National Cookie Day: Where to get free or cheap cookies across the country

NEW YORK (WPIX) – Dec 4. marks the sweetest day of the year for cookie connoisseurs across the country.

In honor of National Cookie Day, several national chains are giving steep cookie discounts — and in many cases free cookies — to customers who walk through their doors on Wednesday.

The tradition dates back nearly 40 years, when Matt Nader, of the Blue Chip Cookie Company in San Francisco, declared the first National Cookie Day in 1987, to promote his expanding business, the Los Angeles Times reported at the time.

He picked a date in early December, he told the outlet, because "that’s when people indulge.”

In the decades since, several major cookie companies have joined in the fun, offering sweet treats in honor of the observance.

Chip City

Customers at Chip City — a cookie chain operating in nine states primarily along the East Coast — can get a free cookie when ordering through the app and using the promo code “FREE” at checkout. 

Circle K

Customers who download the Circle K app and sign up for an account will receive a coupon for a free freshly baked cookie from participating locations on Dec. 4.

Crumbl

While not offering any free cookies to the public at large, Crumbl is hosting a few giveaways during National Cookie Day. The first, on Facebook, will reward 10 fans with coupons for free cookies. And from now until Thursday night, Instagram users can enter to win a $100 gift card and a signed copy of Jimmy Fallon's holiday album. (Fallon currently has a namesake brownie available at Crumble.)

Dunkin'

Dunkin' is launching its first holiday shortbread cookie on Dec. 4, which is decorated to look like a strawberry-frosted doughnut. Rewards members can also redeem a free classic doughnut with the purchase of a drink on Wednesday (a standing weekly deal).

Insomnia Cookies

Rewards members can redeem a free classic cookie and a $1 deluxe cookie in-store or on the app on Dec. 4. The company's Instagram followers also have the chance to win a $100 gift card by commenting on its Cookie Day post.

Jimmy John's

In honor of National Cookie Day, Jimmy John's is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its newest cookie to the Jimmy John's Foundation, which partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the company said. The new cookie flavor, Chocolate Peppermint, is made with Oreos, according to Jimmy John's.

Kum & Go

Kum & Go is giving its &Rewards members 50% off a single freshly baked cookie on Dec. 4.

Maverik

Maverik, a gas and convenience chain headquartered in Salt Lake City, is offering the same deal as sister brand Kum & Go: Adventure Club rewards members get 50% off a single freshly baked cookie on Dec. 4. But those with upgraded Nitro Cards can get their cookie for free.

Mrs. Fields

Mrs. Fields is offering up to 30% off on select online orders. The brand is also hosting a giveaway to reward three lucky winners with a prize package including cookies, a tin and a tote.

Subway

Fans of Subway's cookies can enter for a chance to win a free cookie each day for the rest of 2024 by visiting SubwayCookieClub.com. Up to 10,000 MVP Rewards loyalty members will be randomly selected for the prizes. The rewards will be dropped into their accounts every day between Dec. 9 through Dec. 31.

Those who order through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub will also get a free Footlong Cookie on Dec. 4 with qualifying orders.