National Cookie Dough Day

Joyful child with a chef's hat, covered in cookie dough, surrounded by colorful sprinkles and baking utensils.. — National cookie dough day illustration

Hey there, cookie dough enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate National Cookie Dough Day with a spoonful of excitement and a sprinkle of joy! Whether you prefer to eat it straight from the mixing bowl or use it to elevate your baking creations, this delightful day is a perfect excuse to indulge in the sweet and irresistible world of cookie dough.

When is Cookie Dough Day?

It's national cookie dough day on the 21st June.

A Brief History of National Cookie Dough Day

Have you ever wondered how a day dedicated to the wonders of cookie dough came to be? Well, grab a fresh batch of dough and let's take a dip into the internet history of National Cookie Dough Day!

While the origins of this scrumptious holiday remain clouded in mystery, one thing is clear - people have been enjoying the spoon-licking goodness of cookie dough for centuries. It all started back in ancient times when bakers realized the magic of combining butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla. The first versions of cookie dough were used to make simple, unleavened treats.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and we see the emergence of more complex cookie recipes. People started experimenting with various ingredients, adding flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and even unexpected surprises like dried fruits or nuts. But it wasn't until the 1930s that cookie dough started to resemble what we know and love today. Thanks to the invention of modern ovens, refrigerators, and the marketing genius behind mass-produced chocolate chip cookies, cookie dough began to take the world by storm.

The advent of the internet in the late 20th century further fueled the popularity of cookie dough. Through mouthwatering recipes, mouth-watering pictures, and online communities sharing their baking adventures, the love for this doughy delight spread like wildfire across the digital landscape.

Finally, in the spirit of all things sweet and irresistible, National Cookie Dough Day emerged as a way to honor this beloved treat and give cookie dough lovers everywhere a reason to unite. So whether you prefer to bake it or eat it raw (we won't tell!), celebrate this glorious day with some fresh cookie dough and a whole lot of deliciousness!

History behind the term 'Cookie Dough'

1844

The First Cookie Recipe

In 1844, the first known recorded cookie recipe appeared in a cookbook titled 'The Complete Confectioner, Pastry Cook, and Baker' written by Eliza Leslie. The recipe involved combining sugar, butter, eggs, flour, milk, and a small amount of baking powder to create a simple cookie dough.

1938

Baking innovation

In 1938, an inventive baker named Ruth Wakefield of Toll House Inn in Massachusetts created a groundbreaking recipe that would eventually become known as cookie dough. While making her signature Butter Drop Do candy-filled cookies, Ruth decided to chop up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate and add it to the dough. Contrary to her expectations, the chocolate did not melt fully, resulting in the birth of chocolate chip cookie dough.

1937

The Invention

In 1937, the invention of cookie dough took place when Ruth Graves Wakefield, a chef and owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, was attempting to make chocolate cookies. She ran out of baker's chocolate and decided to break up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces, hoping it would melt and disperse within the dough. To her surprise, the chocolate pieces remained intact, creating the first ever batch of chocolate chip cookie dough.

1938

Publication and Collaboration

The following year, Ruth Wakefield showcased her innovative recipe in her cookbook titled 'Toll House Tried and True Recipes.' The recipe received widespread attention, leading to a collaboration between Ruth Wakefield and Andrew Nestlé. Together, they produced the first-ever chocolate chip cookie with Nestlé's semi-sweet chocolate. Nestlé saw the potential and included a recipe for Toll House cookies on the back of their chocolate bar packaging.

1939

The Nestle partnership

The following year, in 1939, Ruth Wakefield and Nestle, the chocolate manufacturer, struck a collaboration that would transform cookie dough into a household name. They reached an agreement that allowed Nestle to print the Toll House cookie recipe on the packaging of their semi-sweet chocolate bars. As a result, people across the country started recreating the recipe, popularizing cookie dough and giving rise to countless variations.

1897

The Invention of Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fast-forward to 1897 when chocolate chip cookies were accidentally invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield. While making cookies for her guests at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, she ran out of baker's chocolate and decided to substitute it with chopped up semi-sweet chocolate. The chocolate didn't completely melt and instead became small chocolatey chunks in the cookie dough, thus creating the first batch of chocolate chip cookies and paving the way for the popularity of cookie dough.

1940

Perfecting the packaging

As cookie dough gained momentum in home kitchens, companies began developing innovative ways to make it readily available to consumers. Refrigerated pre-made cookie dough tubes emerged in the 1940s, offering a convenient solution for those craving freshly baked cookies without the hassle of preparing the dough from scratch. This packaging innovation brought cookie dough even closer to mainstream culture.

1930s

The Introduction of Commercially Packaged Cookie Dough

It wasn't until the 1930s that commercially packaged cookie dough started to emerge. Companies like Pillsbury introduced pre-made cookie dough that allowed home cooks to skip the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch. This convenience factor made cookie dough more accessible and popular among households.

1939

Popularity and Adaptation

The popularity of the Toll House cookies soared, and soon after their initial creation, other bakers and cookie enthusiasts began experimenting with different variations of cookie dough. The concept of cookie dough gained momentum, as people started enjoying the uncooked dough itself, appreciating its flavors and textures. Some even incorporated cookie dough into ice cream, creating new and delightful frozen treats.

1984

The Rise of Edible Cookie Dough

In 1984, Ben & Jerry's, the ice cream company known for their creative flavors, introduced the concept of edible cookie dough. It started when they couldn't resist sneaking bites of raw cookie dough into their cookie dough ice cream. They then decided to develop a safe-to-eat version, removing the eggs and heat-treated flour traditionally used in cookie dough to eliminate any potential health risks. This innovation sparked a trend in the food industry, leading to the creation of edible cookie dough products in various flavors and formats.

1984

Prepackaged Cookie Dough

In 1984, the first prepackaged cookie dough was introduced to the market by Pillsbury. This development revolutionized the way people baked cookies at home, making it more convenient and accessible. Prepackaged cookie dough allowed individuals to simply slice or break off portions of dough, eliminating the need for measuring ingredients and mixing from scratch.

1984

Ready-to-bake revolution

In 1984, another milestone was reached as Pillsbury introduced their breakthrough product, ready-to-bake cookie dough. This innovation took the convenience factor to new heights by eliminating the need for mixing, rolling, and shaping the dough. With the simple step of placing pre-formed cookie dough directly onto a baking sheet, homemade cookies became more accessible than ever before.

1993

Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's, the renowned ice cream company, introduced their iconic and now widely beloved flavor, 'Cookie Dough,' in 1993. This marked a significant milestone for the cultural impact of cookie dough, as it elevated the perception of cookie dough from a mere ingredient to a star in its own right. Cookie dough ice cream variations have since become a staple in the frozen treats industry.

Present Day

Cookie Dough's Popularity and Versatility

Today, cookie dough has become a beloved treat on its own and a popular ingredient in desserts ranging from cookie dough ice cream to cookie dough brownies. Its versatile nature allows for countless creative variations, such as cookie dough-stuffed cookies and cookie dough truffles. The term 'cookie dough' has come to represent not only the raw, unbaked dough but also the delightful concept that has captivated the taste buds of people worldwide.

21st Century

Cookie dough frenzy

The 21st century witnessed an explosion of cookie dough popularity. Beyond cookies, raw cookie dough became a beloved treat in its own right. Edible cookie dough, specially formulated to be safe for consumption without baking, gained a devoted following. Specialty shops and food trucks dedicated to serving scoops of cookie dough flourished, providing a wide range of flavors and mix-ins. Cookie dough had transcended its humble beginnings and become a cultural phenomenon.

Present

Cookie Dough Craze

In modern times, cookie dough continues to captivate the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Numerous businesses have emerged solely dedicated to selling edible cookie dough, capitalizing on the public's love for this delectable treat. Moreover, cookie dough-themed desserts and products have become increasingly popular, including cookie dough milkshakes, brownies, cakes, and even dedicated cafes where you can indulge in various cookie dough delicacies.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest ball of cookie dough ever made weighed a staggering 1,070 pounds? That's equal to baking over 74,000 chocolate chip cookies! Talk about a sugar rush!