National Pecan Cookie Day - Get your taste buds dancing as we dive into the cookie jar for National Pecan Cookie Day.

National Pecan Cookie Day 2024 – September 21, 2024

National Pecan Cookie Day is on September 21 every year. The delicious treat can be eaten at all times of the day. If pecans are your thing, you might also want to look out for April 14, which is National Pecan Day. National Pecan Cookie Day marks the creation of one of the most delightful cookies in the world. The observance calls attention to this sweet treat that is sure to leave you craving more. It also serves the purpose of creating awareness about pecan cookies and providing an opportunity for those who already love them to celebrate their yummy taste.

History of National Pecan Cookie Day

The word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins translated as ‘a nut requiring a stone to crack.’ The pecan is part of the hickory family, it is found mainly in the central and southern regions of the United States.Historical records from the 1500s claim that Europeans first encountered pecans in Mexico, including several southern states of the United States. Pecans were immediately accepted and gained popularity when American colonists came across them and tasted the delicious flavor.Pecans have enjoyed time in the limelight. It first entered print in 1773, and former U.S. President George Washington was said to have received the nuts from Thomas Jefferson and planted several pecan trees. Pecans soon became a symbol of the American South, setting the stage for the creation of the widely popular pecan pie.Besides being delicious to eat, pecans have several vital health benefits. They have a fair amount of protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. There’s nothing better than a delicious treat that fits right into a healthy diet. This observance presents the opportunity for foodies to enjoy these delightful cookies and share them with family and friends.One excellent way to mark National Pecan Cookie Day is to eat a fresh homemade batch straight out of the oven! A cool glass of milk will work wonders as a pairing. There happen to be tons of recipes out there for creating firm or soft versions of the cookie. Just thinking about the sugary sweetness of the toasted nuts melting on your tongue is enough to send you reeling.Dust off grandma’s cookbook and hunt out that crazy recipe, it’s time to whip up a tasty batch of pecan cookies. Whether it’s the chewy or dunking type, you’re sure to have a swell time.

National Pecan Cookie Day timeline

1500s
Pecans are Discovered in Mexico

American colonists come across pecans in Mexico.

1773
Pecans Enter Print

Pecans get their first mention in print.

1876
Improved Pecans are Born

At the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, an African-American slave gardener hailing from Louisiana, Antoine, wins the Best Pecan Exhibited title — marking the first usage of improved pecans.

1919
The Pecan Tree Becomes Texas’ State Tree

Texans adopt the pecan tree as their state tree.

National Pecan Cookie Day FAQs

What is butter pecan?

Butter pecan is a flavor that combines pecan’s nutty taste with butter and a bit of a vanilla extract. 

How do you use pecan nuts?

Outside of the popular pecan pie, pecan nuts can be used as salad toppings or ground up and stuffed into energy bars, frittatas, and pizza.

Can pecans help you lose weight?

Pecans have high levels of unsaturated fats and protein which can help keep your appetite in check; you will feel fuller, for longer.

How to Celebrate National Pecan Cookie Day

  1. Bake and enjoy

    Put your taste buds to work as we celebrate this delicious holiday. Exploit your inner baker and bring your favorite recipe to life.

  2. Try a new flavor or recipe

    You’re only limited by your imagination. Create unique cookies with special flavors or look up a new recipe and surprise your palette.

  3. Teach someone

    Share your recipe or teach a newbie how to whip up a batch of pecan cookies. You could even have a bake-off and see whose cookies are the best.

5 Facts About Pecans That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Toughie

    The word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins, roughly translating to ‘a tough nut to crack.’

  2. That’s a lot of pecans

    Placed end to end, you would need over 11,624 pecans to reach the topmost height of New York’s Empire State Building.

  3. Major shareholders

    The United States accounts for approximately 80% of the world’s supply of pecan crops.

  4. A Southern love story

    In 1919, Texans chose the pecan tree to be their state tree.

  5. Grinding process

    Before shelled pecans are sold, they must be sized, cleaned, sterilized, cracked, and shelled.

Why We Love National Pecan Cookie Day

  1. Pecans are healthy

    Raw pecans pack a wealth of healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients which nourish the body. The magnesium, potassium, and calcium in pecans can also help reduce blood pressure.

  2. Sweet treat

    We don’t really need it, but it’s always nice having an excuse to enjoy a sweet treat. Pecan Cookie Day is just that!

  3. Tons of recipes

    There are countless ways for you to enjoy your pecan cookies. Research special recipes online or create one yourself.

National Pecan Cookie Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 September 21 Thursday
2024 September 21 Saturday
2025 September 21 Sunday
2026 September 21 Monday
2027 September 21 Tuesday