The History of Cookies
By Ashley B. Houlden
Cookies, galletas(Spanish), biscuits(English, UK), or keks(German), either way you say it, it's one of the oldest pastries around. Since about 7th century A.D. in Persia (now Iran) was the oldest style cookie recorded. Cookies are only a thin version of a cake, just in smaller portions and cooked till golden brown, in most cases that is. It was said that sugar had spread originally from Persia then to other parts of the eastern Mediterranian, spreading around the time period when the Muslim's invaded Spain and during the spice trade. It is said cookies were originally made by accident, when a cook put a small amount of cake batter to test the temperature of the oven before baking the entire cake. As long as cookies have been around you would be fooled into believing that this treat has been a favorite to Americans and other countries for a very long time, but guess what, they have just became popular within the last hundred years.
Varieties
Animal Crackers- With only about 22 cookies per box there are a lot of animals in one small space such as; tigers, cougars, camels, rhinoceros, kangaroos, hippopotami, bison, lions, hyenas, zebras, elephants, sheep, bears, gorillas, monkeys, seals, and giraffes. Since 1902 when the cookies/crackers first came out there have been about 37 different variteties.
Anzac Biscuit- An Australian favorite, these are verry hard and mostly preffered by soldiers who used them to grind up and create a homemade porridge. These days this cookies are known as Australia's national cookie and is sold in about every bakery around.
Biscotti- All the way from Italy it means twice cooked. They are mostly dry and should not have any preservatives added. Other countries; France and Germany have their own version of this pastry.
Brownies- If you were ever looking for an alternative to the average Joe cookie, then you've found it right here. Some people debate whether or not this is a cookie or cake, when really it's a mix in between. With a soft center and golden, milky, and smooth exterior it's a favorite for most.
Chocolate Chip Cookies- Originating in 1937 these are one of the most popular cookies in America. A crunchy, yet soft edge and soft decadant center put it above all the rest, every bite you take will have a milk choclate chip inside waiting for you to indulge into some thing that is most likely, unforgetable. Ruth Wakefield was the original creator and ran the Toll House Resaurant. Not long after Wakefield began serving these cookies Betty Crocker recognized them on her radio show in 1939.
Fig Newtons- One of the most recognized cookies Nabisco created in 1891. With a cake-ish exterior and a fig thick jelly in the center makes the cookies irresistible.
Fortune Cookie- Wafer cookie on the outside and a fortune telling message on the inside, in America, in just about every Chinese food restaurant there are these cookies. Some historians believe that the influence was in the 12th and 13th century when the Chinese soldiers wrote and placed messages inside moon cakes. During that time period there was also a tradition that when a child was born the family had to sent out a cake roll with a message inside stating the day and time the child was born.
Gingerbread- Around the holidays gingerbread is everywhere, whether it's in the shape of a person or a house. These cookies were possibly introduced by the crusaders from the East Mediterranean, the main ingredients of ginger bread are molasses and sugar.
Macaroon- Since 1792 this cookie is one of the smallest cookies you can find that are close to a cake with its crispy crust and soft middle. Inside you will find a nice surprise, almonds and the bold taste of coconut. Depending on where you go, some people put chocolate, coffee, and other spices to make their version stand out against the rest.
Oreo- Thick smooth cream and two circular chocolate cookies with the unforgettable name OREO stamped on the top and bottom. In 1912 was when Nabisco came up with the original idea, now there are many different versions of the cookie that you can only find during certain holidays, such as: the halloween stuffed, the christmas stuffed, and the mint stuffed.
Snickerdoodles- Brought to the states from New England, this cinnamon sugar topped treat came with a bang! The cooks from New England were known for coming up with strange names. These cookies are some of the oldest cookies around, in earlier history the cookbooks didn't have a section devoted to cookies so they were listed at the end of the cakes section.
S'mores- S'more, a combination of some and more. Introduced around 1927 by the Girl Scouts, this alternative type of cookie has been a popular favorite around campfire's everywhere. It is believed that the influence was the Mallomar which was first created in 1913.
Bibliography
Sugar Cookie(picture)
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/images/sugar_cookies.jpg
Fig Newton package(picture)
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://www.californiafigs.com/press/news_gallerys/images/FigNewtonPackage.gif
Cookie basket(picture)
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://www.pittsburghfudge.com/images/Cookies.jpg
Chocolate Chip Cookie(picture)
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://www.chocolatecookiesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/nestle_tollhouse_cookies.jpg
History of Cookies
Created by Linda Stradley in 2004
Read on: January 23, 2009
http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm
The History of Cookies!
Last updated: January 16, 2006
Read on: January 23, 2009
http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/cookies.htm
The History of...S'mores
Created by Nicole Weston
Last updated: August 16, 2006
http://www.slashfood.com/2006/08/18/the-history-of-smores/
Oreo Cookie(picture)
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://oboerista.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/oreo_cookie.jpg
Cookies, Crackers, and Biscuits
Created by: Lynne Oliver
Last updated: November 30, 2008
Seen on: January 23, 2009
http://www.foodtimeline.org/christmasfood.html#gingerbread
History of the Oreo Cookie
Created by: Jennifer Rosenberg
Seen on: January 23, 2004
http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/oreohistory.htm
Comments (2)
John Silva said
at 12:58 pm on Jan 23, 2009
Very good so far - make sure your sources are properly formatted and cited. Pictures would be great here.
John Silva said
at 8:34 pm on Feb 8, 2009
21 - very well done overall but needs some detail about cookies and culture
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