Crumb by Crumb: How Cookies Took Over the World

Every cookie tells a story—a delicious blend of nostalgia, indulgence, and innovation. From humble test cakes to viral cookie trends, the history of cookies is as rich as the treats themselves. Whether you're a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies or delicate shortbread, these sweet bites have been satisfying cravings for centuries. But how did they come to be?

Grab a glass of milk (or a latte, if you're feeling grown-up), because it's storytime.

From Kitchen Experiments to Global Cookie Icons

The word "cookie" comes from the Dutch koekje, meaning "little cake." Dutch settlers brought the term to America in the 17th century, but small baked treats—once used as “test cakes” to check oven temperatures—predate their arrival.

These test cakes evolved into the cookies we love today, with each culture adding its own spin, like light and airy French macarons, buttery British shortbread, and twice-baked biscotti (the ultimate Italian coffee companion).

But no cookie has had a bigger cultural impact than the chocolate chip cookie.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie: A Sweet Accident That Changed Everything

Baking is often hyped as an overly precise science. But would you believe that the most famous cookie of all time was born from a happy mistake?

In 1938, Ruth Wakefield was running the Toll House Inn when she ran out of baker’s chocolate. Improvising, she chopped up semisweet chocolate, expecting it to melt—only to create the perfect chunky texture. The result? The chocolate chip cookie, now a global staple.

By 1977, Mrs. Fields turned fresh-baked cookies into a business empire, proving that the world’s love for cookies wasn’t just a phase—it was forever.

Cookies Today: From Homemade Comfort to Social Media Stardom

Cookies have gone from simple homemade treats to viral sensations, thanks to social media. With trends like milk-filled cookie shots, crookies (the cookie x croissant hybrid), and NYC-style Levain cookies with hundreds of inspired-flavour combinations and the iconic thick, gooey centre.

The quest for the “perfect cookie” continues, but one thing remains true: cookies are meant to be shared. Whether it's a childhood favourite or a gourmet creation, each bite is a little piece of history.

So next time you reach for a cookie, remember—you’re not just indulging. You’re taking part in a centuries-old tradition, one delicious crumb at a time.