Celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day every April 30th. Although sometimes confused with National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day on March 18th, it is rightfully acknowledged on April 30th as well. This special day is dedicated to the delicious and nutritious Oatmeal Cookies. Whether chewy or crispy, oatmeal cookies are considered a healthier option compared to regular cookies, and they pair wonderfully with a glass of milk.

History of Oatmeal Cookies

The oatmeal cookie has its origins in the oatcake, a simple baked good that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially in Scotland. Oatcakes were a staple food because oats could be grown in the region's rough climate. They were often used as sustenance for soldiers due to their durability and nutritious value.

The modern oatmeal cookie as we know it became popular in the early 1900s in the United States. Fannie Merritt Farmer, a famous American culinary expert, included a recipe for oatmeal cookies in her 1896 cookbook, "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book." Oatmeal cookies grew in popularity, particularly after Quaker Oats began promoting recipes on their oatmeal packaging, encouraging people to incorporate oats into more of their everyday baking.

Today, oatmeal cookies are enjoyed worldwide, with variations that include different flavors, add-ins, and dietary adaptations.

Why Oatmeal Cookies Are Popular

1. Nutritional Benefits:
   Oatmeal cookies are often considered a healthier alternative to many other types of cookies. Oats are rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and keep you feeling full for longer. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, making oatmeal cookies more nutrient-dense compared to regular sugar cookies.

2. Versatility:
   Oatmeal cookies are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit various tastes and dietary needs. Popular additions include raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, and even spices like cinnamon. For those looking to reduce sugar or fat, oatmeal cookies can be made with healthier alternatives such as honey, applesauce, or whole wheat flour.

3. Hearty Texture:
   The texture of oatmeal cookies sets them apart. They’re known for their chewy, soft, and sometimes slightly crispy texture, depending on how they are baked. The oats give them a distinctive chewiness that many people find comforting and satisfying.

4. Great for Any Occasion:
   Oatmeal cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it's a casual snack at home, a treat for lunchboxes, or a festive holiday dessert. Their wholesome nature also makes them ideal for breakfast bars or energy-boosting snacks.

How to Celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day

1. Bake Oatmeal Cookies at Home:
   One of the best ways to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day is by baking your own batch of oatmeal cookies. You can follow a traditional recipe or try a new variation by adding your favorite ingredients. You can make classic oatmeal raisin cookies or get creative with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or peanut butter.

2. Host a Cookie Swap:
   If you're looking to share the oatmeal cookie love, consider hosting a cookie swap. Invite friends or family members to bake and exchange their favorite oatmeal cookie recipes. This is a fun way to try different versions of the treat and discover new flavor combinations.

3. Visit a Local Bakery:
   Support a local bakery by purchasing oatmeal cookies from their menu. Many bakeries offer classic oatmeal cookies, and some may even offer unique twists on the traditional recipe. This is also a great way to celebrate if you’re not in the mood to bake.

4. Share on Social Media:
   Share your oatmeal cookie creations or favorite recipes on social media using hashtags like #NationalOatmealCookieDay. You can inspire others to celebrate the day by baking and enjoying these delicious cookies.

5. Make Healthier Versions:
   If you're health-conscious, experiment with making oatmeal cookies using healthier ingredients. For example, you can use coconut oil instead of butter, maple syrup or honey instead of sugar, or even add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost.

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Here’s a simple, classic oatmeal cookie recipe to help you celebrate:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the oats, raisins, and nuts (if using).
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked oatmeal cookies!

Fun Facts About Oatmeal Cookies

1. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Are a Favorite:
   According to many surveys, oatmeal raisin cookies are one of the most popular variations of oatmeal cookies, second only to chocolate chip cookies in the U.S.

2. Healthier Cookie Choice:
   Oatmeal cookies are often considered a healthier alternative to other cookies because they contain whole grain oats, which are rich in fiber and antioxidants.

3. Quaker Oats Popularized the Cookie:
   Quaker Oats played a major role in popularizing oatmeal cookies in the United States by printing recipes on their oatmeal containers in the early 1900s.

4. Oats Have Been a Staple for Centuries:
   Oats have been used as a food source for thousands of years. They are believed to have been cultivated as early as 1000 B.C. in Europe and were a staple food in ancient Greece and Rome.

5. Variety of Add-ins:
   While raisins are a classic ingredient in oatmeal cookies, many variations exist, including chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, dried fruits, and spices like ginger or nutmeg.

Why We Celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day

1. To Enjoy a Classic Treat:
   Oatmeal cookies have stood the test of time as a beloved treat for generations. National Oatmeal Cookie Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in these delicious cookies and celebrate their unique flavor and texture.

2. To Honor a Healthier Dessert Option:
   With oats as a key ingredient, oatmeal cookies offer a more wholesome dessert choice than some other types of cookies. They provide dietary fiber and essential nutrients, making them a treat you can feel good about enjoying.

3. To Encourage Baking and Sharing:
   Baking oatmeal cookies is a fun and easy way to spend time with family and friends. National Oatmeal Cookie Day encourages people to bake and share these tasty cookies, spreading joy and warmth in the process.

Conclusion

National Oatmeal Cookie Day is a delicious celebration of a cookie that combines great taste with wholesome ingredients. Whether you prefer them with raisins, chocolate chips, or your own creative twist, oatmeal cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Celebrated on April 30, the day is an opportunity to bake, share, and enjoy the satisfying goodness of oatmeal cookies with friends and family.