is a food observance that celebrates cookies and cookie baking. People often mark it by baking, sharing, or buying their favorite cookies.

Who started National Cookie Day?

A commonly cited origin says Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company in San Francisco created it in 1987. The observance is informal, so its exact origin is not as firmly documented as an official holiday.

How do you celebrate National Cookie Day?

You can celebrate by baking cookies from scratch, hosting a cookie exchange, or picking up treats from a local bakery. Decorating cookies and sharing them with friends also fits the spirit of the day.

Is National Cookie Day an official holiday?

No, National Cookie Day is not an official federal holiday. It is an informal observance centered on cookies, baking, and dessert traditions.

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