A freshly baked stack of golden-brown oatmeal cookies, adorned with chocolate chips and walnuts, set on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by oats and a glass of milk

National Oatmeal Cookie Day celebrates one of America’s beloved treats – a delightful combination of wholesome oats and sweet cookie goodness. These cookies blend nutrition with indulgence, making them a perfect excuse for guilt-free snacking.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: April 30th annually
  • Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cookie Day
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOatmealCookieDay
  • When was it founded?: Early 1900s
  • Who founded it?: Unknown, though popularized by Quaker Oats Company

History

The story begins in Scotland with simple oat cakes, but the modern oatmeal cookie emerged in America. Fannie Merritt Farmer created the first American oatmeal cookie recipe, but it was Quaker Oats’ brilliant marketing move of printing recipes on their containers that made these cookies a household favorite.

Timeline

  • 1800s: Original oat cakes in Scotland
  • 1877: Steel-cut oats production begins at Quaker Mill Company
  • Early 1900s: First American oatmeal cookie recipe
  • 1900s: Recipe appears on Quaker Oats containers

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025April 30Wednesday
2026April 30Thursday
2027April 30Friday
2028April 30Sunday
2029April 30Monday

How It’s Observed

People celebrate by baking homemade cookies, sharing recipes, hosting cookie exchanges, and enjoying store-bought varieties. Many bakeries offer special deals and new flavors.

Fun Facts About Oatmeal Cookies

  • They’re considered healthier than regular cookies
  • 80% of American households keep oatmeal in their pantries
  • They can be made chewy or crispy
  • They’re packed with iron and fiber

Quiz

  1. When is National Oatmeal Cookie Day?
  2. Who created the first American oatmeal cookie?
  3. What company popularized oatmeal cookies?
    (Answers: April 30, Fannie Merritt Farmer, Quaker Oats)

FAQs

  • Are oatmeal cookies healthy?
  • Yes, they contain fiber and iron
  • Why do they sometimes turn out dry?
  • Usually due to too much flour
  • Can they be made gluten-free?
  • Yes, with appropriate substitutions

Importance of Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies represent the perfect blend of nutrition and dessert, offering a healthier alternative to traditional cookies while maintaining delicious taste.

Related Holidays

  • National Cookie Day
  • National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
  • National Baking Day
  • National Dessert Day