Annual observance

National Brownie Day

December 8 Food / Dessert Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Brownie Day, observed on December 8th, is a delicious annual celebration dedicated to one of America's most beloved baked goods. It's a perfect occasion to bake, share, and indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies, whether they are fudgy, cakey, or loaded with extras.

Observed each year on December 8, National Brownie Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Brownie Day on December 8 celebrates the rich history and versatility of brownies, a quintessential American dessert that has delighted taste buds since the late 19th century. This holiday highlights the joy of baking and sharing these chocolatey treats, fostering community and creativity among food enthusiasts.

Origin and story

The first recorded brownie recipe appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue.

Brownies were supposedly invented in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, created for ladies attending the fair.

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 8
  • TypeFood / Dessert
  • Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Host a tasting plate with sweet and savory pairings.
  • Share a recipe photo, tag friends, and swap your favorite topping ideas.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why National Brownie Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Share one fast fact about National Brownie Day: The first recorded brownie recipe appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue.
  • Post a story with #national-brownie-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

Fun facts

  • The first recorded brownie recipe appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue.
  • Brownies were supposedly invented in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, created for ladies attending the fair.
  • There are two main types of brownies: fudgy (dense and moist) and cakey (lighter and more airy), often attributed to different ratios of fat and flour.
  • The largest brownie ever baked weighed over 3,000 pounds and was made by Stuff'd, Inc. in Massachusetts in 2013.
  • Some culinary historians believe the brownie may have been an accidental creation, a chef forgetting to add baking powder to chocolate cake batter.
  • Blondies are often considered a cousin to the brownie, made with brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National Brownie Day?
It is observed on December 8 each year.
What is National Brownie Day?
National Brownie Day, observed on December 8th, is a delicious annual celebration dedicated to one of America's most beloved baked goods. It's a perfect occasion to bake, share, and indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies, whether they are fudgy, cakey, or loaded with extras.
How do people celebrate National Brownie Day?
Host a tasting plate with sweet and savory pairings.
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