A Suitcase of Kindness and the Great Guam Cookie Mystery

During my book tour of Guam in April, I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the community. I visited twenty schools, and at every single one, I was presented with a bag of thoughtful gifts. The kindness was so abundant that I had to buy an extra suitcase just to get everything home! These gifts included books, jewelry, leis, and lots and lots of food.

A common and delicious item in these gift bags was cookies. There were cookies with coconut, chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts. While all were delicious, I noticed one thing they all had in store: they were bursting with flavor, but all of them were remarkably small. This observation sent me on a quest to understand these tiny treats.

The Traditional Treat: Guyuria

One of Guam’s most famous traditional cookies is the Chamorro cookie, or Guyuria. These are famous for their diminutive size and distinctly hard, rock-like texture. I agree, they are rather hard!

Their small size comes directly from the traditional way they are made. The dough, made from flour and coconut milk, is formed into a large mound, from which small pieces are pinched off. These little dough balls are then fried and coated in a sugar glaze, which gives them their signature crunch.

A Modern Favorite: Chamorro Chip Cookies

I also encountered a second, more modern version of the Chamorro cookie. These were also very small, but instead of being hard, they were crispy, light, and packed with intense flavor. This dough includes sugar, eggs, and baking soda, creating a much less rock-like texture. These often come loaded with macadamia nuts and chocolate chips.

These tasty cookies are available in large, shareable bags and smaller, single-serving bags. One school even gave me a beautiful, decorative wreath made from single-serving bags festooned with ribbon. The small bags are a “safer” option, because these bite-sized treats are so delicious and easy to eat, it’s hard to stop!

Sharing a Taste of the Island

I’ve since learned that these cookies are one of the most requested souvenirs from Guam, sought after by tourists and former residents alike. I can certainly understand why! Since returning home, I’ve shared these wonderful cookies with my own friends and colleagues. In doing so, I felt I was fulfilling the wish of my generous hosts—to share a little bit of Guam with my world.

Sharing these cookies was a wonderful way to share a piece of Guam with my world. Now, I’m thrilled to share another story from the islands, this time on the big screen! My beloved character, Curtis the Curly-tail, is starring in his very own animated short film, and you can see the adventure begin. Watch the trailer for Curtis Curly-tail: A Road Trip on Indiegogo!