On December 1 we celebrate, National Cookie Cutter Day a day to celebrate fun-shaped cookies with great flavours sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) with its aroma and texture. Also, it is a fun day dedicated to those handy kitchen tools that help create perfectly shaped cookies. However, today, people often bake cookies and use their favourite cookie cutters to make creative and festive treats. If you are a cookie lover then let’s get into depth in this topic in this article.
History of National Cookie Cutter Day
However, Cookie cutters are objects made of different materials that have an outline of geometric, animal, or other intriguing shapes. Since the day cookie cutters hit the market, people have resorted to making cookies in different shapes and sizes.
However, this tool is useful, especially when serving cookies to kids, or baking cookies based on a certain theme. Besides this, Reindeer-shaped cookies is the perfect example, ideal for the holidays.
Did you know that Bobbi Barton established National Cookie Cutter Day in 2019 to recognise the value of cookie cutters in our lives? Since then to promoted cookie cutters of diverse shapes, textures, and sizes.
Cookie cutters made of ceramic and wood were used around Egypt in the year 2000 BCE. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that cookie cutters became popular, thanks to the popularity of the gingerbread pattern from it got famed.
Of course, the kings started this custom, and gingerbread cookies were frequently served at Queen Elizabeth I’s court.
Once the gingerbread cookies became famous, there was no going back. As more people spoke about gingerbread biscuits, the more the bakeries around the region started to follow the concept.
During that time, bakeries started using cookie cutters to meet the rising demand. However, by the 1800s, tin cookie cutters were easy to find at any small shop. Alexander P. Ashbourne patented the first biscuit cutter in the United States in 1875. Tinsmiths in East Berlin created the first American cookie cutters.
| 7th Century (Persia) | Cookies are made in Persia as the country starts to harvest sugar cane. |
| 1800s (Cake It Up) | Cookie recipes are published in cookbooks, and they are called ‘small cakes.’ |
| 1902 (Going Big) | Animal Cracker in the U.S launches its first commercial cookie. |
| 1920s (Girl Power) | The Girl Scouts begin selling cookies. |
Recipe- Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons milk (if dough is too dry)
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. If the dough is too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, you can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or any other toppings you like.
5 Fun Facts About Cookies
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Antique and vintage cookie cutters- They can cost up to a few thousand dollars according to their brands and size.
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Americans eat cookies- Over two billion cookies are consumed every year.
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America’s favourite cookie- The chocolate chip cookie is the most popular in America.
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The origins of the word ‘cookie’- It comes from the Dutch word ’koekje,’ meaning ‘small cake.’
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Average cookies consumed in a lifetime- Did you know that, The average American eats 35,000 cookies in a lifetime.
Conclusion
National Cookie Cutter Day, is usually observed on December 1, 2024, a delightful celebration of the versatile tool that shapes our cookies into fun and festive forms. However, it’s a perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, experiment with different recipes, and enjoy baking with family and friends.
Whether you are using classic shapes or exploring new designs, this day highlights the joy and creativity that cookie cutters bring to holiday traditions and everyday treats.
So, grab your favourite cookie cutters, bake up a batch of delicious cookies, and celebrate the fun of shaping sweet memories!
FAQs
Can I use this day to try making new types of cookies?
What types of cookie cutters can I use?
Yes, You can use any type of cookie cutter, from traditional metal shapes to silicone and plastic cutters. The choice depends on your preferences and the cookies you want to make.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for precise control over the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Can I use different shapes of cookie cutters?
Yes! Feel free to use any shapes you like, from holiday-themed cutters to seasonal designs.
Also, read more about National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day – November 12, 2024
