This Sunday is National Cookie Day!
 These little treats have been around for centuries!  The word cookie comes from the Dutch word, “koekie”, which means little cake.  Most of the original cookies weren’t as sweet as our modern versions because sugar was more of a luxury than a staple!  It is believed that the cookie originated in Persia in the 7th century – and in the next 700 years they spread all over Europe.
The Christmas cookie tradition started not long after. Â Gingerbread (lebkuchen) was one of the first to be associated with Christmas. Â Cookie cutters were introduced by the Dutch and Germans, popularizing the fancy shaped treats. Â Sugar was so expensive, molasses was used to sweeten the cookies. Â And the original animal crackers were edible tree ornaments!
The middle ages brought spices like nutmeg and cinnamon into popularity, changing the Christmas cookie to a truly delectable treat! Â The American tradition of leaving cookies for Santa began in the 1930s.
It’s a little spin on an ancient Norse tradition. Â In Norse mythology, Odin rode on an 8-legged horse during the Yule season. Children left food out for the god and his horse, Sleipner, in the hopes the duo would stop and leave them presents.
The tradition continues in many Scandinavian countries today – carrots and hay are left to feed the exhausted horses and reindeer.
But regardless of how it all started, Christmas cookies are an integral part of our modern-day celebration. Â And so I invite you to join our Great Cookie Exchange this year, but instead of the real biscuit, we’ll exchange recipes for our favorite treats.
Please stop by and visit a few and leave them a comment (and leave a comment for me as well!) Â Let’s make this truly the season of Sharing!
Happy Cookie Making!
© Copyright 2016 The Lazy Gastronome
So many different cookies to choose from…I don’t know how I’m going to keep up my my diet with such delicious suggestions in front of me! Thank you for sharing, and have a wonderful weekend!
LOL – Thanks Teresa!
So many delicious choices. I’d better get baking. Thanks for sharing on #FridayFrivolity.
Thanks Audrey – and thanks for stopping by!
I love to learn the history of things. We are currently learning the history of the Christmas tree and the Poinsetta. Cookies are a nice addition!
I kind of liked the 8 legged horse!! LOL – Thanks for joining us!
I love cookies and now I have new ones to try!!!
That’s the plan!! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for a fun hop, Helen!
Thanks for stopping by Kathi!
So excited for National Cookie Day! Thank you for sharing the great history of the holiday!
Thanks Gigi – it was fun to research! I love the 8 legged horse!
Thank you for sharing your delicious recipe at the #RecipeSharingParty. I look forward to what you will share next week! We hope you’ll come back again next Thursday when we open our doors at 9:00 AM EST. Pinned, Yummed, Tweeted!
Thanks.
What an interesting post about the history of the cookie and gingerbread men. Some awesome recipes in the link up.
Kathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop
I enjoyed the research! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, Helen, so many great options. I haven’t started baking yet, so I’m happy to have a list of new recipes to try! Thanks for linking up to Funtastic Friday.
Thanks Kimm – thanks for stopping by!
This is a wonderful list of cookie recipes. I love this time of year to make cookies. I feel like I gain another 10 lbs every year at Christmas due to cookies.
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty.
Oh I agree Crystal – that’s why I give those cookies away fast!! LOL Thanks for stopping by