National Bake Cookies Day

December 17th is National Bake Cookies Day, so what better time to get out the cookie sheet and bake some holiday treats. Historically, it's believed the first cookies were actually small test cakes to see if the batter was right. Persia, one of the first countries to have sugar, is believed to have developed these cakes in the 7th century, A.D. With the Crusades, this cooking technique was brought back and spread throughout Europe. A 1596 English cookbook gives a recipe for tiny cakes that hold quite a resemblance to cookies.

English, Scotch, and Dutch immigrants brought cookie recipes to the United States. In fact, the word, "cookie," likely comes from the Dutch word, "koekje," meaning "little cake." Although in America, cookies were called by that name, they weren't given a separate section in cookbooks at first. Instead, they were still included in the cake section.

Today, there are hundreds and hundreds of different cookie recipes. The chocolate chip has remained a favorite, since it's conception in 1937. In 1996, it became the official state cookie of Pennsylvania. (Who knew there was such a thing?) So, in celebration of the day, pull out your favorite cookie recipe and get to baking. Here's one of mine:

Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 1/2 sticks margarine or butter softened (or 1 1/4 cups)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar                                      

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup cropped pecans or walnuts
3 cups rolled oats (oatmeal)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Blend margarine and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour and spices. Add oats and stir well. Fold in raisins and nuts. Spoon dough onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake 8 minutes for a chewy cookie and 12 minutes for a crisper cooker. Cool for a minute before removing from cookie sheet. Makes about 3 dozen.