Complete Guide To National Cookie Day 2017 Freebies And Discounts

National Cookie Day on December 4, 2017, brought numerous opportunities for cookie enthusiasts across the United States to indulge in free treats and special discounts. Multiple national chains participated in the celebration, offering everything from complimentary cookies to special promotions. This comprehensive guide details all the available freebies and discounts from that year's National Cookie Day celebration, including eligibility requirements, participation details, and offer limitations.

Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies participated in National Cookie Day 2017 by offering one free original chocolate chip cookie at participating locations. The promotion was available on December 4, 2017, only, with no purchase necessary. Each customer was limited to receiving one free cookie per person. The company promoted this offer through its Twitter account, @Gr8AmCookies, with posts indicating that the celebration would take place all day long.

For customers interested in finding participating locations, Great American Cookies directed them to its website where store locators were available. The company maintained a consistent marketing message across its social media platforms, building anticipation with a "BIG reveal" announcement the day before National Cookie Day.

Mrs. Fields

Mrs. Fields celebrated National Cookie Day 2017 with a dual promotion that both honored the occasion and marked the company's 40th anniversary. The company offered two distinct deals:

In-store, Mrs. Fields provided free chocolate chip cookies to the first 400 customers at each location. These were regular-sized, freshly-baked cookies given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The promotion was available nationwide at all Mrs. Fields locations.

Additionally, Mrs. Fields offered an online promotion where customers could save up to 40% off holiday and signature cookie packages. This online discount was available while supplies lasted and featured the company's best-selling products, such as the 60 Nibbler Signature Tin, which was priced at $23.99 (regularly $39.99).

The company emphasized that National Cookie Day coincided with their anniversary milestone, creating a special reason to celebrate with both free in-store cookies and discounted online purchases.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market participated in National Cookie Day 2017 by offering customers 50% off everything in their store's cookie bar. The discount was available from December 1 to December 4, providing an extended celebration period around the actual holiday.

The cookie bar at Whole Foods featured seasonal treats unique to each store, including items like buttery rugelach and chocolate sandwiches. Beyond the discount, the company highlighted that shoppers could visit the cookie bar to fill a limited edition cookie tin, making it an opportune time for holiday shopping and gift exchanges.

The four-day discount period gave customers flexibility to take advantage of the offer at their convenience, whether specifically for National Cookie Day or as part of their regular grocery shopping during that period.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon celebrated National Cookie Day 2017 by introducing a new product called the Cookie BonBite. This innovative treat was described as a bite-sized cinnamon roll baked inside a chocolate chip cookie. The new cookies were available for purchase beginning on December 4, with a limited-time availability.

As part of the promotion, customers who purchased the new Cookie BonBite received a free 8-ounce fairlife® Ultra-Filtered Milk. The company announced this new product through its social media channels, building anticipation before the official launch date.

The Cookie BonBite represented Cinnabon's expansion into the cookie market while maintaining its signature cinnamon roll flavor profile. The limited-time nature of the offer created urgency for customers to try the new product during the National Cookie Day celebration.

Nestle Tollhouse Cafe

Nestle Tollhouse Cafe participated in National Cookie Day 2017 by offering a free chocolate chip cookie to customers at participating locations. The promotion had specific terms: one cookie per person with no purchase necessary.

For customers interested in taking advantage of this offer, Nestle directed them to find locations near them through their website or store locator services. The free chocolate chip cookie represented a classic treat that aligned with the traditional nature of National Cookie Day.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies offered a free traditional cookie with any purchase on National Cookie Day 2017. The promotion included nine different cookie options: Chocolate Chunk, Double Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter, Classic with M&M's, Snickerdoodle, Sugar, Oatmeal Raisin, Double Chocolate Mint, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut.

This offer required customers to make a purchase before receiving their free cookie, but provided variety in selection compared to some other chains that offered only one specific type of cookie for free. The promotion was available at Insomnia Cookies locations nationwide.

National Cookie Day History

National Cookie Day has an interesting history that predates its December 4 celebration. According to multiple sources, Sesame Street first marked the day on November 26, 1976. However, the December 4 date is attributed to Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company of Milford, Ohio, who established it as an official observance.

The celebration of National Cookie Day evolved over time, with various businesses adopting the holiday as a marketing opportunity to offer special promotions and freebies. By 2017, the day had become a significant occasion for cookie chains and grocery stores to engage with customers through special offers.

Planning for National Cookie Day

For consumers interested in taking advantage of future National Cookie Day celebrations, several strategies emerged from the 2017 promotions:

1. Early arrival: For offers limited to specific quantities (like Mrs. Fields' 400 free cookies), arriving early increased the chances of receiving the freebie.

2. Location verification: Since not all locations of a chain may participate, checking with specific stores beforehand was advisable.

3. Combination shopping: Some promotions, like Whole Foods' extended discount period, allowed for strategic planning around regular shopping schedules.

4. Social media monitoring: Companies like Great American Cookies used social media to announce their promotions, making it worthwhile to follow favorite cookie brands on platforms like Twitter.

5. Online promotions: Several companies offered separate online deals, providing additional opportunities for savings beyond in-store freebies.

Conclusion

National Cookie Day 2017 offered numerous opportunities for cookie enthusiasts to enjoy free treats and special discounts across multiple national chains. From free cookies at Great American Cookies and Mrs. Fields to innovative new products like Cinnabon's Cookie BonBite, consumers had multiple options to celebrate the occasion. The combination of in-store freebies, online discounts, and extended promotions from retailers like Whole Foods created a comprehensive celebration of one of America's favorite desserts.

While the specific offers and participating brands may vary each year, National Cookie Day continues to be an anticipated occasion for cookie lovers nationwide, with businesses using the holiday as an opportunity to engage customers with special promotions and new product launches.

Sources

1. WCPO News - National Cookie Day is here, where you can indulge your inner Cookie Monster

2. IndyStar - National Cookie Day deals, freebies and more

3. Newsweek - National Cookie Day freebies 2017 best discounts deals ranking best cookies

4. News4Jax - Where to get freebies and discounts for National Cookie Day

5. Mercury News - Free Mrs. Fields cookies for National Cookie Day, Whole Foods and Cinnabon have deals too

6. Great American Cookies - Great American Cookies National Cookie Day Offer

7. AOL - National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day