National Cookie Exchange Day is on December 22. It is the perfect time when beautifully decorated cookie tins and boxes show up at cookie exchange parties. It’s a fun holiday tradition where the host invites family and friends to a party, and everyone brings their homemade cookies to share. The hardest part is deciding which cookies to bring. You can stick with winter favorites like thumbprint jam cookies or gingerbread. But since this day celebrates all kinds of cookies, feel free to mix it up with Funfetti cookies or lemon squares!
History of National Cookie Exchange Day
Some culinary historians suggest that our modern idea of cookies might have originated from cake baking. The earliest cookies could have been small spoonfuls of cake batter used to check the oven’s temperature. By definition, a cookie is any type of small, hand-held sweet cake, whether crisp or soft, so that fits perfectly!
Early cookies originated in Persia in the 7th century. This was close to where sugar first appeared, and Persia was one of the first empires to use it.
When the Crusaders invaded Spain and set up the spice trade, they began spreading sugar and the delicious cookies made from it across Europe. By the 14th century, vendors were selling sweet cookies on the streets of Paris.
Moreover, cookie recipes began showing up in cookbooks in the 1500s. Likewise, Baking became a serious profession in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cookies turned into works of art with precise measurements and carefully selected ingredients.
In the late 1600s, Dutch, English, and Scottish immigrants brought European cookies, such as shortbreads and simple butter cookies, to America. In the South, these “tea cakes” became especially popular and were a source of pride for Southern housewives.
America’s geography uniquely influenced cookies once they arrived in the country. Ingredients like oranges from the West Coast and coconuts from the South started making their way into cookie recipes as railroads connected the nation.
In the 1930s, iceboxes inspired the creation of icebox cookies. That same decade, the famous chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident. It was when Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Restaurant, expected the chocolate chips to melt into the batter while baking.
Cookie exchanges have been around for centuries, dating back to medieval times. The tradition involves a holiday party where guests bring homemade cookies to swap with each other. Although the custom has sweet and simple beginnings, the etiquette has become more elaborate and strict over time.
People often judge guests based on the number and quality of their cookies, and cookbooks like The Cookie Party Cookbook detail the do’s and don’ts of cookie exchange etiquette.
Today, cookie exchange traditions continue in families and among friends. While there’s a traditional etiquette for these parties, you don’t have to follow it strictly. The main idea is to enjoy cookies and celebrate together, so gather your friends and enjoy the treat however you like!
Timeline of National Cookie Exchange Day
| 7th Century AD (The Earliest Cookies) | It is thought that the earliest form of cookies was born in 7th century Persia, one of the earliest companies to cultivate sugar. |
| The Middle Ages (The First Cookie Exchange) | This sweet cookie exchange tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when cookies often featured exotic spices and dried fruits. |
| 1703 (Cookies in America) | The first mention of a cookie in America appears as they are served at a Dutch event in New York. |
| 1930s (Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Born) | Ruth Graves Wakefield, who ran the Toll House Restaurant, is said to have accidentally created chocolate chip cookies. |
| 1950s (Cookie Dough on Demand) | The first pre-made, refrigerated cookie dough hit stores in America, at a time when most people were still making the dough from scratch. 1937 |
5 Interesting Facts About Cookies
- A Cookie to Rule Them All: Today, Oreo cookies lead the market as the best-selling cookie, with Chips Ahoy following closely behind.
- Official Cookies of the State: Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have both chosen chocolate chip cookies as their Official State Cookie—keeping things classic!
- Cookies Abroad: In France, the most popular cookie is the light and airy meringue. While in Germany, they enjoy Springerle, an anise-flavored biscuit with a decorative pressed image.
- Cookies in Bulk: In 2013, 16 bakers from Hassett’s Bakery set a record by baking 4,695 cookies in just one hour!
- A Happy Accident: Legend has it that the first chocolate chip cookie was created by accident. The baker who invented the Toll House Cookie expected the chocolate pieces to melt. But ended up with the classic cookie instead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Cookie Exchange Day on December 22nd brings a delightful tradition of sharing and celebrating cookies. Whether you prefer classic recipes like gingerbread or innovative treats like Funfetti cookies, this holiday encourages creativity and camaraderie.
The rich history of cookies—from ancient Persia to modern America—shows how they have evolved and integrated into cultures worldwide. Embracing this festive occasion, you can enjoy the spirit of togetherness and the pleasure of exchanging homemade cookies, all while savoring a beloved treat with friends and family.
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is National Cookie Exchange Day?
National Cookie Exchange Day, celebrated on December 22, is a holiday tradition where people host parties to exchange homemade cookies. Guests bring their own cookies to share and enjoy a variety of sweet treats.
2. What types of cookies are popular for National Cookie Exchange Day?
You can bring any type of cookie to the exchange. Popular choices include winter favorites like thumbprint jam cookies and gingerbread, as well as Funfetti cookies or lemon squares. Feel free to mix it up based on your preferences.
3. What is the history of cookies?
Cookies likely originated from small spoonfuls of cake batter used to test oven temperatures. The earliest cookies appeared in 7th century Persia, where sugar was first cultivated. Over time, cookies spread through Europe and America, evolving with regional ingredients and recipes.
4. How did cookie exchanges start?
Cookie exchanges have roots in medieval times when people would swap cookies at holiday parties. The tradition has evolved, with modern cookie exchanges including more elaborate etiquette and expectations.
5. When did cookies become popular in America?
Dutch, English and Scottish immigrants introduced cookies to America in the late 1600s.
They became particularly popular in the South, where tea cakes became a symbol of pride. The chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident in the 1930s by Ruth Graves Wakefield.
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