Description  Cookies are a favorite treat among young and old alike. A sweet crispy style cake that dates back to the early 17th century AD Persia is now a pantry staple.  By the time of the Renaissance, various recipes were developed to enjoy the tasty commodity known as fine cakes or cookies.   S m a ll s w e e t b i s c u i t s sim i l a r to sho r t brea d c o o k i e s w e re p op ul a r in E l i z a b e t h a n E n gl a n d.  T o da y ,  e ve r y t hi n g   fro m  l a d y fi n g e r s to b i s c o t t i to gi n g e r b r e a d s e r v e s a s   c o o k i e s in a v a r i e t y o f fl a v o r s an d c o l o r s . C o o k i e s c o n s i s t o f r e f i ne d f l o u r s , d i f f e r e n t t y p e s o f s u ga r t h a t i n f l u e n c e th e t a s t e a n d   t e x t ur e o f th e f i na l  p r o d u c t , a b i n d e r c o n t a i n i n g m o i s t u r e a n d   f a t s s u c h a s   eg g s a n d   b u t t e r , a  l e a v e n i