“It’s like a book club, but yummier!” Director of Disability, Access, and Technology Support Laura Knobel-Piehl ’93 said in reference to the newly introduced Cookie Club on campus.
Over the previous winter break, Knobel-Piehl was sitting at the kitchen table going through Christmas cookie recipes.
“[I noticed that] I make the same cookies every year,” Knobel-Piehl said.
After looking at cookie recipe submissions published by readers through the Star Tribune, almost 50 tabs were opened on Knobel-Piehl’s computer, creating a “wish-list” of cookie recipes. Knobel-Piehl wondered how to bring these recipes to life.
“What is a reason to make cookies every month like a book club?” Knobel-Piehl questioned. “We could have a cookie club!”
Further inspiration drew from Knobel-Piehl’s family. Her grandmother was a first generation immigrant from Norway, and her cooking — including cookies, such as Rosettes — were recipes that Knobel-Piehl had not attempted to create before. One of the hopes for the club is to encourage those in attendance to make cookies from their heritage or family favorites.
Personal interests play a significant role in the cookies that have been brought to the Cookie Club. One student enjoys tea, and so their cookies had tea flavoring. Other students were interested in Valentine’s Day themes, which led them to incorporate holiday elements. Another student made brownie cups, homemade fudge sauce, and some espresso to pour on top in a previous club meeting, while the most recent included video game-inspired cookies. Some students in the club worked together in dorm kitchens to make cookies together.
Knowledge of the club is increasing. Around 12 students attended the first meeting, and has nearly doubled since, with around 20 students in attendance.
The Cookie Club advertises that not just students are welcome, but faculty and staff can come and bring baked goods and share, too. Knobel-Piehl emphasized that another hope behind the club is to create a way to build community.
“[This is] just a chance to interact with people you usually wouldn’t interact with on a daily basis,” Knobel-Piehl said.
Meetings are every third Thursday of the month during community time, but this may be adjusted in the upcoming year. The location of the meeting is addressed via the club’s email alias. Previous meetings have been held in Tomson 200, but Tomson 300 was used for the meeting on March 20. Knobel-Piehl will be clear each month for the location of the meeting.
Knobel-Piehl is also eager to hear ways to improve the club. She was curious about students’ access to mixers and cookie sheets, and wondering about implementing a Cookie Club Closet in the Academic Success Center for students to check out baking supplies.
The QR code to join the club can be found on club posters around campus. Those interested can also contact Knobel-Piehl at [email protected].
