Cookies have been a beloved treat for centuries, but their origins are just as fascinating as their flavors. The term “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “small cake,” reflecting the definition of a cookie as a small, flat cake. As explorers ventured around the globe in the 1500s, they brought along a basic biscuit called hardtack, known for its long shelf life, making it ideal for travel. When Europeans settled in the Americas, they brought their cookie recipes, which evolved as the railroad expanded in the 1800s. This innovation allowed for easier access to a diverse range of fruits and nuts, transforming cookie recipes. The introduction of cereal, modern ovens, and refrigerators further revolutionized cookie-making. Interestingly, the iconic chocolate chip cookie, a staple of American baking, was created by accident and was not among the earliest cookie recipes in the U.S. Initially, cookies were included at the end of cake sections in early cookbooks. Today, whether savored as a simple butter cookie or a rich chocolate walnut treat, cookies represent a delicious journey through culinary history, calling for appreciation of the people and events that shaped them.

source: https://www.chocolateshippedcookies.com/a-brief-history-of-cookies/