National Biscuit Day (May 29)

National Biscuit Day is celebrated each year on May 29, honoring one of the world’s most beloved baked goods.

Whether soft and fluffy or crisp and sweet, biscuits take many forms across different cultures.

This day invites us to explore their global history, celebrate through baking, and enjoy a variety of recipes.

From traditional favorites to creative twists, it’s a great excuse to indulge and share. It’s also one of the many weird holidays in May.

When is the Holiday?

National Biscuit Day takes place annually on May 29.

Who Invented It?

There isn’t a single person or entity officially credited with inventing the holiday. Like many food holidays, it likely emerged from industry promotion or culinary communities eager to celebrate a universally loved food.

The History of the Holiday

While the date itself may be modern, biscuits have ancient roots.

Flatbreads in Egypt, twice-baked treats in medieval Europe, Southern-style biscuits in the U.S., and British tea biscuits all reflect the cultural evolution of this versatile baked good.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. The word “biscuit” comes from Latin “bis coctum,” meaning twice-baked.
  2. In the UK, biscuits = cookies. In the US, they’re more like flaky scones.
  3. Shortbread biscuits were once considered a luxury reserved for holidays.
  4. NASA has used space-friendly biscuit products on missions.
  5. Biscuit recipes often reflect regional ingredients, from lavender to jalapeño.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a global biscuit tasting featuring shortbread, digestives, Southern-style biscuits, and biscotti. Include tea or coffee pairings.
  • Bake your favorite family recipe or explore a new one from a different culture, like Greek moustokouloura or Argentine alfajores.
  • Serve a biscuit brunch with homemade gravy, honey butter, and fruit preserves. Invite friends or family to join.
  • Have kids decorate biscuit-themed coloring pages or make paper biscuit garlands as a fun craft activity.
  • Launch a social media biscuit bake-off with friends. Share your creations and vote on the best presentation.
  • Visit a local bakery that specializes in handmade biscuits and chat with the bakers about their process.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Links to Resources

  • Biscuit Cutters – Create perfect circles, hearts, or festive shapes with a set of varied cutters.
  • Baking Mats – Ensure even baking without sticking; reusable and eco-friendly.
  • Butter Dish with Lid – Keeps your butter fresh and table-ready for spreading on warm biscuits.
  • Mixing Bowls with Lids – Great for preparing biscuit dough and storing leftovers.
  • Pastry Blender Tool – Ideal for cutting butter into flour for flakier biscuits.

Related Holidays

National Sugar Cookie Day (July 9) – A favorite for decorators, this holiday focuses on the classic buttery sugar cookie, known for being shaped, frosted, and festively themed.

National Pie Day (January 23) – Celebrates another classic baked treat, often enjoyed alongside or instead of biscuits. It highlights sweet and savory pies from around the world.

National Oreo Cookie Day (March 6) – Honors one of the most iconic sandwich cookies in history, inspiring creative baking and nostalgic snacking alike.

Pin it!

Share this post about National Biscuit Day on Pinterest!