Names for things...

[Jute]

Since we have people here from various parts of the world... I just happened to think that a biscuit here isn't the same item as a biscuit in Great Britain.

So my understanding is that a biscuit there is a cookie here. Is that correct?

And what do you guys in other parts of the world call what we call a biscuit?

[Seawood]

Heh, yes! Although it's becoming more usual to see all sorts of words used for the same things now.

Biscuits to me (UK) are sweet, hard and crunchy and you dunk them in your coffee. They can be anything from chocolate to oatmeal to cream-filled, like custard creams. Digestives, hobnobs, ginger snaps, that sort of thing. Digestives are what we'd use for cheesecake base whereas I think you'd use Graham crackers? They are similar afaik. Oreos are similar to custard creams & bourbons, though Oreos are often called cookies here because they're an import.

Cookies usually stay softer and can be somewhat gooey; there is a fashion for large (palm-sized) cookies but you can also get smaller ones in packets (which are harder and crumblier due to the preservatives, I suppose). Usually have choc chips or other inclusions.

US/Canadian pancakes are what we'd call "drop scones" (which are nothing like scones, small fruity cake things you have with jam & cream & tea). Our pancakes are more like French crepes though a little thicker and usually without that delicate lacy pattern.

Don't ask about Jaffa Cakes. You'll start WW3. :D

[Jute]

We have two main kinds of biscuits... One is rolled out and cut out of the dough. That kind is usually made with flour, some kind of fat, water, leavening of some sort and a bit of salt. These aren't sweet (though you can make a version that is sweeter for use with fruit like strawberries.) The second kind, what we call drop biscuits are not rolled out but the dough is scooped out and dropped onto the pan before baking.

I've always wanted to try a real British scone recipe. I love making my version of scones but I have no idea if it's even close to the British version.

[Seawood]

:) I'll dig out my mum's scone recipe for you later - they are lovely, way better than anything bought. For the full experience you want real butter, a good sharp strawberry or raspberry jam, and cream - clotted is preferable; Jersey cream the ultimate.

Interesting differences...I'd guess pretty much everything we call biscuit counts as cookies to you because it's sweet. I'd like to try out your kind of biscuits to go with a savoury meal, though!