Crumbs Cookies and sweets from around the world

According to James Beard-nominated cookbook author and food columnist Mims (Sweet & Southern), cookies make the world go round. Fittingly, his latest treats bakers to more than 300 cookie recipes from over 100 different countries. After defining a cookie as any recipe that incorporates at least three of four key ingredients (dry matter, sweetener, fat, and eggs), Mims delivers a brief history of cookies, as well as a detailed breakdown on necessary equipment, techniques, and ingredients. The recipes for the cookies themselves are arranged geographically and span the globe, from United States favorites like peanut butter cookies, gingerbread, and sugar cookies to Portuguese lemon cookies and Parisian macarons. While the design of the cookbook gives off textbook vibes (full bibliography included), that's not necessarily a bad thing, since it underscores the exhaustive research, time, and work Mims put into what can only be termed a labor of love. VERDICT Novice cookie bakers needing a bit more handholding may want to start with The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion or Rose Beranbaum's The Cookie Bible; otherwise, this is essential for any baker seeking to understand the origins of this sweet treat and expand the global reach of their cookie game.--John Charles