National Cookie Day brings ooey-gooey sweet deals

Cookie mania is a real thing. Last year, more than 250 million Americans consumed ready-to-eat cookies, according to the U.S. Census and National Consumer Survey. There could be no better month to host a day devoted to cookies than December, as the holidays bring forth a plethora of exciting and delicious varieties.

On Dec. 4, America celebrates National Cookie Day with deals both local and nationwide. For example, the chain Whole Foods will be offering 50% off their cookie bar to celebrate the holiday.

The word cookie derives from the Dutch work koekie, which aptly means “little cake.” The little treats first made their appearance on American soil in the 17th century, with early varieties including gingerbread and macaroon. The rest is sweet, crumbly history.

While the chocolate chip cookie holds first place in most American hearts, local bakers, shops, and restaurants are offering up a mouthwatering array of flavors to tempt the tummy.

The Cravory

With the new release of its December flavors, the cookie shop has National Cookie Day on lockdown. Try the Candy Cane, a chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips and candy cane pieces; the Pumpkin Pecan Latte, a pumpkin spice cookie with coffee truffles and roasted pecans; or the Holiday Pebbles, a white chocolate cookie with Fruity Pebbles, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Other flavors on the menu include the Poppin Eggnog, the Banana Nutella, and Gingerbread.

Midway: 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., Suite G, Midway. 619.795.9077; Carlsbad: 2675 Gateway Road, Suite 103, 442.325.1737, thecravory.com

The Cravory will also partner with You & Yours Distillery and Belching Beaver Brewing for holiday pairings. Just order the specialty cocktail or beer any one of the participating locales and enjoy a free Cravory cookie. Craft brew fans can head to Ocean Beach and Oceanside Belching Beaver locations from Dec. 4-10 for pairings of the Me So Honey blonde with the Nutella Banana cookie or the Beaver Milk Stout with Pumpkin Pecan Latte cookie. Cocktail fans can enjoy pairings at You & Yours Distillery from Dec. 6-10 including the Texas Ranger cocktail (made with vodka, pecan orgeat, and lemon) with the Pumpkin Pecan Latte cookie and the Purple Leaf Clover cocktail (made with gin, Concord grape, lemon and egg white) with the Holiday Pebbles cookie.

Belching Beaver: 4836 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.223.3116; 1334 Rocky Point Dr., Oceanside, 760.732.1415, belchingbeaver.com

You & Yours Distillery: 1495 G St., East Village, 619.955.8755, youandyours.com

Herb & Eatery

From the skilled hands of Executive Pastry Chef Adrian Mendoza come six incredible holiday cookies for only $2 each. Flavors include Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Cranberry Rosemary ,Rocky Road Bars, Lime Sugar Cookies, Cookies and Spiced Ginger Molasses.

2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.794.2790, herbandeatery.com

The Crack Shack

After a dose of fried chicken, keep the splurge going with a house-made cookie, baked fresh daily. Flavors include birthday cake, salted chocolate chip, blue cornmeal, cookies ‘n cream, and lemon coconut.

Little Italy: 2266 Kettner Blvd., 619.795.3299; Encinitas: 407 Encinitas Blvd., 760.230.2968, crackshack.com

Juniper & Ivy

For a dive into the truly decadent, try the Fois Gras cookie. The indulgent play on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich consists of a miso cookie stuffed with fois gras and Concord grape jam. This ain’t your mama’s PB&J.

2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036, juniperandivy.com

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Be amazed at the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby, created by Pastry Chef Margaret Carvallo, made with a whopping 4,000 pounds of ingredients, including 1 ton of powdered sugar, 750 lbs. of granulated sugar, 750 lbs. of cake flour, and 2,160 eggs. While there, don’t miss one of the chef’s salted caramel marshmallow cookies with a hot coffee or toddy for a perfect National Cookie Day celebration.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, 855.574.5356, ranchobernardoinn.com