December 2024 was a festive month for cookie enthusiasts, marked by new product launches, holiday promotions, and notable trends in the cookie industry. Here’s a roundup of the top cookie-related news from that month:
1. Oreo Introduces New Baking Mixes
Oreo expanded its collaboration with Betty Crocker by introducing three new baking mixes: Oreo Baked Cheesecake, Oreo Cookie Pie, and Oreo Truffle. These mixes cater to both novice bakers and those seeking convenient dessert options, eliminating the need to crush cookies or measure ingredients. The Oreo Baked Cheesecake Mix features a brownie base with cheesecake swirls and Oreo pieces, while the Oreo Cookie Pie Mix offers a whoopie pie-like dessert with crème filling between Oreo-flavored cookies. The Oreo Truffle Mix involves creating truffles dusted with powdered sugar or coated in chocolate. These mixes became available at retailers like Walmart and Target in December. (AllRecipes)
2. Oreo Announces Six New Treats for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Oreo announced six new treats, including the return of the Golden Oreo Cakesters after more than a decade. The lineup includes Oreo Loaded, filled with Mega Stuf crème and cookie bits; Golden Oreo Cakesters, featuring crème between soft-baked golden cakes; Irish Crème Thins with Irish Crème-flavored centers; and Mini Peanut Butter Oreos. Additionally, Oreo introduced frozen treats: Oreo Bites, featuring frozen dairy dipped in Oreo coating, and Oreo Mini Bars, smaller versions of their popular frozen bars. These products are set to hit shelves in early 2025. (People)
3. Insomnia Cookies Celebrates National Cookie Day
In celebration of National Cookie Day on December 4, 2024, Insomnia Cookies offered special promotions to its customers. Insomnia Rewards members received one free classic cookie and a $1 deluxe cookie in-store, with no purchase necessary. Online orders placed through the app for pickup or delivery also benefited from these promotions, making the day a sweet treat for cookie lovers nationwide. (PR Newswire)
4. Subway’s December Cookie Promotions
Subway joined the holiday festivities by offering a free cookie each day from December 4 through December 24, 2024. Additionally, UberOne members could enjoy a free Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie with every $15 Subway order during the same period. These promotions aimed to spread holiday cheer and attract customers during the festive season. (Food Network)
5. Christmas Cookie Inflation Index Update
The annual Christmas Cookie Inflation Index (CCII) reported a 6.2% increase in the cost of baking goods over the past year, compared to the official inflation rate of 2.6%. Since 2019, the CCII has risen by 54%, indicating a significant increase in the cost of ingredients for holiday baking. This divergence from official inflation statistics highlights the financial challenges faced by home bakers during the holiday season. (Strong Towns)
6. The Stranger’s Cookie Countdown
Throughout December 2024, The Stranger, a Seattle-based publication, featured a daily “Cookie Countdown,” sharing favorite cookie recipes and stories each day leading up to the new year. This initiative provided readers with a variety of cookie ideas and inspiration for holiday baking. (The Stranger)
7. Food Network Magazine’s Cookie Feature
The December 2024/January 2025 edition of Food Network Magazine focused on cookies, offering readers a collection of recipes, baking tips, and decorating ideas. This edition aimed to inspire both novice and experienced bakers during the holiday season, providing a range of cookie options for various occasions. (eBay)
8. Retirement of ‘Cookies by Debbie’
Debbie, the owner of the popular ‘Cookies by Debbie’ brand, announced her retirement and the closure of her cookie business at the end of December 2024. She expressed gratitude to her customers and shared plans to keep her social media page active, allowing followers to stay connected and reminisce about her cookie creations. (Instagram)
December 2024 was a dynamic month in the cookie world, with new product launches, festive promotions, and notable industry updates. As the holiday season concluded, cookie enthusiasts looked forward to the upcoming trends and treats in 2025.