The Delicious and Fascinating History of Cookies
Everyone loves cookies – whether they’re soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy, sweet or salty, cookies never fail to satisfy our cravings. But, have you ever wondered about the history of these sweet treats? Who invented cookies? How did they become so popular and beloved all over the world? In this blog post, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the delicious and fascinating history of cookies.
The story of cookies dates back to ancient times when they were first baked by the Persians around the 7th century AD. These early cookies were simple, flour-based products, sweetened with honey and flavoured with nuts and spices. The word cookie comes from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “little cake” and cookies have been a popular sweet treat in Europe since the Middle Ages.
By the 16th century, cookies had become a favourite of sailors who carried them on long voyages. Because they were easy to make, store, and transport, cookies became a staple of naval diets. The British also loved cookies, and by the 17th century, they were making “jumbles,” which were small, sweet biscuits that were the first to be mass-produced.
In the 18th century, cookies made their way to the American colonies. Cookies were especially popular in New England, where they were made with locally sourced ingredients like molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. In the 19th century, cookies became even more popular in America thanks to the widespread availability of white sugar, which made cookies even sweeter and tastier.
During this time, cookies also started to become more sophisticated, with the advent of cookie cutters, new flavours like chocolate chip and peanut butter, and the creation of iconic cookies like Oreos and Fig Newtons. Cookies have continued to evolve and diversify in the 20th and 21st centuries, with new recipes, styles, and flavours being invented all the time.
Cookies may have humble origins, but they have certainly come a long way since they were first invented in ancient Persia. From simple honey-flavoured biscuits to mass-produced jumbles to the modern-day delights we enjoy today, cookies have captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world.
