Celebrate National Cookie Day with allergy-friendly treats! Explore inclusive options like Sweet Diplomacy and find cookies everyone can enjoy.
In December, we celebrate National Cookie Day, honoring the universally loved treat that has brought joy to millions for centuries. From warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies to crispy ginger snaps, cookies evoke nostalgia, comfort, and a sense of community. Yet, as dietary needs have become increasingly diverse, the simple cookie has undergone a transformation. Today, cookies are a treat that anyone can enjoy, thanks to an array of innovative vendors catering to allergies and dietary restrictions.
A Sweet History of National Cookie Day
First established in 1987 by the Blue Chip Cookie Company, National Cookie Day has grown into a global celebration of all things cookie-related. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, dessert, or part of a holiday tradition, cookies are a beloved staple in many households. And a day dedicated to this yummy treat gives you the perfect excuse to indulge and explore new flavors, textures, and recipes.
Cookies, as we know them today, have a rich history that dates back centuries and spans the globe. The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word koekje, meaning “little cake.” These small treats were originally created as test cakes to gauge oven temperature before baking larger cakes.
The first known cookies appeared in Persia (modern-day Iran) around the 7th century, shortly after the cultivation of sugar became widespread in the region. As sugar spread through Europe via trade routes, cookies followed, with each country adapting recipes to local ingredients and preferences. By the 14th century, cookies were popular throughout Europe, often made with spices, nuts, and dried fruits.
In America, cookies were brought over by immigrants and became a staple of the colonial kitchen. The chocolate chip cookie, arguably the most iconic American cookie, was invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938 at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Her accidental creation—mixing chunks of chocolate into cookie dough—went on to revolutionize dessert menus everywhere.
Cookies That Include Everyone
As awareness of dietary restrictions and allergies has increased, so has the availability of cookies and treats that cater to different needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or low-sugar, there’s a cookie out there for you. National Cookie Day is a great opportunity to explore how brands and bakers make sure no one misses out on this delightful treat.
Sweet Diplomacy is at the forefront of inclusive cookie creation, a bakery known for its allergen-friendly and diet-conscious baked goods. Sweet Diplomacy crafts cookies and treats free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy while maintaining the taste and texture you’d expect from a traditional cookie. Their menu includes inventive flavors like Gingersnapperdoodle Cookies and Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing variety or creativity.
“Food should unite, not exclude,” says the founder of Sweet Diplomacy, Melody Hu. “We’re dedicated to creating treats that everyone can enjoy, whether they have allergies or not.”
Be sure to check out the Diplomatic Boxes, which have an assortment of sweet treats inspired by different regions around the world. Sweet Diplomacy’s cookies can be ordered online and shipped across the U.S., making them an ideal option for those looking to share the joy of cookies this National Cookie Day.
Also known for its extensive range of allergy-friendly cookies and championing food inclusivity, Partake Foods creates snacks that are free from the top nine allergens. Their cookie flavors range from Birthday Cake to Triple Chocolate, making them a hit for kids’ lunches and family gatherings alike.
Enjoy Life specializes in gluten-free and allergy-friendly snacks, including cookies. Their products are free from 14 common allergens, making them a safe choice for households with multiple dietary needs. Their soft-baked Snickerdoodles and crunchy Double Chocolate Chip cookies are fan favorites.
Other specialty bakeries offer at least a gluten-free option. Cravory Cookies offers a delectable range of gluten-free options crafted to deliver the same indulgent taste and soft-baked perfection as their classic recipes. With creative flavors and high-quality ingredients, their gluten-free cookies ensure everyone can enjoy a treat without compromise.
Milk Bar’s gluten-free treats, including their signature Milk Bar Pie and select cookies, are thoughtfully made to provide a delicious experience for those avoiding gluten. Packed with bold flavors and nostalgic charm, these gluten-free options make indulgence accessible to all.
Baking Your Own Allergy-Friendly Cookies
If you prefer to bake your own cookies this National Cookie Day, you can find plenty of choices online. Check out the Minimalist Baker with plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar cookie recipes. Some popular substitutions include almond flour for wheat flour, flaxseed meal as an egg replacement, and coconut oil instead of butter.
When baking for a group, it’s always a good idea to label cookies with their ingredients to ensure everyone knows what they can safely enjoy.
How to Celebrate National Cookie Day
- Host a Cookie Exchange: Invite friends and family to bring a batch of their favorite cookies, ensuring that at least a few options cater to dietary restrictions.
- Try Something New: Seek out a vendor like Sweet Diplomacy and order a sampler box to explore allergy-friendly options.
- Bake Together: Spend time in the kitchen with loved ones, experimenting with recipes that accommodate everyone’s dietary needs.
- Spread the Love: Drop off cookies at your local community center, school, or workplace. Consider including allergen-free options to ensure inclusivity.
As food science and culinary creativity continue to advance, the humble cookie is evolving to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. National Cookie Day is a reminder of the power of innovation and inclusivity in food—a delicious symbol of how small treats can bring big smiles to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
