National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day is celebrated on November 15 in the United States and is perfect for anyone who loves unique, flavorful cookies. These special treats are made with spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and a mixture of raisins and currants. Find your favorite recipe and join the celebration!

History

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day was established in 1990 to honor the classic hermit cookie. The earliest known mention dates back to an 1880 article in a Republican magazine, which included a picnic menu by Anna Barrows Papers and singled out the hermit cookie as an excellent dish to bring outdoors.

There’s also an interesting legend from Persia: bakers used to test oven temperature by baking small pieces of dough, which eventually led to the creation of cookies—a treat now loved around the world.

Interesting facts

• The name “hermit” comes from the cookie’s long shelf life and the use of simple spices—ingredients even a hermit might have on hand.
• The largest cookie ever made was 40 feet wide.
• The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje.”
• Makoto Hagiwara, inventor of the fortune cookie, was the first to put a message inside—an idea that quickly became a global phenomenon.
• In Haiti, cookies are baked by leaving special dough mixtures on rooftops to cook in the sun.

How to take part

There are many ways to enjoy National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day. Bake cookies and watch your favorite movie, share them with family and friends, and explore new recipes. Keep a plate of fresh, spicy cookies on hand, and dive into the fascinating history behind the hermit cookie.

When is National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day in 2025?

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day is observed on November 15 each year.

Observations