Passing Plate of Cookies

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

When passing a plate of cookies around, what is the proper etiquette? Should there be a utensil on the plate for picking up the cookie or are fingers okay to use? Also, I'm assuming it is proper etiquette to take only one cookie, is that correct?

Signed,

Curious

Dear Curious,

Among friends, it's fine to be informal and just use fingers to take a cookie from the plate. However, to be more formal, small tongs can be used to pick up the cookie. Yes, it's best to take only one cookie and then get seconds if there are any cookies left.