Have you ever tasted a cookie that’s so simple, it feels like a memory?
Meet the Chicago Public School Butter Cookie — a soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s been a staple in Chicago school lunches, holiday tins, and family kitchens for over a century.
No fancy ingredients.
No chocolate chips.
Just butter, sugar, flour, and a hint of vanilla — baked into a golden, slightly crumbly cookie that’s so good, it’s legendary.
And the best part?
👉 These cookies were first baked in 1908 for students in the Chicago Public School system — making them one of the oldest institutional cookie recipes in the U.S.
Let’s dive into the history, recipe, and why these humble cookies still steal hearts today.
🏫 The Sweet History of CPS Butter Cookies
In the early 1900s, school nutritionists in Chicago wanted to provide students with an affordable, shelf-stable, and energy-boosting snack.
The result?
A simple butter cookie made with pantry staples — easy to bake in bulk and pack in lunchboxes.
Over time, the recipe became a beloved tradition, passed down through generations of Chicago families.
- Baked in school kitchens for decades
- Served at PTA meetings, bake sales, and holidays
- Still made today by local bakeries and nostalgic home bakers
✅ These aren’t just cookies — they’re edible history.
🧑🍳 Chicago Public School Butter Cookies Recipe
🍴 Ingredients (Makes about 48 cookies)
