Where did the name brownie come from? I mean, it’s totally unoriginal.?

The name “brownies” first appeared in the 1896 Boston Cooking School Cookbook, where it describes molasses cakes baked in small tins. The origin of the Brownie is thought to be American and is thought to derive its name from the brown color of the cookie. Folklore has its origin coming from a careless cook that forgot to put baking powder in the chocolate cake batter recipe.[1] Another story reports that the brownie was invented at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago during the 1892 Columbian Exposition.[2] Bertha Palmer requested a dessert to put in box lunches for ladies that would not get their hands dirty.

Originally the girls were called Rosebuds, but were renamed by Lord Baden-Powell. Their name comes from the story “The Brownies” by Juliana Horatia Ewing, written in 1870. In the story two children, Tommy and Betty, learn that children can be helpful Brownies or lazy boggarts.

The origin is probably in old Celtic folklore. The brownie was said to be a helpful household spirit who did chores and kept things neat. But you had to be kind to them or mischief would ensue.

Then you must prefer “blondies” made from either butterscotch or white chocolate.

kk

Well, gee, I WONDER.