National Cookie Day

National Cookie Day

National Cookie Day

There is a lot to celebrate throughout the month of December. National Cookie Day falls on December 4 and is a very fitting day for this time of year. There are hundreds of different cookies out there and there is nothing better than baking them for holiday celebrations.

Have you ever wondered why we call them cookies? The word is derived from the Dutch word "koekie." Koekie translates to “little cake.” The cookie did not arrive in America until the 17th century, with gingerbread and macaroon cookies being the most popular during that time. Since then, the types, flavors, shapes, and more have only grown.

The cookie can be classified into many different types. The different categories of cookies include: bar cookies, drop cookies, filled cookies, molded cookies, no bake cookies, pressed cookies, refrigerator cookies, rolled cookies and sandwich cookies.

Below is a recipe for a refrigerator cookie that looks festive for the season. Enjoy!

Cherry Icebox Cookies:

Makes: 16 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

¼ cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

¼ cup maraschino cherry juice

4 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup chopped maraschino cherries

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the egg, cherry and lemon juices, and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and cherries.
  2. Shape into four 12-in. rolls; securely wrap each in waxed paper. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.
  3. Unwrap and cut into 1/4-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.