Definition of cookie

The origins of the word "cookie" can be traced back to around the 13th century. The term "cookie" is believed to come from the Middle Dutch word "koekje," which referred to a small, dry, crisp cake or biscuit. This Dutch word is thought to have evolved from the Latin "coctus," meaning "to cook" or "cooked." Early American colonists brought their own knowledge of baking and cooking with them, and the term "cookie" became popularized in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Initially, cookies were small, sweet treats made with flour, sugar, and spices, but over time, the term has come to encompass a wide range of sweet and savory baked goods.