National Shortbread Day

National Shortbread Day is dedicated to a treat that’s hard to resist! This delicious and fragrant cookie is easy enough for beginners to make at home. The name “shortbread” comes from its crumbly texture and the tiny grains that make up each piece.

History

The first shortbread recipe appeared in Scotland in 1736, published by Mrs. McLintock. It quickly gained popularity and remains a classic to this day. Modern nutritionists may not love shortbread due to its high butter content, but that has never stopped people from enjoying its taste—or from dedicating a national holiday to it.

According to statistics, the average American eats up to 35,000 sweets in a lifetime. In 2010, a shopping center in New York built a 1.83-meter cookie tower from 22,800 pieces of shortbread. Florida residents once baked the largest cookie, weighing 3,687 kg, decorated with strawberries and whipped cream.

Originally, cookies did not have a strong flavor, but the introduction of sugar made them much tastier. Ordinary cookies were invented by accident when bakers used leftover dough to test oven temperatures. These unassuming cakes soon became a beloved dish in their own right.

Interesting Facts

Shortbread benefits and features:

• Provides quick satiety;
• Contains essential minerals like magnesium, iron, sodium, and zinc;
• Supports brain and nervous system health thanks to vitamin B content;
• High in carbohydrates, helping maintain energy metabolism.

How to Take Part

Bake a batch of shortbread on National Shortbread Day and treat your family! Wrap up cookies as gifts for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Try out new and creative recipes and share your homemade creations on social media.

When is National Shortbread Day in 2026?

National Shortbread Day is observed on January 6 each year.

Observations