The other morning, Cookie Panache received a very unique order: Sock Monkey sugar cookies! Naturally, we all went crazy. Who doesn’t love a childhood classic? Then, I started wondering what makes the Sock Monkey such an American icon? As the name suggests, the Sock Monkey is a stuffed animal fashioned from a sock to look like a monkey. However, the origin of this beloved little guy is very fascinating.

Part I: The Monkey

The sock monkey’s ancestor comes from the Victorian era in Great Britain. Popular culture, influenced by the “Scramble for Africa” (history lesson: the nickname given to the dramatic growth of European colonization in Africa between 1881-1914), took interest in exotic animals, plants and crafts from Africa. The result was an increase in monkey inspired toy production. These toys were not necessarily produced from the sock, but were very popular with the kids. This new trend extended beyond Europe, it affected the United States as well.

Part II: The Sock

Meanwhile, across the ocean John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant to the United States, patented a sock sewing machine in 1869 and began produced low-cost work socks for the average American factory worker. These socks were unique. They had red heels so consumers knew they were purchasing authentic Nelson Knitting Company socks. (Can you guys guess where this is going?)  Mothers across the country started using these socks to sew low cost, plush monkey toys for their children with cute, little red smiles. The outcome? Dad’s extra work sock doubled as the perfect companion for kids, especially during the Great Depression and World War I .  The rest of the story is just some patent history and the development of an American icon.

Now that is what we call crafty. Cookie Panache is very proud to carry on the tradition of this particular American sweetheart. Our sugar cookie imitation may not be quite as vintage as the Sock Monkey, but they sure are as cute.

Don’t we all love cookies? So, why should summer time be reserved for ice cream and iced tea. Add a cookie or two to your day. Check out our great new collection of summer animal sugar cookies. They are as delicious as they look. Enjoy them with your friends or send them as a gift at: www.cookiepanache.com.

(My personal favorite are the frogs!)

Easter is less than a week away, and is there a better way to celebrate than our delightful cookies? Nope, I don’t think there is.

We’re offering three packages for your Easter enjoyment:

Chocolate Covered Sugar Cookies

The Cottontail

Sunday Best

As for the Chocolate-Covered Sugar Cookies, the name says it all; 12 of our sugar cookies are decorated in the best-quality melted chocolate to create the stunning designs we’re known for, with a creamy, chocolatey bite! And now you can save 15% off of these one-of-a-kind cookies with the coupon code 15CHOCOLATE!

The Cottontail features eight of our soft and creamy Red Velvet cookies with eight hand-iced sugar cookies.

And finally, our Sunday Best cookies can be yours for $5 off with the coupon code EASTER5! This package contains citrus-infused gourmet cookies, such as our Mini Madeleines and new zesty Lime Tea cookies, along with two of our famous hand-decorated sugar cookies!