December 18 – Bake Christmas Cookies Day

Bake Christmas Cookies Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE BAKE COOKIES DAY STEP-BY-STEP

75 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes.
Purchase Christmas cookie cutters. and decorations.
Take a cookie decorating course.
Host a cookie decorating or cookie exchange party.
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As the holidays approach, December 18th marks a delicious celebration that all cookie enthusiasts can enjoy – Bake Cookies Day! This sweet holiday is the ideal excuse to get your apron on, preheat the oven and let your creativity run wild. Whether you prefer the classic chocolate chip, sugar or oatmeal raisin cookies, or you opt for something more extravagant like red velvet or peanut butter blossoms, this day is all about indulging in the comforting flavors of freshly baked cookies.

Gather your loved ones around the kitchen and spend quality time together, sharing the joy of creating something delicious and memorable. There’s no better way to fill your home with holiday cheer than with the delightful aroma of homemade cookies, freshly baked with love. So gather your ingredients, turn on some festive music and get ready to win Bake Cookies Day with your showstopping creations!

BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES DAY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

The history of Christmas cookies dates back centuries, with roots in various cultural traditions around the world. One of the earliest known examples can be traced to Medieval Europe, where ingredients like spices, honey, and dried fruits were combined to create sweet treats enjoyed during the holiday season.

As trade routes expanded, so did the variety of ingredients used in cookie recipes, with influences from the Middle East and Asia adding new flavors and techniques. In Germany, the tradition of baking cookies for Christmas, known as “Weihnachtsplätzchen,” became popular during the 15th century, with intricately shaped cookies often made using wooden molds or hand-carved designs. The custom of leaving cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is thought to have originated in the United States in the 1930s, influenced by the Dutch tradition of leaving treats for Sinterklaas.

Today, Christmas cookies remain a beloved part of holiday celebrations worldwide, with countless variations and recipes passed down through generations, each carrying its own unique history and significance.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES DAY

Cookie Decorating Party: Gather friends and family for a festive cookie decorating party, providing various toppings like icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter for creative fun.
Cookie Swap: Organize a cookie swap where participants bake and exchange batches of their favorite cookies, allowing everyone to sample a variety of delicious treats.
Cookie Baking Marathon: Spend the day baking multiple batches of cookies, trying out different recipes and experimenting with flavors and decorations.
Cookie Recipe Exchange: Host a cookie recipe exchange where guests share their favorite cookie recipes, along with stories or traditions associated with them.
Cookie Cutter Creations: Get creative with cookie cutters, making cookies in various shapes like stars, snowflakes, and gingerbread people for added festive flair.
Cookie Jar Gifts: Make homemade cookie mixes in jars as gifts, layering ingredients like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips for recipients to bake their own delicious cookies at home.
Cookie Storytime: Read holiday-themed stories or poems while enjoying freshly baked cookies and hot cocoa for a cozy and festive atmosphere.
Cookie Tasting Party: Set up a tasting station with a variety of cookies to sample, along with scorecards for guests to rate their favorites and crown the top cookie.
Cookie Decorating Contest: Host a cookie decorating contest with categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Decorated,” and “Most Festive,” encouraging participants to showcase their decorating skills.
Cookie Advent Calendar: Create a DIY advent calendar filled with homemade cookies, opening a new treat each day leading up to Christmas for a sweet countdown.
Cookie-Themed Movie Marathon: Watch classic holiday movies like “Elf” or “The Polar Express” while enjoying freshly baked cookies and milk for a festive movie marathon.
Cookie Gift Wrapping: Get creative with wrapping homemade cookies as gifts, using festive packaging like cookie tins, cellophane bags, or decorative boxes tied with ribbons.
Cookie Decorating Kits: Prepare cookie decorating kits with pre-baked cookies, icing, and toppings, then deliver them to friends or neighbors for a fun and interactive activity.
Cookie Memory Lane: Bake cookies from cherished family recipes or recipes passed down through generations, reminiscing about fond memories associated with each treat.
Cookie Charades: Play a game of charades where participants act out different types of cookies for others to guess, adding a playful twist to the classic game.
Cookie Dough Sculpting: Get creative with cookie dough by sculpting festive shapes or designs before baking, experimenting with different textures and techniques.
Cookie Jar Decorating: Decorate empty cookie jars with paint, stickers, or holiday-themed embellishments, then fill them with freshly baked cookies to give as gifts.
Cookie Baking Class: Attend a cookie baking class or workshop to learn new techniques and recipes from expert bakers, honing your skills and expanding your repertoire.
Cookie Cookbook Challenge: Choose a cookie cookbook and challenge yourself to bake your way through it, trying out different recipes and documenting your baking adventures.
Cookie-Decorating Kits: Prepare cookie decorating kits with pre-baked cookies, icing, and toppings, then deliver them to friends or neighbors for a fun and interactive activity.
Cookie Dough Sculpting: Get creative with cookie dough by sculpting festive shapes or designs before baking, experimenting with different textures and techniques.
Cookie Jar Decorating: Decorate empty cookie jars with paint, stickers, or holiday-themed embellishments, then fill them with freshly baked cookies to give as gifts.
Cookie Baking Class: Attend a cookie baking class or workshop to learn new techniques and recipes from expert bakers, honing your skills and expanding your repertoire.
Cookie Cookbook Challenge: Choose a cookie cookbook and challenge yourself to bake your way through it, trying out different recipes and documenting your baking adventures.
Cookie-themed Crafts: Get crafty with cookie-themed crafts like making ornaments shaped like cookies or creating holiday decorations featuring gingerbread men and candy canes.
Cookie Decorating Contest: Host a friendly competition to see who can decorate the most creative or festive cookie, with participants judged on presentation, creativity, and overall design.
Cookie Stack Challenge: Challenge participants to stack as many cookies as possible into a tower without it toppling over, testing their balance and steady hand.
Cookie Bingo: Create bingo cards featuring different types of cookies or cookie-related images, then play a game of bingo with cookies as markers and sweet prizes for winners.
Cookie Memory Game: Lay out pairs of different cookies face down and take turns flipping them over to find matching pairs, testing memory and observation skills.
Cookie Tasting Challenge: Blindfold participants and have them taste different types of cookies, then guess the flavor or ingredients of each one for a fun taste-testing game.
Cookie Trivia Quiz: Prepare a quiz with questions about cookies, baking techniques, and holiday traditions related to cookies, testing participants’ knowledge and expertise.
Cookie Word Search: Create a word search puzzle with words related to cookies and baking, challenging participants to find and circle all the hidden words within a set time limit.
Cookie Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to decorate or assemble cookies at different stations, with each team member completing a task before passing the cookie to the next person.
Cookie Bingo: Create bingo cards featuring different types of cookies or cookie-related images, then play a game of bingo with cookies as markers and sweet prizes for winners.
Cookie Jar Guessing Game: Fill a jar with an assortment of cookies and have participants guess the number of cookies inside, with the closest guess winning a prize.
Cookie Decorating Relay: Divide into teams and race to decorate cookies with frosting and toppings, with each team member adding a different decoration before passing the cookie to the next person.
Cookie Cutter Match-Up: Scatter cookie cutters of different shapes and sizes around the room, then challenge participants to match each cookie cutter with the corresponding cookie shape.
Cookie Decorating Relay: Divide into teams and race to decorate cookies with frosting and toppings, with each team member adding a different decoration before passing the cookie to the next person.
Cookie Cutter Match-Up: Scatter cookie cutters of different shapes and sizes around the room, then challenge participants to match each cookie cutter with the corresponding cookie shape.
Cookie Scavenger Hunt: Hide cookies around the house or venue and create a list of clues for participants to follow in order to find them, with a prize for the person or team who finds the most cookies.
Pin the Cookie on the Plate: Play a holiday twist on the classic game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey by blindfolding participants and having them try to stick a paper cookie onto a paper plate while spun around.
Cookie Tower Challenge: Give each participant a stack of cookies and challenge them to build the tallest cookie tower possible within a set time limit, with the tallest tower winning a prize.
Cookie Matching Game: Create pairs of matching cookies with different frosting designs or toppings, then lay them out face down and have participants take turns flipping them over to find matches.
Cookie Decorating Relay: Divide into teams and race to decorate cookies with frosting and toppings, with each team member adding a different decoration before passing the cookie to the next person.
Cookie Cutter Match-Up: Scatter cookie cutters of different shapes and sizes around the room, then challenge participants to match each cookie cutter with the corresponding cookie shape.
Cookie Scavenger Hunt: Hide cookies around the house or venue and create a list of clues for participants to follow in order to find them, with a prize for the person or team who finds the most cookies.
Pin the Cookie on the Plate: Play a holiday twist on the classic game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey by blindfolding participants and having them try to stick a paper cookie onto a paper plate while spun around.
Cookie Tower Challenge: Give each participant a stack of cookies and challenge them to build the tallest cookie tower possible within a set time limit, with the tallest tower winning a prize.
Cookie Matching Game: Create pairs of matching cookies with different frosting designs or toppings, then lay them out face down and have participants take turns flipping them over to find matches.
Cookie Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to transport cookies from one end of the room to the other using only spoons or chopsticks, with the first team to finish winning a prize.
Cookie Cutter Ornaments: Repurpose cookie cutters as ornaments by wrapping them with colorful ribbons or painting them with festive designs, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday decor.
Cookie Jar Snow Globes: Create charming snow globes using miniature cookie jars, faux snow, and tiny holiday figurines, providing a delightful accent to your home during the festive season.
Cookie Tin Luminary: Transform empty cookie tins into luminaries by punching decorative holes in the metal, allowing candlelight to shine through and cast a warm glow in the room.
Cookie Scented Candles: Make scented candles that evoke the cozy aroma of freshly baked cookies using soy wax, essential oils, and cookie-shaped molds, infusing your home with holiday cheer.
Cookie Cutter Wreath: Fashion a festive wreath using a variety of cookie cutters arranged in a circular pattern and secured with hot glue, embellishing it with ribbons or ornaments for added flair.
Cookie Plate Decoupage: Personalize plain plates with decoupage techniques, using holiday-themed paper or fabric to create decorative patterns that showcase your love for baking and cookies.
Cookie Garland: String together paper or felt cookies to craft a whimsical garland, alternating with colorful beads or ribbons for a charming addition to your holiday decorations.
Cookie Cutter Stamped Wrapping Paper: Create custom wrapping paper by stamping cookie cutters onto kraft paper or butcher paper, adding a festive touch to your holiday gift presentations.
Cookie Jar Centerpiece: Arrange a collection of vintage cookie jars as a charming centerpiece for your table, filling them with seasonal greenery or ornaments for a festive display.
Cookie Dough Ornaments: Fashion ornaments shaped like cookies using salt dough or air-dry clay, painting them with acrylics and sealing with varnish for durable and adorable decorations.
Cookie Cutter Christmas Tree: Arrange cookie cutters in the shape of a Christmas tree on a wall or door, securing them with adhesive hooks and embellishing with lights or garlands for a festive focal point.
Cookie Recipe Cards: Design festive recipe cards featuring your favorite cookie recipes, embellished with holiday motifs or illustrations, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Cookie Cutter Stenciled Napkins: Use cookie cutters as stencils to decorate cloth napkins with fabric paint or markers, creating charming table linens that celebrate your love for baking.
Cookie Jar Snowman: Stack cookie jars of varying sizes to create a whimsical snowman, adorning each jar with buttons, scarves, and a top hat for a delightful holiday decoration.
Cookie Cutter Embroidery Hoop Art: Frame fabric adorned with cookie cutter shapes in embroidery hoops, adding stitches or embellishments to create charming wall art for your home.
Cookie Tin Planters: Repurpose vintage cookie tins as planters for small succulents or herbs, adding a touch of greenery to your home while celebrating the nostalgia of baking cookies.
Cookie Cutter Garland: String cookie cutters together to craft a festive garland, alternating with colorful ribbon or twine for a whimsical decoration that pays homage to your baking tradition.
Cookie Plate Clock: Turn a plain plate into a charming clock by attaching clock hands and a mechanism to the center, embellishing the plate with cookie-themed designs for a unique timepiece.
Cookie Cutter Place Card Holders: Use cookie cutters as place card holders for your holiday table, inserting cards with guests’ names into the cutters for a whimsical and personalized touch.
Cookie Tin Shadow Box: Transform a cookie tin into a shadow box by removing the lid and backing, filling it with festive decorations like mini ornaments or faux snow for a unique holiday display.
Cookie Cutter Stamped Fabric Napkins: Stamp fabric napkins with cookie cutters dipped in fabric paint, creating charming patterns that celebrate the joy of baking and sharing cookies.
Cookie Cutter Wreath: Fashion a festive wreath using a variety of cookie cutters arranged in a circular pattern and secured with hot glue, embellishing it with ribbons or ornaments for added flair.
Cookie Plate Decoupage: Personalize plain plates with decoupage techniques, using holiday-themed paper or fabric to create decorative patterns that showcase your love for baking and cookies.
Cookie Tin Luminary: Transform empty cookie tins into luminaries by punching decorative holes in the metal, allowing candlelight to shine through and cast a warm glow in the room.
Cookie Jar Snow Globes: Create charming snow globes using miniature cookie jars, faux snow, and tiny holiday figurines, providing a delightful accent to your home during the festive season.
Gingerbread Cookies: Bake classic gingerbread cookies flavored with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with icing.
Sugar Cookies: Whip up a batch of sugar cookies, rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters to create holiday shapes, then decorate with colorful sprinkles or frosting.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Indulge in the timeless comfort of chocolate chip cookies, baking them until golden brown and studded with gooey chocolate chips for a satisfying treat.
Shortbread Cookies: Enjoy the buttery richness of shortbread cookies, made with just a few simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar, perfect for dipping in hot cocoa or tea.
Snickerdoodles: Bake soft and chewy snickerdoodle cookies coated in cinnamon sugar, infusing your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma that signals the holiday season.
Peppermint Bark: Make homemade peppermint bark by layering melted chocolate with crushed peppermint candies, then chilling until set for a festive and irresistible sweet treat.
Linzer Cookies: Craft delicate linzer cookies filled with raspberry or strawberry jam, sandwiching them between two almond-flavored cookies dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Thumbprint Cookies: Create thumbprint cookies by pressing your thumb into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking, then filling the indentation with jam or chocolate ganache.
Almond Biscotti: Bake crunchy almond biscotti, slicing the dough into thin pieces and twice-baking until crisp, perfect for dipping into coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly day.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Prepare chocolate crinkle cookies coated in powdered sugar, resulting in crackled tops and fudgy centers that are both decadent and delightful.
Rugelach: Make rugelach, flaky pastries filled with a sweet mixture of jam, nuts, and cinnamon, then rolled into crescent shapes and baked until golden brown.
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Whip up peanut butter blossoms by rolling peanut butter cookie dough in sugar, then pressing a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie after baking.
Lemon Bars: Bake tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a tart lemon filling, dusting the top with powdered sugar for a bright and refreshing dessert.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate, then sprinkle with festive toppings like crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles for a sweet and salty treat.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Enjoy classic oatmeal raisin cookies, loaded with hearty oats and plump raisins, perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
Cranberry Orange Scones: Bake tender cranberry orange scones, studded with dried cranberries and flavored with fresh orange zest, ideal for serving with clotted cream or jam.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate, then let them set until the chocolate hardens for an elegant and indulgent dessert that’s simple to make.
Pecan Sandies: Prepare pecan sandies, buttery cookies loaded with chopped pecans and rolled in sugar before baking, resulting in crisp and crumbly treats with a nutty flavor.
Coconut Macaroons: Make coconut macaroons by mixing shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk and egg whites, then baking until golden brown and deliciously chewy.
Fruitcake: Bake a traditional fruitcake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, soaking it in brandy or rum for weeks to develop rich and complex flavors.
Cinnamon Rolls: Whip up homemade cinnamon rolls, rolling out dough and spreading it with cinnamon sugar before rolling and slicing, then baking until golden brown and slathering with cream cheese icing.
Pumpkin Bread: Bake moist and flavorful pumpkin bread, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of hot cider or coffee.
Eggnog Cheesecake: Prepare a decadent eggnog cheesecake, blending cream cheese with eggnog and spices before baking, then topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Candy Cane Bark: Create candy cane bark by layering melted white chocolate with crushed candy canes, then chilling until set and breaking into pieces for a festive and minty treat.
Caramel Apples: Make caramel apples by dipping crisp apples in homemade caramel sauce, then rolling them in chopped nuts or drizzling with melted chocolate for a sweet and indulgent dessert.