Cookie Lab

Send us Fan Mail Green Gold! Brown Butter Matcha Cookies & The Zen of Zen 🍵🍪 Prepare your palates for a sophisticated splash of color as the Cookie Lab goes green this week! We are diving headfirst into the world of Brown Butter Matcha Cookies, a bake that promises to balance deep, nutty richness with the vibrant, earthy notes of ceremonial grade green tea. We start by traveling back through the centuries to explore the fascinating history of matcha, tracing its origins from the powdered tea traditions of China’s Tang Dynasty to its spiritual home in Japan, where Zen Buddhist monks transformed the preparation of this "green gold" into a meditative art form. The laboratory gets technical as we break down the unique science of matcha production, specifically the labor-intensive "shading" process that occurs in the weeks before harvest. We explain how depriving the tea plants of sunlight forces them to overproduce chlorophyll and L-theanine, resulting in that electric green color and a unique amino acid profile that provides a "calm alertness" unlike any other caffeine source. The big question on everyone's mind, however, is the flavor profile: do these cookies actually taste like a serving of sautéed vegetables? We perform a rigorous live taste test to determine if the Maillard reaction from the toasted brown butter successfully tames the grassy notes of the tea, or if we have accidentally baked a tray of sweet broccoli. Tune in for an episode that is one part history lesson, one part chemistry class, and a hundred percent delicious as we find out if matcha truly belongs in the cookie jar! Recipe Link: https://erictriesit.com/brown-butter-matcha-cookies Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text The Philly Spud! Irish Potato Candies & Coconut Chemistry ☘️🍬 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Cookie Lab! This week, we are celebrating with a regional classic that is new to our hearts: Philadelphia Irish Potato Candies. Despite the name, Jill didn’t bring any actual vegetables into the kitchen this time; instead, she whipped up a batch of these iconic cinnamon & cocoa-dusted, coconut-cream delights that have been a Philly staple for over a century. We dive deep into the fascinating history of these treats, exploring how immigrants in Pennsylvania created a sweet tribute to their homeland that contains absolutely zero potato but looks remarkably like a tiny spud freshly pulled from the earth. The conversation then turns to the laboratory as we investigate the incredible science of coconut, our star ingredient. We break down the unique fatty acid profile of coconut, its role as a natural emulsifier, and how its high oil content provides that signature creamy texture that melts the moment it hits your tongue. Finally, the team sits down for a taste test to see if Jill’s homemade version tastes like a spud from the 215 area code. It is an episode overflowing with holiday spirit, botanical breakthroughs, and enough fun to make your eyes water, so grab a green drink and join us for this festive deep dive into one of America’s most unique regional sweets! Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text Season 5 Launch: Hamantaschen, Foraging, and Flour Science! 🍪🕍 Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of Cookie Lab! We are kicking off a brand-new season with a bang, and a very special guest is joining us from the heart of New York City: the incredibly talented Jacob Fertig. In a brilliant bit of baking alchemy, Jacob & his partner Hunter took our classic Conversation Heart cookie dough recipe and transformed it into stunning, triangular Hamantaschen. We spend the episode chatting with Jacob about the deep cultural history and legends surrounding Hamantaschen and why they remain such a beloved seasonal treat. Jacob also takes us into the wild as he describes foraging fruits to create artisanal jams that bring a fresh, sweet flavor to his bakes. To wrap it all up, we drop a major science bomb regarding the chemistry of gluten-free baking. We investigate exactly how cornstarch acts as a structural hero to "fix" gluten-free flours, providing the stability and bite that is so often missing in GF treats. It is an episode filled with historical insights, foraging adventures, and essential kitchen science that you won't want to miss as we begin our most exciting season yet! Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text The Briny Breakthrough: Pickle Cookies! 🥒🍪 Get ready for the most polarizing episode in Cookie Lab history as Jill takes a daring leap into the world of savory-sweet fusion with her brand-new Pickle Cookies. We kick things off by traveling back in time to explore the ancient history of pickles, tracing their journey from Mesopotamian preservation techniques to their status as a beloved global deli staple. After setting the historical stage, we dive into the fascinating science of pickling itself, discussing the role of anaerobic fermentation and how acetic acid transforms a humble cucumber into a crunchy masterpiece. Jill pulls back the curtain on her specific baking process, explaining how she managed to balance the vinegar tang and dill notes with a sweet, buttery cookie base to create something truly unexpected. We wrap the whole thing up with a live taste test where the team finally decides if these are a culinary triumph or a briny blunder that should stay in the jar. It is a jam-packed episode where we manage to cover history, chemistry, baking techniques, and a full taste test all in just eleven minutes of podcasting perfection! Tune in to see if these cookies are the real deal or if we have finally found a flavor that even we cannot handle. Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/PickleCookies Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text The Impossible Cookie? (Three-Ingredient PB Challenge) 🥜🥚 This week on Cookie Lab, we’re putting a minimalist miracle to the test. Can you really make a delicious cookie with just three items from your pantry? Chris is taking on the Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie—a recipe consisting of nothing but peanut butter, sugar, and a single egg. We sit down for a taste test to answer the question every baker has: does this actually work, or are we just eating warm, sweetened paste? Chris and Jill give their honest verdict on the texture, the "snap," and whether this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your emergency baking rotation. Join us as we investigate: The Science of the Missing Flour:protein chemistry of eggs and peanut butterThe Verdict:je ne sais quoiWhether you're looking for a quick gluten-free fix or you're just too tired to go to the grocery store, this episode is for you! Recipe Link: @groarkboysbbq Instagram Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text I Cannot Tell a Lie... These Cookies are Amazing! 🍒🇺🇸 Happy President's Day, bakers! This week on Cookie Lab, we’re celebrating with a treat that would make George Washington proud: Cherry Pie Cookies. Jill has masterfully combined the flaky, fruity goodness of a cherry pie into a portable, buttery cookie form. But this episode isn't just about the fruit; it’s about the truth! Join us as we explore: The Myth of the Cherry Tree:historyThe Science of the Snitch:science of lyingThe Dough Deception:Can Jill lie about her dough?Will Jill's cookies be a presidential success, or will the truth come out during the taste test? Tune in for the history, the science, and the most honest cookie review you've ever heard! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/cherrypielie Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send a text Sweet Talk! The Conversation Heart Valentine’s Cookie 💖🍪 Love is in the air (and the oven) this week at Cookie Lab! Chris is taking on a labor of love by recreating the iconic Conversation Heart Valentines Day Cookies, using a beautiful recipe from the one and only Sally’s Baking Addiction. These aren't just cookies; they are edible love letters! Chris and Jill sit down for the ultimate taste test, and the verdict is in: this has officially become Chris’s new favorite sugar cookie recipe. High praise in a lab full of cookies! Join us as we explore: The History of Sweet Talk:Conversation HeartsThe Science of Royal Icing:protein chemistry of egg whitesThe New Favorite:Whether you're celebrating with a sweetheart or just your oven, this episode is the perfect Valentine's treat! Recipe Credit: https://tinyurl.com/conversationheart Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Toffee Tension! The Levain Coffee Toffee Copycat 🍪☕️ This week on Cookie Lab, we are going big, bold, and incredibly crunchy! Chris is taking the lead with a recipe from the brilliant scientificallysweet.com to tackle a true titan of the cookie world: the Levain Copycat Coffee Toffee Cookie. We’re talking about those massive, mountain-like cookies that are famous for being crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside—but this time, infused with deep espresso notes and buttery toffee bits. Join us as we explore: The History of Toffee:The Science of the Snap:Hard Crack stageThe Big Taste Test:Grab your favorite cup of coffee and tune in for an episode that is equal parts educational, caffeinated, and delicious! Recipe Credit: https://tinyurl.com/coffeetoffee Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Cinnamon Roll Cookies & Super Bowl Fever! 🍪🏈 This week on Cookie Lab, we are riding the viral wave! Jill is stepping into the kitchen to recreate the TikTok sensation: Ann Michael Maye’s Cinnamon Roll Snickerdoodle Cookie. If you’ve seen these swirling masterpieces on your FYP, you know the stakes are high. Can we achieve that perfect gooey center and iconic spiral in cookie form? Join us as we explore: The Swirl of History:history of the cinnamon rollThe Spice of Life:science of cinnamoncinnamaldehydeTouchdown in the Lab:the Patriots are going to the Super Bowl!Will Jill’s cookies be a total touchdown, or will they fumble at the finish line? Tune in for the taste test, the science, and a healthy dose of New England pride! Cookie TikTok Link: https://tinyurl.com/Patriotcookie Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Torticas de Morón: Cuban Lime Shortbread & Secret Science! 🇨🇺💚 This week on Cookie Lab, we're taking a sunny trip to the Caribbean as Chris whips up a batch of Torticas de Morón! These classic Cuban shortbread cookies are delicate, buttery, and bursting with fresh lime flavor—the perfect bite of sunshine. Join us as we explore the charming history of this celebrated cookie, tracing its origins in Cuba and how it became a beloved national treat. Of course, the moment of truth is next: the taste test! We’ll see if Chris successfully captured that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and zingy citrus kick. Then, prepare for a fascinating science lesson that will make your head spin (in a good way): The secret life of Limes! We drop the biggest science bomb of the week by discussing apomixis—how certain limes can actually reproduce without fertilization. It's botany that sounds like pure science fiction! Tune in for the history, the taste, and the mind-blowing science of the world's most mysterious citrus fruit! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/cubanlime Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text The Arnold Palmer Cookie: A Tee-Time Treat! 🍋☕ This week on Cookie Lab, we’re swinging for the greens with a refreshing twist on a classic pairing: the Arnold Palmer Cookie! Inspired by the legendary "half-and-half" beverage, Jill is in the lab crafting a cookie that perfectly balances the zing of lemon with the earthy depth of black tea. Join us as we dive into: The Legend of the Drink:history of the Arnold PalmerThe Cookie Blueprint:The Science of the Steep:science of teaWill Jill's creation be a hole-in-one, or will it get stuck in the sand trap? Tune in for the history, the taste test, and all the "tea" on this unique bake! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/Arnoldcookie Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text The Busken Iced Tea Challenge: Cincinnati’s Finest! 🍋🍪 This week on Cookie Lab, we’re heading to the Queen City to tackle a regional legend: the Busken Bakery Iced Tea Cookie! Known for its unique citrusy snap and iconic icing, this cookie is a Cincinnati staple, and we’re determined to crack the code. The stakes are high this week as Chris brings an actual original Busken cookie all the way to the lab! We hold a high-pressure "Cookie Off" as Jill performs a side-by-side taste test, comparing the bakery's original to Chris’s meticulously crafted copycat recipe. Will the student surpass the master, or is there a secret ingredient we haven't found yet? We also dive into: A Sweet History:The Science of the Shine:science of corn syrupTune in to see if Chris’s copycat can stand up to the real deal, and learn how to bring a taste of Ohio into your own kitchen! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/buskencopycat Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text The NYC Legend: Culture Espresso Copycat Cookies! 🍪☕ This week on Cookie Lab, we are tackling a legendary recipe from one of the most iconic coffee shops in New York City: Culture Espresso! Known for having one of the best chocolate chip cookies in the world, we’re putting Jill’s copycat version to the ultimate test. Join us as Jill tells the story of her trek through the busy streets of Manhattan to find this award-winning shop and the moment she realized she had to recreate that magic in her own kitchen. We’ll be doing a live taste test of her homemade version to see if it captures that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a gooey, chocolate-heavy center. But the secret to this cookie isn't just the chocolate—it's the finish! We’re diving into the Science of Maldon Salt. We’ll explain: The Geometry of Flavor:The Clean Finish:Whether you're a New Yorker or just a cookie enthusiast, you won't want to miss this deep dive into a coffee shop classic! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/culutre-copycat Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Third Time's the Charm! The Ultimate GF Sugar Cookie 🍪✨ Is it possible? Have we finally found the "Holy Grail" of gluten-free baking? This week on Cookie Lab, we are tackling our third attempt at the classic Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie, and the results are... well, you'll have to hear the crunch for yourself! The game-changer this time? We swapped our old flour blends for our new favorite: Mightylicious Flour. Join us as we rave about the texture, the taste, and why this flour finally ended our streak of gritty disappointments. Spoiler alert: We might be in love. But we aren't just eating cookies; we're learning about them! The Sweet History:The Science of Snap:If you’ve been struggling with gluten-free baking, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/cookie-labrecipe Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Bakewell Bonanza! From Mistake to Masterpiece! 🍒🥧 Grab your tea and settle in! This week on Cookie Lab, we're taking a deliciously sweet trip to England to tackle the classic Bakewell Tart (or Bakewell, as it's affectionately known). The story of this iconic dessert is almost as sweet as the treat itself: we'll share the hilarious history that began as a simple culinary mistake at an English Inn—a mistake that thankfully resulted in one of the UK's most beloved bakes! We bring this historical treat into the Cookie Laboratory for our signature bake and taste test. And for the science! We dive deep into the role of eggs in emulsion, the critical chemical process that gives the Bakewell's gorgeous frangipane filling that perfect, rich, and stable texture. Learn how this delicate balance of fats and liquids makes the difference between a good bake and a truly delicious one! Tune in for the history, the taste, and the science of this accidental English masterpiece! Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Chocolate Tiffin: The British No-Bake Delight! 🇬🇧🍫 This week on Cookie Lab, we're taking another delicious trip across the pond to make the legendary British tray bake treat: the Chocolate Tiffin! This no-bake wonder is packed with chocolate, biscuit pieces, and delicious mix-ins, making it the perfect quick fix for any sweet craving. Join us as we discuss the charming history of the Tiffin, how it became a teatime staple, and what makes it different from other tray bakes. Of course, we perform the essential taste test to see if this dense, rich, and ridiculously easy dessert lives up to its hype. We also dive into the fascinating science of dried cherries! We explore the process of dehydration, what happens to the fruit's sugars and acids, and why they maintain that perfect chewiness and burst of flavor when incorporated into a rich chocolate base. Grab a cuppa and tune in for all the history, taste, and science behind this delightful English treat! Recipe Link: https://scottishscran.com/chocolate-tiffin-recipe/ Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text The Haunted Hobnob: Prue Leith's Spooky Treat! 👻🍪 Happy Halloween, bakers! This week, Chris is in the lab putting a seasonal, brown-and-orange spin on The Great British Bake Off icon: Prue Leith's Chocolate Caramel Hobnobs! Forget your flimsy wafer cookies; these are crunchy, caramel-filled masterpieces perfect for your adult trick-or-treating party (or just hiding in the pantry). We’re not just baking, we’re learning! Biscuit Breakdown:history of the HobnobThe Horror of Seizing:seizing white chocolatescienceTune in to discover if Chris's seasonal color swap is a delicious disaster or a perfectly engineered treat! Cookie Lab Master Gluten-Free Cookie Dough - 226g unsalted butter, softened - 200g granulated sugar - 220g light brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs (room temp) - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 420g gluten-free flour blend - 1 tsp cornstarch - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp salt Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Peanut Butter Panic! (The Non-Newtonian Cookie) 🥜🔬 The Master Cookie Dough is back, baby, and this week Chris takes the helm to prove its versatility! With just one small, top-secret tweak, Chris transforms our perfect base into the chewy, craveable classic: Peanut Butter Cookies! But we aren't stopping at the cross-hatch pattern. We’re diving deep into the history of how this nutty treat became America's favorite, from its early, dense origins to the creamy delight we know today. Then, things get wonderfully weird with the science of peanut butter! Prepare to have your mind spread wide open as we explain why peanut butter is actually a non-Newtonian fluid. That's right—it acts like a solid one moment and a gooey liquid the next. It’s chemistry you can eat! Listen now to grab Chris’s Master Dough modification, and learn the bizarre science of the paste you spread every morning! Cookie Lab Master Gluten-Free Cookie Dough - 226g unsalted butter, softened - 200g granulated sugar - 220g light brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs (room temp) - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 420g gluten-free flour blend - 1 tsp cornstarch - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp salt Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Breaking Down the Butterfinger Cookie! 🍫🥜 This week on Cookie Lab, prepare for a satisfyingly messy episode! We're celebrating that perfectly flaky, impossibly crunchy, and peanut-buttery treat by turning it into a spectacular cookie: the Butterfinger Cookie! Join Jill in the lab as we reveal the recipe for incorporating the shattered pieces of gold into a chewy base. We're going beyond the bake to explore the delicious secrets of the original candy bar: The History:The Science:The Sweet Bonus:Gluten-FreeTune in to find out if this cookie lives up to the buttery, peanut-filled legacy! Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com

Send us a text Red Velvet Masterpiece! (The Master Dough Strikes Back) 👑❤️ Last week, we forged the legendary Master Cookie Dough (listen to Cookie #191 for the recipe in the show notes)f. This week on Cookie Lab, we're giving that perfect recipe its first major upgrade! We are taking the Master Dough and tweaking its powerful formula to create a stunning, decadent, and deep red treat: Red Velvet Cookies stuffed with Cream Cheese Frosting! You’ll hear exactly what adjustments we made to achieve that classic soft texture and rich flavor. Then, prepare for some delicious chemistry as we dive into the science of red food coloring. We uncover the history of that iconic crimson hue and break down what makes red velvet, well, velvet. Is this truly the best cookie we have ever created? Is it possible for a cookie to contain this much awesome? Tune in or watch us on YouTube, and find out if this Red Velvet creation deserves the Master title! Click here to shop at the Cookie Lab Store Join our FB Group for free access to the Cookie Recipe! https://www.facebook.com/groups/429934808628615 Follow us on TikTok to see how we make the cookies write to us at cookielabpod@gmail.com