<P> The song usually begins with the group leader asking who stole a cookie from an imaginary (or sometimes real) cookie jar, followed by the name of one of the children in the circle . The child questions the "accusation," answered by an affirmation from the "accuser," followed by continued denial from the "accused ." The accuser asks who stole the cookie, followed by the accused's saying the name of another child in the circle . The call - and - answer is potentially infinitely recursive, limited only by the number of participants or the amount of time the participants wish to spend on it . </P> <P> Sometimes, a clapping or snapping beat is used by the children in the circle . Sometimes, the other children in the group sing along with the "accuser" after the "accused" has been identified . Some variations on the theme include the use by teachers of the song as a lesson in keeping with a beat and improvisation . As with many children's songs, there can be many variations on the execution of the performance . </P> <P> The song's lyrics are usually: </P> <Dl> <Dd> Accuser: Who stole / took the cookie / cookies from the cookie jar? </Dd> <Dd> (name of a child in the circle) stole / took the cookie / cookies from the cookie jar . </Dd> <Dd> Accused: Who, me? </Dd> <Dd> Accuser / Group: Yes, you! / Yeah, you! </Dd> <Dd> Accused: Not I! / Couldn't be! / Not me! / Wasn't me! </Dd> <Dd> Accuser / Group: Then who? </Dd> </Dl>

Who ate the cookie in the cookie jar