National Oatmeal Cookie Day
Celebrated: April 30
A Chewy Classic Worth Celebrating
Let’s hear it for the humble yet heroic oatmeal cookie! National Oatmeal Cookie Day, celebrated each year on April 30, gives this wholesome treat its moment in the spotlight. While often overshadowed by flashier desserts, oatmeal cookies pack serious nostalgic power — warm, hearty, and delightfully chewy with a hint of cinnamon spice. And with fiber, iron, and slow-burning oats in every bite, this is one cookie you almost don’t need to feel guilty about.
Some versions are packed with raisins, others with chocolate chips, and some with nuts or coconut for texture. What all great oatmeal cookies have in common is that perfect balance between a soft center and golden edges — and that comforting feeling of home-baked love.
While April 30 is the main celebration, some also mark March 18 for National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, which celebrates the thin, delicate, crisp version of the treat. But whether you like them chunky or crispy, spiced or simple, today’s the day to indulge.
So preheat your ovens and prepare your sweet tooth — we’re making room for seconds (and thirds).
Oats of Wisdom: Fun Facts About Oatmeal Cookies
- Revolutionary Roots: Oatmeal cookies were inspired by oatcakes, a centuries-old Scottish staple often eaten with cheese.
- Raisin Resistance: According to surveys, oatmeal raisin cookies are one of the most divisive desserts — people either love them or think they’re chocolate chip imposters.
- Better for You: Thanks to their whole grain content, oatmeal cookies tend to be higher in fiber and protein than other cookies.
- Presidential Preference: Legend has it that President Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed oatmeal cookies while in the White House.
- Girl Scout Fame: The first Girl Scout cookies ever sold in the 1920s were oatmeal-based!
A Crumbly Timeline: The History of Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies have their origins in European oatcakes, popular in Scotland since the Middle Ages. These savory, crispy flatbreads evolved over time as oats became a staple ingredient in American kitchens. By the late 1800s, recipes began appearing in American cookbooks.
The real game-changer came in the early 1900s, when Quaker Oats began printing oatmeal cookie recipes on their product labels — introducing generations of home bakers to this hearty dessert. The brand’s influence helped popularize the modern oatmeal cookie recipe across the U.S., often featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and vanilla.
Today, oatmeal cookies remain a staple in homes and bakeries, beloved for their wholesome texture and adaptability.
Ways to Celebrate Oatmeal Cookie Day
- Bake & Share: Try a classic oatmeal raisin recipe or put a twist on tradition with chocolate chips, coconut, or even cranberries.
- Healthy Remix: Swap in ingredients like almond flour or maple syrup for a health-conscious take.
- Oatmeal Cookie Bar: Host a cookie tasting with friends — soft-baked, crispy, vegan, or gluten-free options welcome!
- Business Owners: Bakeries can feature special oatmeal cookie flavors for the day — cinnamon apple, maple pecan, or s’mores, anyone?
- Show it Off: Post your best batch online using #OatmealCookieDay and tag your favorite cookie creators.
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