What is the difference between cookies and cakes?

Texture:

* Cookies: Generally have a firm, chewy texture, sometimes with a crispy edge.

* Cakes: Have a softer, more tender texture, often crumbly or spongy.

Ingredients:

* Cookies: Typically use less liquid and more fat (butter or shortening) compared to cakes. They often contain a higher proportion of flour, which contributes to their chewy texture.

* Cakes: Usually use more liquid (eggs, milk, or water) and less fat. They often contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, which create air pockets and make the cake rise.

Baking method:

* Cookies: Baked on a sheet pan, resulting in a flat, individual shape.

* Cakes: Baked in a round or rectangular pan, allowing them to rise and develop a specific shape.

Other differences:

* Size: Cookies are generally small and individual, while cakes are larger and meant to be shared.

* Decorations: Cookies can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings, while cakes are often frosted with buttercream or fondant.

* Flavor: Cookies are often sweet and simple, while cakes can have more complex flavors, like fruit, chocolate, or spices.

Here's a simple way to remember the difference:

* Cookies are "chewy" and "bite-sized".

* Cakes are "soft" and "sliceable".

Ultimately, the distinction between cookies and cakes can be blurry, as there are many variations and hybrid recipes. But the general guidelines above help to define the key differences.