
From Chicago’s Palmer House To Your Table: The Love Affair Of A Chocolate Delight
I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but when the need to feed the sweet kicks in, my favorite go-to, and of course it needs to be available to my hands and mouth are either Oreo Cookies or Brownies. Looking back, my mother always made the best brownies, but in a pinch, a Little Debbie Brownie will do.
With all that being said, the birthplace of the beloved brownie, the rich and fudgy dessert adored worldwide, is often attributed to Chicago, Illinois, at the Palmer House Hotel. This delightful confection was created in the late 19th century, specifically in 1893, during the World’s Columbian Exposition, a grand fair celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
CHICAGO IS THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE BROWNIE
Bertha Palmer, the wife of the hotel’s owner, was tasked with creating a dessert that would be portable, satisfying, and suitable for ladies attending the fair. She requested something smaller than a slice of cake, but just as decadent. The result was a dense, chocolatey square, featuring nuts and apricot glaze, which is still served at the Palmer House Hotel today in its original form.
What makes this story particularly interesting is the uniqueness of the brownie during that time. Cakes and pastries were already popular, but a hybrid dessert like the brownie—a cross between a cake and a cookie—was revolutionary. The precise mix of ingredients allowed for a dessert that was firm enough to hold its shape, but moist and rich in flavor, offering a new experience to dessert lovers.
THE STATE DESERT IS PUMPKIN PIE, IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED TO THE BROWNIE.
Over time, the brownie’s popularity spread across the U.S., with various regional adaptations adding their twists—some more fudgy, others more cake-like. Today, brownies are a global favorite, baked with endless variations, from adding caramel swirls to mixing in marshmallows or peanut butter.
DO PEOPLE SEND OUT HALLOWEEN AND THANKSGIVING CARDS?

The Palmer House Hotel remains a cherished landmark in Chicago not only for its history but also for being the birthplace of a dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions around the world.
20 Outdoor Dining Options in Northern Illinois
More From 97 ZOK






