Do you want to bake cookies or settle the question of whether Presidents Day needs an apostrophe? Style guides differ, and I’ve read both arguments. Traditionally many publications leave off the apostrophe — Presidents Day — treating it as a day to honor presidents in general rather than implying possession. Others use President’s Day or Presidents’ Day. For now I’ll stick with no apostrophe.
Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12 and George Washington’s is February 22, and Presidents Day often serves to celebrate both. One fun way to observe the occasion is by baking themed cookies. Washington liked cherries and Lincoln favored apples, so cherry or apple cookies make a fitting choice, or you can create any presidential-inspired treats you enjoy.
I often look back at old first lady cookie recipes that used to appear in magazines like Family Circle. Many of those recipes were published around Election Day, but they still work well for Presidents Day baking. Below are several favorite cookie recipes and ideas inspired by first ladies and presidential families.
Cindy McCain’s Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
This butterscotch oatmeal cookie recipe is frequently credited to Cindy McCain and comes from an old first lady cookie showdown. These cookies tend to be a bit thicker than traditional Oatmeal Scotchies and have a firm, chewy texture with a rich butterscotch flavor. They make a comforting, nostalgic choice for a holiday bake.
Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
Michelle Obama’s White and Dark Chocolate Cookies
This variation on the classic Toll House cookie is one of my favorites. The recipe blends shortening and butter for a balanced texture: tender edges with a soft center. Some published versions of the recipe list proportions that seem unusually high in fat, which suggests either a misprint or a version that produces extremely rich cookies. If you follow a tested version that balances butter and shortening, you’ll get a reliably delicious chocolate chip cookie with both white and dark chocolate for contrast.
White and Dark Chocolate Cookies
Ann Romney’s Flourless M&M Monsters are another crowd-pleaser. They’re naturally adaptable to a gluten-free diet and are easy to customize with different mix-ins. For a slightly lighter option, try oat flour monster cookies, which substitute oat flour for a different texture and flavor while keeping that fun, candy-studded appeal.
Carter Family Peanut Butter Cookies
The Carter family peanut butter cookie is a simple, flourless classic that yields chewy, peanut-forward cookies. The basic recipe calls for 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Combine the ingredients, roll into balls, press with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern, and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, adjusting for the size of your dough portions.
One tasty variation is to wrap cookie dough around a small chocolate candy, such as a Reese’s cup, before baking for a gooey, indulgent center. These cookies are quick to mix and bake, making them ideal for holiday baking sessions or when you want a straightforward, satisfying treat.
Whether you choose butterscotch oatmeal, white-and-dark chocolate, M&M monsters, or peanut butter delights, baking cookies is a warm, hands-on way to honor Presidents Day or to simply enjoy time in the kitchen. Swap in cherry or apple fillings to nod to Washington and Lincoln, or stick with these classic first-lady-inspired recipes for tried-and-true results.