A Bit of Cookie History

Colossal Cookies

Cookies ~ a treat for any age but how did they get started, how did the 'cookie' get its name? Did you know the 'cookie' actually goes back to the 7th century? Now, that's a long way back, folks! I doubt very seriously it was the same as the cookie we know today. But, what did it look like? Was it really tasty? How was it sweetened? Is a 'cookie' called a 'cookie' all over the world? Do cookies look and taste the same the world over?

Whoa? Slow down! Let's take it easy on the questions and look for some of the answers. Because of the extent of the history behind the cookie, you will need to investigate some of the links to find the answers.

7th century Persia ~ "The earliest cookie-style cakes are thought to date back to 7th century Persia A.D. (now Iran), one of the first countries to cultivate sugar. . ." Lavish cakes were well-known in the Persian Empire. Read MORE. . . 

14th century Europe ~ The history of cookies documents cookbooks filled with recipes beginning in Italy and spreading throughout Europe. By the end of the 14th century, tiny little wafers could be bought along the streets of Paris: thin crisp cookies, plain sweetened versions, or flavored with a variety of ingredients, baked in the manner of waffles. In England, the 'biscuit' was popular, literally meaning "twice baked."

17th & 18th centuries ~ In the 1600s, the amazing history of cookies marks its migration to America during English and Dutch settlement. Endless numbers of recipes fill the cookbooks of America with not one cookbook holding all the different varieties.

The word 'cookie' is Americanism first recorded in American English in 1703. The word came from the Dutch word 'koekie' meaning 'cupcake or little cake'. After Americanization, the 'cookie' became a child's best friend. It found its place as the sole proprietor of the 'cookie jar' and heaven forbid if the jar ever became empty. One last cookie must remain to be shared.

Cookie Time

Mama, Mama, time for a treat
I've been good, done my chores

Didn't run through the house

Left playing for outdoors

What's that I smell

All sugary and sweet

Oh, Mama, oh, Mama
Your cookies can't be beat

Peanut butter, oatmeal

Which one is it this time?

Maybe chocolate chip

A favorite of mine

I'd better get the milk

Maybe some cocoa too
Cookies are made for dunkin'
Soakin' all the way through

What's that you say?

 You made all three

Ready for the takin'

For Daddy and me

What is your all-time favorite cookie and 'cookie time memory?