How I Run My Free Cookie Day

For the past three years, I have created a “Free Cookie Day” for my community. This is a great way for your community to get to know you. It’s good marketing, it builds connection, and it's something I look forward to all year! On the outside, it may seem like a simple event for my bakery…I do the baking, and my community receives the cookies. After a few years of doing this, I can tell you it is NOT as simple as it seems. I've learned what works best for me and my community, and will walk through how I try to run my Free Cookie Day as smoothly as possible. I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Here’s how it works:

Announcing

I make a post on my Facebook bakery page ahead of time and tease it a little. My FB bakery page is where my local customers keep up with the bakery.
I clearly share when it will be happening.
I put out a formal call to action and ask businesses to comment if they want me to stop by.

This year I received around 350 requests.

The Cookie Reality

I’m making about 200 cookies.
That means I cannot go to every business that asks — and I accept that upfront.
I do what I can and don’t feel guilty about the rest.

All cookies are heat sealed, and when I stop, I usually let the employees pick which cookie they want. Simple, clean, and easy to transport.

My Non-Negotiable Boundaries

I don’t tell businesses when I’m coming.
This means I don't have a schedule of commitment. LESS STRESS!
No business gets more than six cookies.
Some places have 50–100+ employees, and I can’t cover everyone.
The office must be open.
Walking up to a locked door with cookies is not fun. Really, it's no fun.

If someone requests a stop, I also ask them to tell their receptionist or front desk that a “cookie lady” may be stopping by. Walking into a business where no one knows who you are — especially places with security — is awkward and makes me feel really stupid. lol

Routing & Flexibility

I plan a rough route, but I've also been known to give cookies to people on the sidewalk.
If I see a place I want to stop, I stop.
Flexibility is part of what makes the day fun.
Personally, I love going to small businesses. It’s just so uplifting to see people so excited to get cookies.

Filming the Deliveries

Yes, asking to record can feel awkward.
Yes, it’s still worth it.
The videos are fun, they perform well, and people genuinely love getting on camera and doing something wacky (most of the time). Sheriff deputies at the courthouse–not so much.

I even say in my post that you have to BE FUN if you want me to stop by — and that sets expectations right away. It doesn't always happen, but I try to make the stop fun!

If You’re New To This

You don’t even need to make a post.

Just deliver cookies.
Take photos or videos afterward.
Ask for testimonials.
You do not have to make large cookies. Make smaller ones or mini packs!
Not a cookie baker? Hand out brownies, cupcakes, muffins, scones, or whatever you make!

This is a great way to get your name out in the community.

Schools & Hospitals

Schools are tricky — schedules, access, and front offices that don’t know who you are.
I usually pick one or two, and only if I already know someone there.
We have two large hospitals. I’ve delivered there in the past, but I’m skipping them this year. Parking is a pain, offices are hard to get to, and it eats up a lot of time.

I will probably go to independent doctors’ offices instead.

What I Don’t Say In My Videos

It’s not all sprinkles and rainbows.

It’s discouraging when a business begs you to come and then no one is there, especially if it is off the beaten path. This has happened more than once!
This year I am sticking to my six cookie limit. People will take what they can get, and ask for more cookies and one of every flavor. I'm not trying to be unkind, I'm just trying to get to as many places as possible!

Repeat Stops & Location Limits

If I’ve already delivered to a business in previous years, I usually don’t go back.
There are a few repeat places I return to — mostly because they’re fun and will do whatever I tell them to do on camera. 😂
I limit my delivery area to Jackson and Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
I can’t go everywhere, but I try to go to as many places as possible!

Helper or Solo?

I’ve done Free Cookie Day with a helper and without one — both ways work. However, I highly encourage a helper to go with you. This year, I had one for the morning, but wished I could have found someone for the rest of the day. I’m not very good at navigating and videoing and doing “all the things” by myself!

It really is so fun getting to know people from other businesses in the community. I made a lot of connections during Free Cookie Day that may eventually turn into other opportunities.

One of the best things about Free Cookie Day is making the video. If you haven’t seen it, it is posted on my Facebook and Instagram pages on January 24th, 2026. It brings so much joy to people and also brings joy to the community. People LOVE to be featured! This is a reason I ask people to BE FUN if you want me to come to your place of business. It is something the community loves to see!

If you’re able to do something like this for your bakery, I highly recommend it. I hope this gives you some ideas on how you can make Free Cookie Day work for you!

-Michelle

Here’s a list of all the cookies I've made in the past and the recipes I used:

2026 Cookies
-Sticky Toffee Pudding- Tammy’s Cookie Co. (From the Classic Cookie Collection. This was the cookie I got the most comments on. It was a favorite!)

-Strawberry White Chocolate (Jackie’s Batch)

-Cookie Dough Sandwich Cookie:
Cookie recipe- any basic chocolate chip cookie recipe will work
Cookie dough buttercream
Edible Cookie dough

-Chocolate Chip (Cooking with Karli has some wonderful chocolate chip cookies, any recipe will work)

-Apple Pie (Classic Cookie Collection)-Tammy's Cookie Co.

-Cosmic Brownie (I added chocolate buttercream to the top and Candy Sprinkles)

2025 Cookies
-Cookies and Cream Milkshake

-Chocolate with Strawberry (Recipe was a chocolate base from Cooking with Karli, and a strawberry buttercream icing. I used freeze-dried strawberries to flavor it)

-Cinnamon Sugar Pop Tart (Pop Tart Collection)

-Iced Chocolate

-Vanilla Bean (Pop Tart Collection)-Tammy's Cookie Co.

-Chocolate Chip

2024 Cookies
-Caramel Cheesecake

-Chocolate Chip

-Strawberries and Cream

-Muddy Buddy

-Cinnamon Roll

-Cookies and Cream (Cooking with Karli cookbook)

And here's my supply list of items i couldn’t live without when prepping Free Cookie Day:
Heat Sealer

Matte Bags