A survey of American adults conducted by OnePoll.com in 2015 found that as a cookie-loving nation, we eat on average 18,928 cookies in a lifetime – per person! That’s one per day for an entire adult lifetime, but that figure is hardly surprising when you look at the rest of the data: 21% of people surveyed confessed to eating 10 or more cookies per week. Classic chocolate chip cookies came out on top as America’s favorite flavor, with brownies, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal raisin and simple sugar cookies all ranking in the top ten. There are lots of great reasons to love cookies – in fact, what’s not to love?! Here are 5 reasons the great American love affair with cookies looks set to last:
1. Bitesize Treats Don’t Have Calories!
If you’re watching what you eat or trying to be strict about healthy food, a small treat like a cookie that can be eaten in a mouthful or two doesn’t seem to count! Just one cookie for someone who’s dieting won’t do too much damage, yet tastes great and easily satisfies that sweet craving. Of course, this only applies if you have the self-control to stick to just one – and that you haven’t baked cookies the size of dinner plates (that’s cheating!) – unlike 28% of Americans who admit they sometimes eat up to 6 cookies in one sitting.
2. They’re Quick And Simple To Bake At Home
Although there are some delicious and complicated-sounded gourmet cookie recipes out there, it’s also easy to create a wonderfully tasty batch of home-baked cookies at home with as little as three ingredients. Most of us keep butter, sugar and flour in our store cupboards, and you can get as creative as you like with toppings and extras. Being so simple, that means you can easily cater for people with nut allergies or other sensitivities, without compromising on taste.
3. Cookie Gifts Are ALWAYS Appreciated
Whether you go for home-made or store-bought, a fancy tin with intricate icing or the most rustic of recipes, giving cookies as a gift is never a bad idea! Invited over to a friend’s house at the last minute? You can whip up a batch of cookies in no time, and look like a domestic goddess when you turn up! Stuck for a Christmas present for your best friend / granny / kindergarten teacher / postman? Cookies are wonderful to give and even better to receive!
4. Classic Comfort Food
When you’re feeling down, or simply want to enjoy something warm, soft and sweet to lift your mood and remind you of happy times, cookies tick all the right boxes. According to the survey, 78% of people say that eating cookies makes them feel content, and 61% believe they get a sense of comfort from eating this classic baked treat. More than half of adults surveyed have cookies and milk as a bedtime snack.
5. Sheer Variety Of Flavors Means You’ll Never Get Bored
From all-time American classics like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies to more outlandish flavors such as Char Sui Pork, Cayenne Chocolate Coffee or Key Lime Pie, we reckon it’s just about impossible to tire of trying new cookie combinations. Sweet or savory, soft or crunchy, cookies are so varied and versatile it’s no wonder they’re America’s favorite dessert.
