Chocolate Chip Cookies (USA) Invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1938, the original recipe used Nestlé chocolate, leading to the creation of Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips. These cookies are typically soft and chewy with a sweet and buttery flavor, often enjoyed with a glass of milk. ¹⁾

Traditional Scottish shortbread is made with a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour. It is known for its rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, often enjoyed with tea or coffee. ²⁾

French macarons are delicate meringue-based cookies filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. They come in a variety of flavors and colors, with popular flavors including raspberry, chocolate, and pistachio. ³⁾

Biscotti, also known as cantucci, are twice-baked Italian cookies that are dry and crunchy. Traditionally flavored with almonds, they are often enjoyed dipped in coffee or sweet wine. ⁴⁾

Speculaas are spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally made for St. Nicholas' feast in early December. They are characterized by their crisp texture and aromatic blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. ⁵⁾

Gingerbread cookies, or Lebkuchen, are spiced cookies often made during the Christmas season. They can be soft or hard and are typically flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, sometimes decorated with icing. ⁶⁾

Digestive biscuits are semi-sweet biscuits originally developed in the 19th century to aid digestion. They are often eaten with tea or used as a base for cheesecakes. ⁷⁾

Despite being associated with Chinese cuisine, fortune cookies were actually invented in California in the early 20th century. These crisp cookies contain a small piece of paper with a fortune or aphorism inside. ⁸⁾

Amaretti are Italian almond cookies that can be either soft or crunchy, depending on the recipe. They are made with ground almonds or almond paste and are often enjoyed with coffee or dessert wine. ⁹⁾

Polvorones are Spanish shortbread cookies that are crumbly and typically made with almonds. They are popular during Christmas and are often dusted with powdered sugar. ¹⁰⁾

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a distinctive hump, made famous by Marcel Proust's literary work. They are often flavored with lemon zest or vanilla and enjoyed with tea. ¹¹⁾

Anzac biscuits are crunchy, oat-based cookies associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). They were originally made to send to soldiers during World War I due to their long shelf life. ¹²⁾

Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger snap cookies that are thin, crisp, and often spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. They are traditionally made during the Christmas season and sometimes shaped like hearts, stars, or animals. ¹³⁾

Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies made with a special iron that creates intricate patterns. They are flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon and are often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations. ¹⁴⁾

Mooncakes are Chinese pastries traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They have a thick, tender pastry shell and are typically filled with sweet bean paste, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolk. ¹⁵⁾