If you're looking for exciting cookie facts, this is the post for you! We'll delve into the history of cookies and some of the most fascinating cookie facts you've ever heard of!
My Cookie Journey
I've been baking cookies for as long as I can remember, but I wasn't always good at it. In fact, there was a time when I could wreck slice-and-bake cookies. (Ask my kids. They'll tell you!)
And, homemade cookies? Even the ones I didn't burn looked terrible. I was a cookie failure, no matter how hard I tried. Which stunk, because I loved a good cookie. (If only I could make one, right?)
What went wrong? Mostly, I didn't follow recipes properly. I often used margarine in place of butter. (Big mistake!) Also, I had the wrong tools.
I've invested in great Nordic Ware pans since then, and trust me when I say they make all the difference. I also use great parchment paper sheets every time I bake a tray of cookies. They turn out perfect every time.
Another tool that makes a big difference? My cookie scoop. It makes my cookies perfectly rounded and just the right size. (No surprises!)
I've come a long way, baby. But I still prefer cookies to most other sweet treats. In fact, they're one of my favorite things to bake, not just for myself, but others.
My Favorite Cookies
Let's talk favorites. It's hard to narrow down the list, but I'm going to give it a try!
I prefer my Old-Fashioned Oatmeal-Craisin cookies above all other cookies on the planet.
No, wait a minute. Let's make that my Perfect Peanut Butter cookies.
Oh, and I love, love, love Mexican Wedding cookies. And Snickerdoodles. And lemon shortbread.
I'm crazy about Churro cookies and it's hard for me to turn away from a hand-painted sugar cookie.
Let's get real: I've rarely met a cookie I didn't like!
What about you? What is your favorite cookie? Leave a comment below and we'll see which cookie wins out!
The History of Cookies
I'm not the first person to botch up a tray of cookies. They've been around for centuries, so I'm pretty sure plenty of other folks have burned a tray or two!
But, what makes cookies such a popular choice? Why do people often turn to cookies instead of, say, cake?
Whether they’re soft and chewy, crisp and buttery, or stuffed with chocolate chips, cookies hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). But did you know that cookies have a long and fascinating history? Or that there’s actual science behind why we love them so much?
In this post, we’re diving into some of the most interesting facts about cookies, from their origins to world records and even the science of dunking. So grab a cookie (or two), and let’s get started! 🍪
A Bite of History: The Origins of Cookies
Cookies have been around for centuries—literally! Their origins can be traced back to 7th-century Persia, where sugar was first cultivated. Bakers in those days used a small amount of cake batter to test oven temperatures before baking a full cake. These tiny test cakes became what we now call cookies!
By the 1600s, cookies made their way to America, thanks to Dutch settlers. In fact, the word "cookie" comes from the Dutch word "koekje," meaning "little cake." These early cookies were often simple, made with sugar, butter, and flour, but they quickly evolved into a variety of flavors and textures that we enjoy today.
And, of course, we can’t talk about cookie history without mentioning chocolate chip cookies. This beloved classic was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, who ran the Toll House Inn. She added chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting it to melt, but instead, it stayed in delicious gooey chunks. That happy accident gave us the most famous cookie of all time!
Sweet & Surprising Cookie Facts
Now that we’ve covered some history, let’s get into some fun and surprising cookie facts that will make you love them even more!
You'll find many of these on the colorful images in the post, which are all pin-able! Save them to your Pinterest boards, if you like!
Now, let's check out those fun facts!
🍪 The World’s Largest Cookie – The biggest cookie ever made weighed over 40,000 pounds and was baked in North Carolina in 2003. It measured a whopping 102 feet wide! Imagine the amount of milk you’d need to dunk that!
🍪 Cookies in Space – In 2019, astronauts on the International Space Station baked the first-ever chocolate chip cookies in zero gravity. It took two hours per cookie instead of the usual ten minutes!
🍪 The First Pre-Packaged Cookie – The Fig Newton was one of the first mass-produced cookies in the U.S., launching in 1891. Chocolate chip cookies didn’t hit store shelves until the 1940s!
🍪 America’s Favorite Cookie – No surprise here! The chocolate chip cookie is the most popular cookie in the U.S., followed closely by Oreos.
🍪 The Guinness World Record for Cookie-Eating – The record for most cookies eaten in one minute is 12 chocolate chip cookies! Could you beat that?
🍪 Cookie-Related Idioms – Ever heard the phrase “That’s the way the cookie crumbles”? It first appeared in the 1950s and means that things don’t always go as planned—just like a cookie breaking apart!
The Science Behind Why We Love Cookies
Cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re scientifically designed to make us crave them! Here’s why:
🥛 Why Dunking Cookies in Milk Works – Dunking a cookie in milk enhances its flavor! The fats in cookies dissolve, making the texture smoother, and the flavors more intense. That’s why Oreos and milk are a match made in heaven!
🧡 Brown Sugar = Soft Cookies – Brown sugar contains more moisture than white sugar, which is why cookies made with brown sugar tend to be chewier and softer. If you want crispy cookies, use more butter and white sugar!
👃 The Smell of Cookies Makes Us Happy – The scent of fresh-baked cookies triggers dopamine release in the brain, which makes us feel comforted and happy. No wonder we associate cookies with warm memories!
Cookies Around the World
Cookies aren’t just an American favorite—they’re loved all over the world! Here are some of the most famous cookies from different cultures:
🌍 Scottish Shortbread – Buttery, crumbly, and perfect with tea, shortbread is a Scottish classic dating back to the 12th century!
🌍 French Macarons – These delicate, colorful sandwich cookies are made with almond flour and filled with buttercream or ganache. Fancy and delicious!
🌍 Italian Biscotti – Twice-baked for extra crunch, biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or wine!
🌍 Mexican Wedding Cookies – Also known as snowballs, these buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Final Crumbs: Wrapping Up the Cookie Love
Cookies have been bringing people joy for centuries, and with so many flavors, shapes, and textures, there’s truly a cookie for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in a classic chocolate chip cookie, dunking an Oreo, or trying out a new recipe, cookies always have a way of making life a little sweeter.
Now that you know more about the history, fun facts, and science of cookies, it’s time to get baking! What’s your favorite cookie of all time? Let us know in the comments! 🍪💬
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this fun post about cookies!
While you're here, go ahead and pin some of these colorful photos to your Pinterest boards!
About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.