After 6.5 years of blogging about giving out thoughtful pinches to celebrate many national days, I’m not sure how I have missed writing about National Cookie Day. I mean, I have written about National Sugar Cookie Day, but not about National Cookie Day. So let’s get going!

As with all posts that pertain to a national day, I checked out the website NationalDayCalendar.com in order to get a better idea of what National Cookie Day is all about. Some of the key take away notes I learned are:

• The Dutch word koekie, means “little cake.”

• According to the site, “The origin of the cookie appears to begin in Persia in the 7th century, soon after the use of sugar became common in the region. They then spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. Cookies were common at all levels of society throughout Europe by the 14th century, from the royal cuisine to the street vendors.”

• In the 17th century, when cookies came to America, the most popular cookies were macaroons and gingerbread cookies.

• On November 26, 1976, Sesame Street recognized National Cookie Day for the first time. Later, in 1980, the Cookie Monster claimed his own National Cookie Day inThe Sesame Street Dictionary.

• Matt Nader of the San Francisco based company, “Blue Chip Cookie Company” founded National Cookie Day to be celebrated on December 4th every year since 1987.

When I saw that December 4th is National Cookie Day on my Nationaldaycalendar.com calendar, I knew it would be a great occasion to show someone we’re thinking of them. A pinch could be one cookie or a dozen; just an amount that feels appropriate. Cookies are easy to make and yet cookies show so much thoughtfulness. It’s the one gift I recommend to friends who ask, “What do I give to someone who has it all?” I say, “Bake some cookies. They will love them.” I am glad that the National Day Calendar website listed the types of cookies because there are so many and I didn’t want to leave any out.

• Bar cookies – for me, these cookies are the easiest to make because after mixing all the ingredients, I pour the cookie batter into a glass pyrex pan that I use for lasagna, bake and cut into squares.

• Drop cookies – the shape/form of these cookies is basically a rounded spoonful which is dropped onto a cookie sheet and baked.

• Filled cookies - These are fancy for me because it involves an extra step or two prior to baking the cookie. The Kiss cookie isn’t exactly a “filled” cookie but in my book it counts. I’m also counting Thumbprint cookies under this type as well.

• Molded cookies - I am pretty sure this is the same thing as cut outs or cookie shapes made by using a cookie- cutter; the shape of the cookie is molded.

• No bake cookies - This type is pretty easy as well but the recipes are specific because most no bake cookies are formed by refrigeration so the measurements are firm.

• Pressed cookies - Again, these are fancy cookies in my opinion because it involves using a kitchen gadget that I haven’t figured out yet. My neighbor Dana and my friend Mary Weidmeier make the best Spritz. Just a head’s up - these cookies use a lot of butter which is why I love them.

• Refrigerator cookies - This could mean two different things: 1. refer to No bake cookies above or 2. After certain cookie dough ingredients are completely mixed, they need to be refrigerated prior to baking. This could be for ease of rolling out and cutting shapes or because the recipes needs time in the fridge to complete the process.

• Rolled cookies - These cookies require a rolling pin and cookie cutters. Or while rolled, the dough is sliced like slices of bread.

• Sandwich cookies - These cookies take a few extra steps to make. First the baking of the cookies. Then applying a filling on one cookie and placing another cookie on top to form a sandwich, like an Oreo.

In other words, cookies come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, textures, weights and prices ranges. Coincidentally, so does thoughtfulness. We can use this occasion, National Cookie Day, to give some cookies away. Just an opportunity to put some love into a treat and pass it along to someone. Tips: If you want to do some work but not all of the work, the freezer or refrigeration section in most grocery stores have ready to bake cookie dough. And guess what, if you’re not a baker or you don’t have time to bake, pick up some trendy cookies at a bakery. Even easier, buy some Oreos. The gesture of giving out cookies on National Cookie Day is sweet (pardon the pun) and unassuming, just like you!

The latest trend is Crumbl Cookies. Expensive and sometimes completely worth it. Hard to pick one flavor as a favorite. Many people buy the set of four as a gift. Very impressive and

Pinches,

Barb