Whether you call them biscuits, galletas, or something else, cookies are one of the world's most universally beloved baked goods.

From buttery shortbreads to chewy chocolate chips, these humble hand-held treats have the ability to delight people of all ages and cultures. Let's take a look at the wonderful world of cookies.

Cookies of the World

While cookies exist in some form in most countries, certain iconic regional varieties have gained great popularity. Some examples include:

• France's macaron sandwich cookies and crisp tuiles

• Italy's rainbow-hued amaretti and crunchy biscotti

• India's crispy nan-khatai and chewy atta cookies

• China's almond and sesame-studded cookies

Of course, the chocolate chip cookie is recognized worldwide as an all-American classic. And tea cakes, madeleines, and Italian rainbow cookies are familiar favorites across many cultures.

Baking Cookies at Home

While there are excellent bakeries and pre-made cookie options available, there's nothing quite like a warm, fresh homemade cookie just out of the oven. Plus, baking cookies at home allows you to customize flavors and get creative.

Most drop cookie recipes like chocolate chip follow a simple formula:

- Cream together room-temperature butter and sugars until light and fluffy

- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, salt, leaveners

- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet to form a dough

- Fold in any extras like chocolate chips or nuts

- Scoop dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets

- Bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges

Tips:

1. For chewier cookies, bake for a shorter time. For crispier cookies, bake for a few minutes longer.

2. You can substitute other mix-ins for the chocolate chips, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or peanut butter chips.

3. Let your cookie dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies to spread less and become chewier.

4. Freshly baked cookies are always the best, but you can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

5. From there, you can customize it with different mix-ins, extracts, citrus zests, spices, and more. Get the kids involved with decorating cutouts or sandwich cookies. Cookies are also a great way to use up extra baking ingredients you might have on hand.

No matter where you are in the world, fresh homemade cookies have a way of bringing nostalgic comfort and putting a smile on everyone's face. From the first warm, gooey bite to the last delightful crumbs, it's no wonder that cookies are so universally beloved. Simple yet infinitely customizable, they're the perfect handheld dessert for any occasion.