The Story Behind The Pittsburgh Cookie Table Might Surprise You

Pittsburgh and traditions just go-hand-in hand. We wave the Terrible Towel to cheer the Steelers on. Spend summer evenings at church festivals. And, gather around the cookie table at wedding receptions. The Pittsburgh cookie table tradition, a long-treasured presence at wedding receptions, has now become popular at other social events hosted by Pittsburghers. But, do you know the story behind this long-held Pittsburgh tradition?

The Pittsburgh cookie table, a Southwestern Pennsylvania tradition, is said to have started during the Great Depression.

The decade long depression lasted from 1929 to 1939. Like others worldwide, Pittsburghers struggled to survive day-to-day with the lack of funds and food in the household.

Still, life went on. Couples married, often celebrating with a reception after the wedding ceremony.

However, many Pittsburghers simply could not afford a wedding cake for the reception. Sugar was one of the priciest edible goods, as was butter, both of which we all know you need a ton of to make a great cake!

Instead, as legend goes, the mother of the bride baked cookies for the guests. (It was, according to tradition, the bride's parents who were responsible for the cost of the wedding.)

Together with other female family members - grandmothers, aunts, and sisters - the mother of the bride would lovingly bake batches of different types of cookies for the wedding reception. With the duties of baking split up between family members, the cost of desserts was lowered and it allowed the guests to participate in helping to make the wedding an enjoyable affair.

The cookie table, tradition says, represents love. Each batch of cookies is made by the bride's loved ones. And, those same loved ones hope for long-lasting love between the bride and the groom.

By the time Pittsburgh recovered from the Great Depression, the cookie table had become a treasured tradition in both Pittsburgh and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

Today, the cookie table remains the centerpiece of any wedding reception that features a Pittsburgh bride or groom.

Isn’t the Pittsburgh cookie table’s history fascinating? What is your favorite memory of the Pittsburgh cookie table? Did you have a Pittsburgh cookie table wedding, and if so how did you style it? We are obsessed with this Pennsylvania tradition and would love to know more about how you partake it it!

Another fun Pennsylvania tradition to learn more about is the New Years day drops. Instead of a ball, cities all across the state drop different items that correlate to what their city or town is known for. Hershey drops a chocolate kiss, Mechanicsburg drops a wrench, and wouldn’t ya know it? Dillburg drops a dapper pickle!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Pennsylvania Sweets

Sara Dager | December 30, 2022

Which are the best bakeries in Pennsylvania for a delicious desert?

Ending a meal with a tasty treat is always in fashion. If you are looking for some some of the best bakeries in Pennsylvania to satisfy your sweet tooth, we recommend checking out:

Where are the best pie shops in Pennsylvania?

If you're looking for a scrumptious solo slice or a whole pie to bring home to the family, some of the best pie shops in Pennsylvania are:

Are there any interesting traditions Pennsylvanians have?

Pennsylvania is a state steeped in tradition, there are so many little rituals, new and old, silly and reverent, that really define the state. Some of the interesting traditions Pennsylvanians have include:

Eating pork and sauerkraut to ring in the New Year
Opening a fire hydrant to cool off on a hot day
Celebrating Groundhogs day with an actual groundhog

The Story Behind This Long Held Pittsburgh Tradition Might Just Surprise You

Beth Price-Williams

Author

Related Stories

Plan A Visit Now To The Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Display In Pittsburgh At Cranberry Heights

The 6 Very Best Places In Pittsburgh To Get Pumpkin Pie

The Best Donuts In The World Are Located At This Pittsburgh Bakery

Want more Pittsburgh in your inbox?

More to Explore

Pennsylvania Sweets

Related Articles