Cookies, cookies, cookies. One of the most iconic desserts ever, and they are sold in our very own cafeteria. However, over time, Cafeteria Cookies have decreased substantially in size to just 50% of what they used to be. This decrease has everyone asking the same question: why?

After conducting research, it has been discovered that the cookies, which used to follow a diameter of 2.5 inches, now follow a disappointing structure with a diameter of 1.5 inches. The new cookie seems to be just about ½ the size of the original. I sought to gather students’ opinions on the issue.

“I am an avid cookie lover, and to pay the same price for half of the cookie is unjust in my eyes,” Akhil Mehra (’26) said. “The cookie’s price should be reduced or the size restored.”

Recognizing the downward trend of the cookies thus far, it is important to seek the true reason for this event, and the most likely cause is an economic one. Cafeteria cookies are made using butter, sugar, eggs, flour, chocolate chips, baking powder, vanilla extract, baking soda and salt. While the price of most of these ingredients has stayed relatively constant, the price of butter, eggs, and vanilla extract have all shown substantial inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index. Presumably, the increased prices left the cafeteria with no choice but to reduce the size of the cookies in order to continue fulfilling student demand.

“It is understandable, yes, and the inflation of these goods is not to blame for anyone from Madison, but it is still disappointing and I hope to see this trend reverse itself in the future,” Uday Sidhu (’26) said.

In essence, the catastrophic trend of smaller cookies can be traced back to the rising prices of baking commodities. While disappointing, it is important to remember this trend is through no fault of any of our own staff, and that small cookies are better than no cookies. In addition, the cafeteria staff has revitalized their menu with many unique and tasty items to pacify us for the time being. With high hopes, I, as well as all other students, pray for the return of Big Cookie.