Baking your own Pepperidge Farm cookies takes that joy to a whole new level. It’s an experience filled with wholesome ingredients, cherished family moments, and a sprinkle of creativity.
Table of Contents
How to make Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Pepperidge Farm Cookies are a premium line of American baked treats made by Pepperidge Farm, a bakery brand founded in 1937 by Margaret Rudkin in Connecticut.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll teaspoon-sized pieces of dough into small oval shapes and place them on the sheet, leaving some space between cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden. Let them cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Make the Chocolate Filling:
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and immediately pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly.
Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of the chocolate filling onto the flat side of a cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
Tips for Milano Cookies
- To achieve Milano’s signature crisp texture, make sure the butter is well softened before making the batter.
- Don’t overfill the cookies with chocolate—you want the filling to stay inside when you bite into them.
What to serve with
Pepperidge Farm cookies are more than just a snack—they’re a versatile indulgence that can be perfectly paired with a variety of drinks, desserts, and even savory items to create a delightful experience.
Tea
- Milano Cookies: Pair with Earl Grey or Chamomile tea. The light vanilla and citrus notes in Earl Grey complement the chocolate filling perfectly.
- Chessmen Cookies: Serve with black tea or spiced chai. The buttery flavor balances the boldness of these teas.
- Bordeaux Cookies: Enjoy these caramelized beauties with a cup of green tea for a nice contrast of flavors.
Coffee
- A strong espresso or cappuccino is an excellent pairing for cookies like Brussels or Geneva, as the bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the Pepperidge Farm Cookies.
- A flavored latte, such as vanilla or caramel, enhances the buttery notes of cookies like Chessmen or Tahoe.
Hot Chocolate
- For holiday vibes or a winter treat, serve Milano Double Chocolate Cookies with a rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. The double hit of chocolate will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating Pepperidge Farm cookies at home can be incredibly rewarding, but sometimes you may not have all the necessary ingredients on hand, or you may need to make adjustments based on dietary preferences, allergies, or flavor preferences. Here’s a detailed guide on the best ingredient substitutes to ensure your cookies still turn out delicious.
1. Butter Substitutes
Butter is a key ingredient in most cookies, especially the buttery varieties like Chessmen, but it can be substituted if you’re dairy-free, vegan, or looking to switch it up.
Options:
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: Use plant-based butter to keep the same texture and flavor. Opt for unsalted versions if the recipe calls for unsalted butter.
- Coconut Oil: Use solidified coconut oil as a 1:1 substitute. This works well in cases where slight coconut notes can enhance the flavor.
- Shortening: Gives a similar texture to butter, though keep in mind that it lacks the rich flavor of real butter.
- Applesauce or Yogurt (Partial Substitution): Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version. This works well in sturdier cookies like Milano.
2. All-Purpose Flour Substitutes
If you don’t have all-purpose flour or need a gluten-free option, alternatives are available without compromising the structure of the cookies.
Options:
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that already contains xanthan gum or a binding agent.
- Almond Flour: Great for adding a nutty flavor, but it may alter the cookie’s texture and structure. Combine with a binding agent like xanthan gum for stability.
- Oat Flour: Can be used in softer cookies like chocolate chip varieties but may result in a chewier texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a slightly nuttier flavor and works best when substituting only 50% of the original flour to avoid dense cookies.
3. Sugar Substitutes
Sugar is essential for sweetness, but different sugars also affect the texture and color of cookies. If you want to adjust sweetness, explore these substitutes:
Options for Granulated Sugar:
- Coconut Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor, making it perfect for cookies like Bordeaux or Chessmen.
- Brown Sugar: Creates a chewier texture and adds moisture, giving cookies a caramelized taste.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with liquid sweeteners, but reduce other liquid ingredients slightly to balance the dough.
Options for Powdered Sugar (in Frosting or Chocolate Fillings):
- Blended Coconut Sugar: Pulverize until fine to create a powdered-texture alternative.
- Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Best for those who need sugar-free alternatives. Use brands marketed as powdered sugar replacements.
4. Chocolate Substitutes
Chocolate is a star ingredient in cookies like Milano and Brussels, but other options can work for flavor variety, dietary needs, or creativity.
Options:
- Carob Chips: Dairy-free and caffeine-free, these are a great substitute for chocolate chips.
- Dark Chocolate or Cacao Nibs: Upgrade the chocolate flavor with intense dark chocolate or cacao nibs for a healthier and slightly bitter variation.
- Nutella or Other Chocolate Spreads: If you don’t have chocolate chips, use chocolate spreads as a filling in sandwich cookies like Milano!
- White Chocolate or Butterscotch Chips: These are great for creating new flavor variations, particularly in cookies like Tahoe (Macadamia Nut).
5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Vanilla extract adds sweetness and depth to many cookie recipes, but substitutions are possible.
Options:
- Almond Extract (Use Sparingly): A small amount goes a long way, adding a nutty and sweet flavor. It works well in Chessmen or Bordeaux cookies.
- Maple Syrup: Adds some warmth and a slight earthy note. Works well in cookies with nuts or cinnamon flavors.
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Powder: These are ideal when you want a more concentrated vanilla flavor.
6. Egg Substitutes
Eggs are critical for binding in most cookie recipes, but there are plenty of substitutes for vegans or those with allergies.
Options:
- Flaxseed Meal: Combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water to replace 1 egg. This works well for cookies like Chessmen.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of applesauce to replace one egg. Best for softer, chewy cookies.
- Mashed Banana: Replace one egg with ¼ cup mashed banana. This works well in cookies with complementary flavors, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal.
- Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid in canned chickpeas) to replace 1 egg. Ideal for lighter, crisp cookies like Milano.
7. Dairy-Free Alternatives
Several Pepperidge Farm cookie recipes call for milk, cream, or butter, but substitutes can keep your cookies friendly for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
Milk Substitutes:
- Almond Milk: Works great as a substitute for whole milk and has a neutral flavor.
- Oat Milk: Creamier than almond milk, making it a good choice for recipes that need added richness.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a hint of tropical flavor and richness. This works well in ganaches for cookies like Milano Double Chocolate!
Heavy Cream Substitutes:
- Coconut Cream: Use the solid portion from a can of coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream in fillings or frostings.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a rich and creamy substitute.
8. Nut Allergy Substitutes
Pepperidge Farm cookies like Tahoe Macadamia Nut might involve nuts, but here are ways to adjust.
Options:
- Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds: Toasted seeds can replicate the texture of macadamia nuts.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and flavor without using nuts.
- Oats or Crisped Rice: These can replicate the crunchiness of nuts without the allergen risk.
Final Thoughts
Pepperidge Farm cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways.
More Cookies Recipes:
- Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies Recipe
- Oreo Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll teaspoon-sized pieces of dough into small oval shapes and place them on the sheet, leaving some space between cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden. Let them cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Make the Chocolate Filling:
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and immediately pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly.
Assemble
- Spread a thin layer of the chocolate filling onto the flat side of a cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
