Cookies Matters

Cookies are baked snacks, usually flat and round, made of sweetened dough and personalized recipes. These baked sweet doughs originally appeared in Persia after sugar became common in that region. Allegedly, they were brought to Europe through Muslin after conquering Spain.

In Britain, those sweet doughs were called Biscuits. The word cookie (derived from the Dutch word koekje) became commonly spread among Americans when the Dutch settlement grew in the 1600s.

Cookies and Girl Scout

In the United States, cookies represented not only a nutritious treat but a long history associated with Girl Scout, their neighborhoods, and their community. In 1917, Girl Scout Cookie programs were launched in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In the beginning, girls sold cookies in the cafeteria at their high school. With the rise of popularity, these cookie stands were popping up in shopping malls during the 1950s.

Typical suburban malls’ diagram

Cookies and Diet

The original girl scout cookies were home-baked, thin, and simple without additional ingredients. With the rise of the suburbs in the post-war, girl scout cookies began to develop a variety of flavors: sandwiches, shortbread, and chocolate mints. On the other hand, Christian Dior’s New Look greatly influenced everyday fashion in the 1950s. The tight-fitting bodice, narrow waist, and full skirt gave curving silhouettes among women. This fashion trend was soon reflected in the cookie packaging.

We could tell from a package from the 1960s used a slender figure and modern design to appeal to consumers. A photo from “the look of the century”

The growing awareness of diet and health is also reflected in the nutrition label. In 2006, the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) rule on the declare the trans fatty acid value of nutrition labels was implemented.

Cookies and Entrepreneur Skills

Throughout the century, Girl Scout Cookie’s program has grown into a leading business and improved financial literacy among young girls. Although participation in the Girl Scout cookie program is voluntary, most girls choose to join because of its fun-fulfilling learning experience. Girls gain self-confidence from talking to customers to getting nutritional knowledge about their products through the program. They also learn to select a good selling stand in their neighborhood and build ideas for their area.

Hazel’s U.S.A Girl Scout dream: an “urban troop” sales route on the 5th Avenue, New York.

While browsing Girl Scout’s story and the fascinating history of cookies, a box of cookies appeared on my desk. Reading its nutrition fact label reminded us of a WELL feature:

“Help individuals make food choices through nutritional labeling and allergy information” — WELL N02, Nutritional Transparency

On National Cookie Month, we dedicate this card to girl scouts, package designers, and cookie bakers. Thanks to them for making this simple dough delicious, appealing, and within reach.

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By the way…
Ms. Juliette Gordon Low’s house, located in Savannah, Georgia, was built in 1812. It is a Federal-style house. Federal-style architecture prevailed during 1760–1830 and overlapped a period with Greek Revival (1800–1860) . It is known for its square, rectangle-shaped roof, and smooth surface. The top is hipped from four sides; making it hard to see the roof ridge from a pedestrian perspective. This architectural style also had a flatter characteristic and did not contain pilasters. In 1965, the National Park Service recognized the significance of Ms. Low’s house and registered it as a historic place. In 2007 this house was included as part of the National Historic Landmark District. In 2015 it received the Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Restoration.

Girl Scout Founder, Ms. Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace. The sketch shows the elevation of original house before the renovation. The call-out bubble shows the new look after the renovation and preservation work.