The sugar cookie—also  known as “Nazareth” sugar cookie and Amish sugar cookie—was developed in the mid-1700s. It was created by Protestant settlers in the Nazareth colony of Pennsylvania and the cookie was baked in the shape of a keystone, the state’s symbol. On September 5, 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Nazareth sugar cookie as Pennsylvania’s official cookie. 

Today, there are a variety of sugar cookie recipes available, but most recipes include sugar, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and either baking powder or baking soda. Some individuals like their sugar cookies chewy while others like them crispy. Regardless of the texture, mark your calendars for a sweet treat. December 4th is National Cookie Day and National Sugar Cookie Day is July 9th.

‘Tis the Season

It’s the holiday season, which is synonymous with cookie season. From family baking traditions to cookie swaps to a treat for Santa, baking cookies is a festive holiday ritual. 

Christmas cookies as we know them can be traced back to Medieval European recipes. During this time, bakers introduced such prized ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruits. These ingredients were expensive and therefore were only used in baked goods during important holidays. 

In the 15th century, Christmas cookies were popularized in Europe and in the 16th century, Dutch and German settlers brought them to America. Today, it’s clear that U.S. consumers love cookies of all kinds. According to IRI, cookie sales increased 2.6% and reached $8.8 billion during a 52-week period ended March 24, 2019.