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(And no, not just because it’s sweet—haha)
A few weeks ago, I was making a batch of cookies (as I often do) and threw in an extra tray’s worth, mostly because I had the butter out and wasn’t in the mood to put it away. Once they’d cooled, I wrapped some up, walked across the street, and handed them to my neighbor. No special reason. I just said “hi, I made cookies.”
Her eyes lit up like she’d won a prize (seriously, how incredible is that?).
And that got me thinking—when did baking cookies for the neighbors start feeling like a lost art? And why on earth did we (all) stop doing it?
There was a time (or maybe I just like to imagine there was) when people showed up on each other’s porches with casseroles, banana bread, or something wrapped in foil more times than not (and not just at Christmas). No big announcements. Just little gestures that said, “I thought of you—here’s a cookie.”
I know, I know—we’re all busy, I get it. It’s easier to smile politely from the driveway or wave from the window and move on with your day. But something about baking a batch of cookies (or banana bread) and actually delivering it across the street now feels little bit rebellious (in the best way). Like, who even does that? (I’ll answer for you. You. You could do that. It would be so amazing if you did.)
Let me assure you, you don’t need a reason. You don’t need perfect cookies (don’t let Instagram fool you), or cute packaging, or a handwritten note, or any note at all. Just make a little extra. Drop it off. Say hi. It might be the only human interaction someone’s had all day. It might start a conversation. Or maybe not. But it will mean something, that much I know.
And maybe, in a world that leans so heavily into texts and takeout, this is how we hold onto that slow, soft, old-school kind of community (and connection) we’re all missing—one little plate of cookies at a time. I’m here for it.
So tell me, have you ever baked for a neighbor—or had someone bake for you? Would you? Should we bring this back? What do you think? You know I’m a definite yes. Bring. It. Back.
P.S. If you want to bake the cookies pictured, you can find the recipe here (they’re 12/10 delish!).
