Berger Cookies! Just the name brings a smile to any Baltimore native. These iconic treats are known for their insanely rich, fudgy chocolate topping generously layered on a barely-there, buttery shortbread base. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true! And the best part? You don’t have to travel all the way to Charm City to experience this delight. Today, I’m going to walk you through How To Make Berger Cookies right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these classic cookies that are surprisingly simple to make.
Unveiling the Secret: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Gathering Your Baking Arsenal: Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
The Berger Cookie Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Shortbread Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
2. Baking the Shortbread Base:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be quite pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets. This is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting!
3. Creating the Legendary Fudge Frosting:
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and glossy.
- “If your frosting seems too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency,” advises pastry chef, Emily Carter.
4. The Grand Finale: Frosting the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting over each cookie, letting it reach the edges. You want that iconic thick layer of fudge!
- Let the frosting set completely before serving. This usually takes about an hour at room temperature.
Berger Cookie Frosted
Berger Cookie FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you technically can, using unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe.
Q: My frosting is too runny. What can I do?
A: Add a tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar at a time to your frosting and mix well. Repeat until you achieve the desired thickness.
Q: How do I store Berger Cookies?
A: Store your Berger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Berger Cookies Platter
A Bite of Baltimore in Every Cookie
There you have it! Your journey to recreate the magic of Berger Cookies at home is complete. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and undeniably delicious outcome, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, channel your inner baker, and experience the joy of biting into a piece of Baltimore’s sweet history. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us in the comments below! Happy baking!
