National Chocolate Cookie Day

A group of diverse children, dressed in colorful aprons, baking chocolate cookies in a warm kitchen. — National chocolate cookie day illustration

Are you ready for a day dedicated to one of the most beloved treats in the world? Get your taste buds ready because it's National Chocolate Cookie Day!

When is Chocolate Cookie Day?

It's national chocolate cookie day on the 20th August.

A Brief History

Let's dive into the rich and delicious history of the chocolate cookie. The first recorded instance of chocolate cookies dates back to the early 1900s when they were simply called 'chocolate biscuits' by our friends across the pond in the United Kingdom. These delightful creations gained popularity, and soon enough, they made their way to the United States.

But it wasn't until the 1930s that the chocolate cookie really stole the hearts of Americans. The iconic recipe was born when Ruth Graves Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn, decided to add bits of chocolate to her butter cookie recipe. And voila! The chocolate chip cookie was born and quickly became a sensation.

Celebrating National Chocolate Cookie Day

To celebrate this delicious day, there are so many ways to enjoy chocolate cookies. You can bake a batch from scratch using your favorite recipe, or if you're not quite the master baker, head to your local bakery or grocery store for a selection of delectable chocolate cookies. You could even have a cookie swap with your friends and family, where everyone brings their favorite chocolate cookie recipe to share.

Another fun idea is to embark on a quest to find the best chocolate cookies in your city. Visit different bakeries, cafes, and dessert shops and sample their chocolate cookie offerings. You might just discover your new favorite treat!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest chocolate cookie weighed a whopping 40,000 pounds? It was created in 2003 by the Immaculate Baking Company in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Imagine sinking your teeth into that gigantic cookie!

History behind the term 'Chocolate Cookie'

1764

The Discovery of Cocoa Butter

In the year 1764, the term 'chocolate cookie' had its origins with the discovery of cocoa butter. Previously, cocoa butter was considered a waste product in the production of drinking chocolate. However, it wasn't until Swiss chocolatier Francois-Louis Cailler discovered its value and potential that cocoa butter gained recognition as a valuable ingredient. This discovery would eventually pave the way for the development of delicious chocolate cookies.

1828

The Invention of Cocoa Powder

The year 1828 marked a significant milestone in the history of chocolate cookies. Dutch chemist Coenraad Johannes Van Houten invented a hydraulic press to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans, resulting in the creation of high-quality cocoa powder. This breakthrough allowed for easier incorporation of chocolate flavor into various baked goods, including the beloved chocolate cookies we know today.

1847

The Introduction of the Chocolate Chip

In 1847, the famous term 'chocolate cookie' took another step forward with the introduction of the chocolate chip. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, invented the first chocolate chip cookie when she added chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting it to melt and create an all-chocolate cookie. To her surprise, the chocolate remained intact, resulting in the birth of the iconic chocolate chip cookie, a true classic loved by many worldwide.

1892

The Creation of the Triple Chocolate Cookie

The year 1892 witnessed a significant development in the world of chocolate cookies with the creation of the triple chocolate cookie. An inventive baker named Fannie Merritt Farmer published her cookbook 'The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book,' which included a recipe for triple chocolate cookies. This recipe introduced not only cocoa powder and chocolate chips but also melted chocolate into the cookie dough. The triple chocolate cookie quickly gained popularity, delighting chocolate lovers with its rich and indulgent flavor.