Cookie (song)

Background

NewJeans released "Cookie" as the final single from their debut EP, following the surprise release of "Attention" and "Hype Boy" in late July 2022. The song's music video accompanied the EP's launch on August 1. The group first performed "Cookie" on the music show M Countdown on August 4, and later included it in their sets at the 2022 Melon Music Awards and 2022 MAMA Awards.

The song received critical attention for its sound and lyrics. Joshua Minsoo Kim of Pitchfork called it the "most interesting selection" from the EP, describing it as "a weightless groove about courting a crush." Jon Caramanica of The New York Times ranked it number 11 on his list of the 22 best songs of 2022, praising its ease and the use of New Jersey club music. Han Seong-hyun of IZM defined it as a "small experiment for the next step" and commented positively on the "odd" lyrics and "kitschy" rhythm.

"Cookie" also drew backlash over allegations that its lyrics contained sexual innuendos inappropriate for a group whose members were all minors under South Korean law at the time of release. Critics pointed to lines such as "Looking at my cookie / Do you ever smell it different? (Taste it)" and noted that "cookie" can be slang for female genitalia. NewJeans' agency ADOR denied the allegations, stating the song was "intended for fans" and that they had consulted experts who agreed "cookie is not widely used sexual slang."