Brits use both "biscuit" and "cookie" to refer to what Americans typically call a "cookie," depending on the texture and style of the baked good.
The Nuance: Biscuit vs. Cookie in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the term used for a baked dessert similar to an American cookie hinges on its consistency. American cookies are baked desserts that vary widely in texture and density, from crisp to chewy. The British distinguish these based on their characteristics:
- Biscuits: A hard or crisp baked dessert, which an American might identify as a type of cookie, is generally referred to as a biscuit in the UK. This category includes a vast array of common British tea-time treats.
- Cookies: Conversely, if the dessert is chewier and often softer, particularly those with inclusions like chocolate chips, it is commonly identified and called a cookie in the UK. This indicates an adoption of the American term for specific types of baked goods that fit this chewier profile.
This dual terminology reflects both the long-standing British culinary vocabulary and the influence of American food culture on contemporary confectionery.
Understanding the Terms
The table below highlights the key differences and common usage:
| Feature | American Term | British Term (Hard/Crisp) | British Term (Chewier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | Cookie | Biscuit | Cookie |
| Texture | Varied | Hard, Crisp, Dry | Chewy, Soft, Gooey |
| Examples | Shortbread, Graham Cracker, Chocolate Chip Cookie | Digestive Biscuit, Rich Tea Biscuit, Shortbread, Ginger Nut Biscuit | Chocolate Chip Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (if soft) |
For example, a crunchy ginger snap in the US would be known as a "ginger nut biscuit" in the UK. However, a soft, chunky chocolate chip cookie is most often simply called a "chocolate chip cookie" on both sides of the Atlantic due to its distinct, chewy nature.
