History
Pillsbury Shape Cookies: Baking Memories, One Holiday at a Time
More than just cookies, Pillsbury Shape Cookies are a taste of tradition, a sprinkle of nostalgia and a whole lot of holiday magic.
Every holiday, fans look to stock up on their favorite Pillsbury Shape Cookies. Known for their craveable taste and unique design, these cookies have become a key part of family traditions all year long.
Let’s look at how these sweet cookies captured the hearts — and bellies — of millions.
The Dough That Started It All
Refrigerated ready-to-bake dough was invented by Ballard & Ballard Co., which was purchased by Pillsbury in 1951. With this exciting new capability, innovations began to emerge. The first delicious idea was Pillsbury Quick Cinnamon Rolls. This was followed by Slice 'n Bake Cookies in 1957. Originally known as “Ice Box Cookies,” they made it incredibly simple for families to enjoy fresh, hot cookies by just slicing the refrigerated dough and placing it on a baking tray. The era of convenient, home-baked treats had begun!
The “Cookie Within a Cookie” is Born
Fast forward to 1993. Pillsbury was ready to unveil its next big idea — Pillsbury Slice n’ Bake Shape Cookies. Now fans could enjoy the great taste of Pillsbury Sugar Cookies with a new unique design placed in the center. The first two shapes to launch were Teddy Bears and Dinosaurs. By 1994, these delightful cookies were available nationwide, bringing smiles to families across the country.
Becoming a Treasured Tradition
It didn't take long for Pillsbury Slice n’ Bake Shape Cookies to become more than just a treat; they became a cherished part of family holiday traditions. More shapes began rolling out, including the iconic Christmas Tree shape in 1994. This paved the way for a delightful array of seasonal designs.
From Pumpkins and Ghosts at Halloween to Snowmen and Reindeer during the winter holidays, each shape added a special touch to family gatherings. The collection continued to grow, introducing Bunnies for spring, Red Hearts for Valentine's Day, and everyday favorites like Birthday Balloons and the beloved Pillsbury Doughboy himself. With every new addition, the cookies became a canvas for creativity and a symbol of the season.
Ready-to-Bake Convenience
Pillsbury understands that life gets busy, but traditions are worth holding onto. In 2001, the same year Pillsbury officially joined the General Mills family, Ready-to-Bake Shape Cookies were introduced. This innovation meant no slicing was required at all — making these cookies easier than ever to bake, ensuring holiday traditions could continue even with the busiest schedules.
Create Your Tradition Today
Find Pillsbury Shape Cookies at your local grocery store and start baking up your own traditions. Visit Pillsbury.com for even more recipes and baking tips.