You make Christmas cookies every year, but how much do you know about them? Food and Wine has some facts for you that you probably haven't heard before. Here they are:
1. Queen Elizabeth I Invented Gingerbread Men
She asked her cook to create "gingerbread cookies shaped like visiting dignitaries in order to honor them."
2. We Leave Cookies for Santa Because of the Great Depression
Santa didn't start receiving cookies until the 1930s. Why? Because it was a way for parents to encourage their children to be more giving and share during the depression.
3. Cookies Were Originally Made to Test Oven Temperature
Cookies weren't originally meant to be eaten. They were just meant to test the temperature of an oven. "Cooks would take a small dollop of cake batter and bake it as a means of gauging whether the oven was ready or not."
4. Gingerbread Men Were Illegal in Some Places during the Reformation
Since Martin Luther was against Christmas, "the city of Delft in the Netherlands forbade the sale of gingerbread men" for a period of time.
5. Santa Claus Eats over 300 Million Cookies on Christmas Eve
If Santa is visiting over 500 million homes, and eats at least a few bites of a cookie at every house, then that means he's eating around 336,150,386 cookies.
What other Christmas cookie facts do you know?
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did people start baking Christmas cookies?
- Christmas cookies as a tradition date back to Medieval Europe. People started baking special cookies for Christmas in the 16th century when exotic ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and nuts became more widely available.
- Why do we leave cookies for Santa Claus?
- The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has roots in Norse mythology, where children would leave treats for Odin's horse. It later became part of the Christmas tradition, symbolizing sharing and generosity during the holiday season.
- What shapes are traditional for Christmas cookies?
- Common shapes for Christmas cookies include stars, bells, trees, and angels. These shapes are often associated with the festive spirit and decorations of the holiday.
- Are there any health benefits to Christmas cookies?
- Most Christmas cookies are indulgent treats, but they can include ingredients like nuts and spices that have health benefits. However, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
- Can Christmas cookies be made in advance?
- Yes, many Christmas cookies can be made ahead of time. Some can be frozen or will keep well in an airtight container for several weeks, making them perfect for holiday preparations.