National Chocolate Chip Day
Friday, May 15, 2026 · May 15 every year
The story
It all started at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, where Ruth Graves Wakefield accidentally created the chocolate chip cookie in 1938. She had planned to make chocolate cookies by adding chunks of a Nestlé chocolate bar, expecting them to melt. Instead, they stayed intact, creating delicious pockets of chocolate.
Her Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies became so popular that Nestlé struck a deal with her, they printed her recipe on their packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate. By 1941, Nestlé began producing chocolate chips to make baking even easier.
Originally, semi-sweet chocolate was the only option, but now we have milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, and even mint chocolate chips. These little morsels are the key to muffins, cakes, pancakes, trail mix, and ice cream, but nothing beats a classic chocolate chip cookie.
During World War II, soldiers from Massachusetts shared these cookies in care packages, spreading their fame. Soon, they reached the United Kingdom, where Maryland Cookies became the first to sell them.
Today, chocolate chip cookies remain a beloved American classic. Found in bakeries, hotels, airlines, and homes worldwide, their sweet, nostalgic charm continues to bring joy, one bite at a time.
About National Chocolate Chip Day
- When is National Chocolate Chip Day?
- National Chocolate Chip Day falls on Friday, May 15, 2026 (May 15 every year).
- Which country is National Chocolate Chip Day from?
- National Chocolate Chip Day is on the United States Food Holidays calendar.
- How do you celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order chocolate chip. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find chocolate chip nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does National Chocolate Chip Day happen every year?
- Yes. National Chocolate Chip Day recurs on May 15 every year.