I was listening to a cooking Podcast called “The Crumb” today driving home from town. They were discussing a cookbook written about Midwest baking and the topic came up about the tradition of “cookie tables” at a wedding. I was intrigued. I had never heard of them so I perked up to hear more about them.
Wedding “cookie tables” are a wedding tradition that is hard to pin the exact origin, however, they are a “must” in Ohio it seems. There does appear to be a bit of controversy between Pittsburg and Youngstown, Ohio — both claim to be the originator of this tradition.
What I loved about this tradition is that the bride’s extended family, and sometimes the groom’s spend months planning all of the different kinds of cookies each of them are going to bring. They are typically favorite family recipes to share at the wedding. Not only do they plan the cookie choices, but they take great detail designing how the table will be laid out and the decor.
It seems that they started to save the expense of a large wedding cake, but today they may also be in addition to a cake. I think this seems like a wonderful idea for a rustic wedding at our farm venue. So many don’t really like cake and are tired of the cupcake option.
Although they are traditionally done by family members, cookie designers in those areas do a bang up business selling large quantities of cookies for weddings. The minimum amount per guest is figured at 5 to 6 with up to a dozen & 1/2 ordered for each guest — WOW — that’s a lot of cookies!
There is also a debate about when the cookies should be served. The offical answer is after dinner, but who is going to stop Grandma from pinching one before dinner or Aunt Betty from tucking 6 in her pocket book for breakfast the next day.
Cookie Tables can have elaborate designs or be simple and homey.
Check out these Cookie Tables ideas:
Cookie table contest winners in Pittsburg
Happy Wedd – 43 Trendy Cookie Bar Ideas
9 Ways to Step Up Your Pittsburgh Cookie Table Game
The Tradition of the Cookie Table – Youngstown, OH