differences - What is a British biscuit called in America? A cookie? A cracker?


You find in dictionaries (OED for example) that what the British call biscuit, is called cookie or cracker in America. But,


British biscuits are like these:


enter image description here


while American cookies are like these:


enter image description here


and crackers are like these:


enter image description here


They're totally different in form and character. I'm afraid the best choice would be British biscuit!.



  • What is the “British” biscuit called in America?



Answer



The first two examples you show are cookies; the third are crackers. Cookies are made in all kinds of shapes and sizes and may be hard or chewy (I like the chewy ones, myself). Crackers are salty and never sweet.


Most of the cookies in your first picture are called sandwich cookies or crème-filled/jelly-filled cookies. The most famous of this type is the Nabisco Oreo.


Very brittle cookies are called wafers. Wafers are also the item used with wine during Communion.


And in the US, a biscuit is a sourdough soft bread product served with a meal. It is common in Southern cooking, and is a usual accompaniment to fried chicken.


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