Celebrated annually on December 8th, National Brownie Day is an unofficial holiday that celebrates a delicious dessert that is a cross between a cake and a soft cookie. The brownie has been enjoyed in the United States since at least the early 20th century.

So make your favorite brownie recipe, or at least buy your favorite brownies, on this day and enjoy the decadent goodness of the brownie.

History of the Brownie & National Brownie Day

While brownies were widely known by the early 20th century, no one knows exactly when or where the brownie was invented. One of the legends about the brownie’s origin dates back to the Palmer House Hotel in 1893.

According to that legend, Bertha Palmer asked a pastry chef for a piece of cake that could fit in a boxed lunch and was suitable for the ladies attending the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition.

What the chef concocted was made with walnuts and an apricot glaze and was subsequently named the ‘Palmer House Brownie.’ Another legend states that the brownie was created by a housewife in Bangor, Maine, who made a chocolate cake that refused to rise.

Instead of scrapping the endeavor and starting over, she decided to go ahead and serve the result. This story was mentioned in the 1907 edition of Lowney’s Cook Book by Maria Willet Howard. A recipe for these brownies, known as “Bangor Brownies,” was also found in several cookbooks published in 1904.

Unfortunately, no one really knows who created National Brownie Day. Most likely, it was created by brownie fans who wanted to celebrate the decadent goodness of brownies. If we ever find out who invented this unofficial holiday, we’ll be sure to give them a big thank you!

Brownie Fun Facts

• Blonde brownies are made with brown sugar and no chocolate.
• The largest brownie ever made weighed 3,000 pounds.
• Walnuts are the most popular brownie addition.

Other Brownie Related Holidays

• National Blonde Brownie Day on January 22.
• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day on February 10.
• National Butterscotch Brownie Day on May 9.

Celebrating National Brownie Day

If you want to celebrate National Brownie Day, then you know what you have to do. You have to either make your own brownies, buy your favorite brownies, or throw a brownie-themed party. Just be sure to post your pics of your brownie celebrations using the hashtag #NationalBrownieDay.