What's the story with Christmas cookies? Why do we leave cookies for Santa?
Fox News
Christmas and cookies go hand-in-hand, and it’s been that way for centuries. Don’t believe us? Then maybe you’ll listen to Jason Smith, the celebrity chef who won the Food Network's “Holiday Baking Championship” (season 13).
Smith shared his Christmas cookie knowledge with Fox News Digital and explained how the festive dessert got its start and why people leave these sweet treats out for Santa.
"Christmas Cookies became a staple many, many, many years ago, to be exact they started with the monasteries of the Middle Ages. The monks had access to sugar, flour and spices to make them. The Dutch brought the Christmas cookie tradition to the United States in the early 17th century," Smith said. "Christmas Cookies were first made to take to neighbors, friends and family to show their gratitude and kindness toward each other. Most people didn’t have much money, and cookies recipes made several dozens and it gave them plenty to pass around. The first cookies were sugar cookies or a spice cookie, almost like a gingerbread cookie as we know them today."
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