What is the origin of the word "cookie"?

The origins of the word "cookie" can be traced back to the Dutch language. The Dutch word for cookie is "koekje," pronounced as "kook-ye." This term is a diminutive form of "koek," which means "cake" or "Biscuit".

During the 17th century, Dutch immigrants brought their baking skills and recipes to the United States, particularly to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, which is now known as New York City. As time went on, the term "koekje" evolved into "cookie" in the English language. This transformation can be attributed to the influence of Dutch settlers and their interactions with English-speaking communities. The pronunciation and spelling of the word gradually changed to fit the English phonetics, resulting in the familiar term used today.

The Dutch influence on American cookies can still be seen in some traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. For example, the Dutch windmill cookie, also known as speculaas, is a spiced shortbread cookie typically shaped using wooden molds depicting windmills, animals, or other traditional symbols. Another Dutch-inspired cookie is the stroopwafel, which translates to "syrup waffle."

The Dutch influence on the word "cookie" extends beyond the English language. Many other languages have adopted similar terms to refer to this baked good. For instance, in German, the word for cookie is "Keks," which is derived from the Dutch "koekje." Similarly, in Swedish, it is "kaka," and in Danish, it is "kiks."