Cookies

Whether on Santa's plate or at grandma's house, cookies are a part of American culture. What began as hardened biscuits (perfect for traveling), they grew lighter, richer, and sweeter once sugar became readily available in the Middle East in the 13th century. America made its mark in the cookie world with invention of the chocolate chip cookie. Along with the peanut butter cookie--and yes, the fortune cookie--the chocolate chip cookie is uniquely American. Whether dropped, rolled, molded, pressed, filled, or cut into shapes, cookies are ingrained in our culture and recognizable icons.