Stuff You Should Know Cookies! Cookies! Cookies!
Dec 30, 2021
This lively discussion dives into the sweet history of cookies, tracing their evolution from ancient Greece to modern delights. The hosts share quirky anecdotes and cultural variations, highlighting the unique charm of cookies compared to cakes. Fascinating stories about chocolate chip cookies and regional specialties add flavor to the conversation. Additionally, they explore the rise of cookie dough culture among Gen Z, reflect on nostalgic baking memories, and touch on the Christmas tradition of leaving cookies for Santa. A delightful treat for cookie lovers!
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Crusades and Cookie Traditions
- Cookies and spices spread to Europe from Persia through the Crusades.
- This led to the tradition of baking and sharing cookies, especially during special occasions like Christmas.
Medieval Baking Laws
- Medieval European families baking cookies at home often broke laws enforced by baker's guilds.
- These guilds restricted baking to trained members, but the rules eventually waned due to public resistance.
Sugar and Cookbooks
- Colonizing sugar-producing regions increased sugar availability, leading to more home baking and cookbooks with cookie recipes.
- "The Good Huswife's Jewel," an early cookbook, included imprecise cookie recipes.