Everyone loves homemade cookies. Nothing is more welcoming than the smell of freshly baked cookies or the sight of them cooling on the counter. It is my favorite type of aromatherapy.
Cookies have a long history, dating back to 7th century Persia. In the 1800s, cookie recipes began to appear in cookbooks as ‘little cakes’. In fact, the term ‘cookie’ comes from the Dutch word koekje or koekie meaning cupcake.
Cookie recipes in a variety of styles and flavors increased in the early 20th century and continue today. Cookies are the most common treat baked in home kitchens and it is estimated that more than half of all cookies baked at home are chocolate chips.
But there are many more types of cookies waiting to be baked. Most cookbooks classify them based on how they are formed into the following categories or types of cookies:
Bar cookies, squares or bread cookies
The fastest and easiest type of cookie to make. The dough or dough is pressed or spread in a pan and cut into small pieces after baking. Brownies are the classic example of a battered bar cookie, but they come in a variety of styles and flavors.
Drop-Cookies
By far the most common type of homemade cookie created by dropping or pushing cookie dough by a teaspoon or tablespoon onto a prepared baking sheet. Just mix, layer, bake and enjoy, definitely an easy type of cookie. Popular examples of drop cookies include oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and chocolate chip.
no bake cookies
Another easy, no-bake cookie, no oven required. They are a great way to introduce children to the fun of cookie making. Some of my favorite no bake cookie recipes include rice krispie bars, coconut date balls, rum balls, and peanut butter bars.
Fridge or ice chest cookies
Originally known as “ice box cookies”, made of stiff dough that is refrigerated and usually formed into a cylinder before slicing and baking. Contemporary cookbooks may categorize refrigerator cookies as sliced cookies or sliced and baked. You can keep a log of cookie dough in the fridge or freezer, then cut, bake, and enjoy a warm homemade cookie, fresh from the oven, whenever a cookie craves.
shaped cookies
These cookies are formed by hand or with molds or extruded from a cookie press or pastry bag. Shortbread is a classic example of a hand-shaped cookie. There are also many popular Christmas “spritz” cookies that require a special cookie press.
Whichever type of cookie you choose to make, your friends and family are sure to applaud your efforts.