National Brownie Day

Young girl baking brownies with a big smile, wearing a cute apron, cozy kitchen setting.. — National brownie day illustration

For those of you with an unapologetic sweet tooth, we present the delicious tale of National Brownie Day. A day that's all about recognizing the rich, chocolaty squares of happiness. Seriously, who can resist a brownie, especially on its national day?

When is Brownie Day?

It's national brownie day on the 8th December.

A Brief Background of National Brownie Day

On National Brownie Day, celebrated on the 8th of December, we pay homage to the origins of this tasty treat, and take a deeper dive into the impact it has had on dessert lovers across the globe. The year 2015 marked a significant increase in the mentions of this day – a whopping 9873 acknowledgments in internet history. This clearly speaks of our undying love for this decadent delicacy.

The Arrival of the Brownie

The first known recipe for brownies appeared in the 1897 Sears Roebuck Catalog, but it wasn't the chocolate brownie we know and love. It was a molasses candy touted as something 'excellent to serve for desserts'. The subsequent iterations brought us closer to the modern brownie, and by 1907 a recipe for 'Bangor Brownies' appeared in Fannie Farmer's cookbook, signaling the delicious, fudgy brownie we've come to love (albeit, without the walnuts for some!).

How to Celebrate

There are no rules on how to celebrate National Brownie Day. Bake some mouth-watering brownies, or visit your favorite bakery to satisfy your craving. Happily, the internet has led to the popularization of many experimental brownie recipes, from vegan and low-fat versions to adventurous brownie and cheesecake hybrids. This is the perfect day to get creative in the kitchen or treat yourself to brownie-delivered indulgence.

History behind the term 'Brownie'

1896

The Birth of the Brownie

The term 'brownie' first appeared in the 1896 cookbook 'The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book' by Fannie Merritt Farmer. In this popular cookbook, Farmer included a recipe for a delicious dessert called 'brownie'. These early brownies were dense and fudgy square-shaped treats made with butter, sugar, chocolate, eggs, and a small amount of flour. They quickly became a favorite among dessert lovers.

1904

Brownies Go International

In 1904, the brownie made its international debut at the St. Louis World's Fair. The legendary Palmer House Hotel in Chicago created a brownie to be served at the fair, and it caught the attention of many visitors. This contributed to the nationwide popularity of brownies and introduced them to a global audience.

1914

The First Printed Brownie Recipe

The first printed recipe for brownies appeared in the 1914 edition of the 'Home Cookery' cookbook by Ida Bailey Allen. This recipe introduced a variation of the original brownie by adding nuts, which became a common ingredient in brownie recipes thereafter. This marked an important milestone in the development of brownies as a beloved dessert.

1929

The Birth of the Blondie

In 1929, the term 'blondie' emerged as a variant of the traditional brownie. This new variation eliminated chocolate from the recipe and replaced it with vanilla or butterscotch flavoring. Blondies had a lighter color and a chewy texture. They quickly gained popularity as a delicious alternative to the classic chocolate brownie.

1954

Brownie Mixes Hit the Market

In 1954, the convenience of baking brownies at home became widely accessible with the introduction of pre-packaged brownie mixes. Companies such as Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker began selling boxed brownie mixes, revolutionizing the way brownies were made. This innovation made it easier for people of all baking skill levels to enjoy homemade brownies.

1981

National Brownie Day

National Brownie Day was officially recognized on December 8th, 1981, to celebrate the beloved dessert and its rich history. This day provides an opportunity for people around the United States to indulge in their favorite brownie flavors and variations, whether they prefer traditional chocolate brownies, blondies, or unique gourmet creations.

Did you know?

Did you know, in 1921, it's believed the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago created the first 'true' brownie with walnuts and an apricot glaze for the World's Columbian Exposition. Today, it's still on the menu!