What Makes a Cookie a Cookie? Three Food Writers Discuss

What is the state of the American cookie? Three food writers, Dorie Greenspan, David Leibovitz, and Sara Dickerman discuss the definition of a cookie, what makes a cookie American, and chunky vs. thin.

This roundtable discussion, conducted leisurely via email and published at Slate, yields a wealth of fascinating cookie topics near and dear to bakers' hearts. Underbaking and overbaking, the role of nostalgia in cookie preferences, the ritualistic habits of cookie-eating (childlike, perhaps?), and all the writers' favorite cookies make appearances. And how, when you get right down to it, do you define a cookie? How many bites should it take to eat one?

We enjoyed reading Dorie's vision of the cookie of the future (not so exotic as you might imagine), and the seaweed cookies David likes to make.

• Read the article here: The State of the Cookie at Slate Magazine

(Image: Flickr member Stef Noble licensed for use under Creative Commons)

Comments (5)

Well, my definition's not quite as nuanced ... -ie is a suffix that tends to indicate that something is little and cute, so a cookie is a cute little thing that you cook. :o)

posted by lizzapearl on December 15th 2008 at 2:43pm
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i don't have any answers, but i do have a question...can i get the recipe for that cookie in the picture? dang, that looks good!

posted by Susan J on December 15th 2008 at 4:33pm
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I think, in general, that an American cookie features butter as a primary ingredient, and becomes harder when exposed to air. British cookies (biscuits), on the other hand, become softer when exposed to air. For things like macaroons, haystacks, and brandy snaps, I would use the term "confection", since sugar or chocolate is the principle ingredient. That said, I will still eat it if it tastes good, regardless of label or designation.

posted by Minerva of the Airship on December 16th 2008 at 12:42pm
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I second Susan J--that cookie looks delicious!!

posted by erin79 on December 16th 2008 at 9:51pm
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I would kill to have a bite of that cookie right now. It looks amazing. Please get the recipe!

posted by JLala on December 17th 2008 at 10:56pm
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