Cookie Lab

40 Episodes
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By: Chris Whitbeck & Jill Maxwell

The Cookie Lab is a podcast for everyone who loves cookies! The hosts, Chris & Jill, are cookie enthusiasts who want to share their love of cookies with the world.

Cookie Lab Cookie #173 Soft & Chewy Vanilla Cookies
#16
Last Tuesday at 5:00 PM

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Vanilla Velocity! (Soft & Chewy Cookies in Under 20!) 🍪💨

This week on Cookie Lab, Chris & Jill are on a mission: Can we achieve peak cookie deliciousness in record time? We're tackling the Soft & Chewy Vanilla Cookie, aiming for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, all in under 20 minutes!

But hold on, this isn't just about speed. We're also diving deep into the fascinating world of vanilla. Forget everything you think you know about this flavor superstar! We'll uncover the surprising history of vanilla, from ancient civilizations to modern-day extraction. And prepare for so...


Cookie Lab Cookie #172 Swedish Princess Cookies
#15
04/22/2025

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Royal Inspiration: From Brooklyn Furniture to Swedish Princess Cookies! 

This week on Cookie Lab, prepare for a tale of transatlantic inspiration and delicious ingenuity! Chris stumbled upon the muse for this week's bake in the most unexpected of places: a Brooklyn furniture store with a surprisingly tempting cafe! There, he encountered a cookie that whispered of the legendary Swedish Princess Cake, and a culinary quest was born.

Unable to find a recipe fit for royalty (or at least, fit for Jill's discerning palate!), Chris took matters into h...


Cookie Lab Cookie #171 Peanut Butter Miso Cookies
#14
04/14/2025

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Miso Magic: Peanut Butter Goes Zen! 🥜🍪

Prepare for a flavor adventure, Cookie Lab listeners! This week, we're taking your taste buds on a wild ride with…Peanut Butter Miso Cookies! Yes, you read that right. We're blending the salty, umami goodness of miso with the classic comfort of peanut butter, and the results are surprisingly divine.

But we're not just throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best. Jill's here to give us a deep dive into the fascinating history of miso, from its ancient origins to its mode...


Cookie Lab Cookie #170 Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
#13
04/07/2025

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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Chaos! (And Cookies!) 🍪🔥

Hold onto your spatulas, folks, because this week on Cookie Lab, Chirs & Jill are taking a leap of faith into the wild world of…air fryer cookies! That's right, we're attempting to recreate our beloved NYT Chocolate Chip Cookie in the mighty air fryer. Will it be a crispy, chewy triumph? Or a crumbly catastrophe?

We're not just throwing dough into a hot box and hoping for the best, though. We're also diving into the surprisingly fascinating history and science of air f...


Cookie Lab Cookie #169 April Fools Cookies
#12
03/31/2025

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April Fools' Cookies: A Colorful Conspiracy! 🍪🌈

Get ready to prank your taste buds! This week on Cookie Lab, we're celebrating April Fools' Day with a cookie recipe that's a delightful deception. On the outside, they look like your average, innocent cookie. But bite into one, and BAM! A burst of unexpected, vibrant color awaits!

We're not just revealing the recipe, though. We're also diving into the surprisingly fascinating history of our secret ingredient—the one that makes these cookies so shockingly colorful. Plus, we're getting our lab coats on...


Cookie Lab Cookie #168 March madness Cookie Bracket Feat. WNP
#11
03/24/2025

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March Madness: Cookie Edition! 🏀🍪

It's a crossover event of epic proportions! This week, Cookie Lab and The Wednesday Night Podcast are teaming up for a sugary showdown that's sure to make your taste buds cheer. Forget basketball, we're talking a Store-Bought Cookie Bracket!

We've pitted the titans of the cookie aisle against each other in a head-to-head battle for ultimate cookie supremacy. Who will emerge victorious? Oreos? Chips Ahoy? A dark horse contender? Tune in as we taste test, debate, and strategize our way through the bracket, all wh...


Cookie Lab Cookie #167 Ukranian Khrustyky (Ukrainian Fried Cookies)
#10
03/17/2025

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Khrustyky Craze! Fried Fun & Ukrainian Flair!

Get ready to crunch, munch, and maybe even do a little dance! This week on Cookie Lab, we're taking a delicious trip to Ukraine with Khrustyky, those irresistible fried cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!

We'll explore the fascinating history of these crispy delights, their cultural significance, and maybe even uncover some family secrets. But that's not all! We're also getting down to the nitty-gritty of deep-frying science. What makes these cookies so perfectly golden...


Cookie Lab Cookie #166 Maple Pecan Whoopie Pies
#9
03/11/2025

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Whoopie! It's a Maple Pecan Showdown!

Get ready for a sweet and sticky adventure, cookie lovers! This week on Cookie Lab, Chiras & Jill are diving into the delightful world of Maple Pecan Whoopie Pies. Think fluffy, maple-infused soft cookies sandwiching a creamy pecan filling – pure comfort food bliss!

But it's not just about the deliciousness! We're also getting down to the nitty-gritty of Whoopie Pie history, exploring the age-old debate between Maine and Pennsylvania. Which state truly birthed this iconic treat? Prepare for a pastry-fueled rivalry!

...


Cookie Lab Cookie #165 Heyday Caramel Peanut Logs
#8
03/04/2025

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Heyday Peanut Logs Take Center Stage!

Get ready to crunch and munch! This week on Cookie Lab, Chris and Jill enter the delightful world of Heyday Caramel Peanut Logs. Think sweet, think crunchy, think wafer perfection! We're baking, tasting, and dissecting these irresistible chocolate-dipped treats, and let's just say, things are about to get seriously delicious.

But we're not just here for the taste test! We're also digging into the fascinating history of these log-shaped wonders. Plus, we're pulling back the curtain on the science of wafer...


Cookie Lab Cookie #164 Hot Cocoa Cookies with Toasted Marshmallows
#7
02/24/2025

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This week on Cookie Lab, we're bringing the warmth with our Hot Cocoa Cookies with Toasted Marshmallows! Imagine a rich, chocolatey cookie base infused with the comforting flavors of hot cocoa, topped with gooey, toasted marshmallows. We'll be baking and tasting these winter delights, guaranteed to warm your soul.

But we're not just about the deliciousness! We're also diving into the fascinating history of hot cocoa powder mix, tracing its origins and evolution. Plus, we'll unravel the science behind powdered milk production, exploring how this key ingredient transforms into a pantry...


Cookie Lab Cookie #163 French Palmier Cookies
#6
02/17/2025

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Flaky, Feathery, and French: The Science of Palmier Cookies

This week on Cookie Lab, we're traveling to France with the elegant and enchanting Palmier cookie! We'll bake these delicate pastries, explore their flaky layers, and learn the science behind their unique shape and texture.

Get ready to discover the secrets of gluten-free puff pastry, learn about the magic math of butter folding, and indulge in the pure joy of a perfectly baked Palmier.

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Cookie Lab Cookie #162 Black Bottom Brownie Cookies
#5
02/11/2025

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This week on Cookie Lab, we're diving deep into the decadent world of Black Bottom Brownie Cookies! We'll be baking these rich and fudgy treats, featuring a creamy layer of cream cheese and chocolate swirled throughout.

But that's not all! We'll tackle some burning questions: What's the difference between semi-sweet, bittersweet, and dark chocolate? And when do you think the first Black Bottom Brownie recipe graced the pages of a cookbook? (Hint: it couldn't have happened before the invention of cream cheese!)

Get ready for a chocolatey adventure filled...


Cookie Lab Cookie #161 Tic Tac Toe Cookies
#4
02/04/2025

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This week on Cookie Lab, we're getting playful with our baking! We're whipping up a batch of Tic Tac Toe Cookies, a fun peanut butter treat perfect for any occasion. It sports the classic peanut butter cross hatch, which is indicative of its name. Of course, we'll taste-test our delicious creations - but what's that strange taste???

Yes, there's more! In a surprising twist, we'll detour into the fascinating ketchup world. We'll explore the rich history of this tangy condiment, from its humble beginnings to its reign...


Cookie Lab Cookie #160 Frozen Golden Oreo Tiramisu
#3
01/27/2025

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Oreo Overload: A Frozen Tiramisu Treat!

Buckle up, cookie lovers, because this week's Cookie Lab is a whirlwind of flavor, history, and science—all packed into a tight 27 minutes! We're diving headfirst into a frozen fantasy: Frozen Golden Oreo Tiramisu!

Get ready for layers of creamy mascarpone, crunchy Golden Oreos, and a hint of coffee—a perfect dessert for any occasion (or just a Monday night). But that's not all! We're also uncovering the WILD history of the Oreo cookie. Trust us, this story has it a...


Cookie Lab Cookie #159 Two First Lady Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes!
#2
01/22/2025

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For Inauguration Day, we held our own very important election…the Presidential Cookie Poll! 🍪🗳️ 

This week on Cookie Lab, Jill's channeling her inner First Lady and baking up two delicious contenders: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with recipes from Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton. Chris has the tough job of deciding which cookie reigns supreme. Will it be a landslide victory or a close race? Tune in to find out who takes the Cookie White House! 

#CookieLab #PresidentialCookies #CookiePoll #InaugurationDay #OatmealChocolateChip #Baking #Foodie #Dessert #CookieElection

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Cookie Lab Cookie #158 Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookies
#1
01/14/2025

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Double Fudge Irish Cream Dreams (and Science!)

Calling all cookie lovers with a touch of the Irish in them! ☘️ This week, on the first episode of the Season of Cookie Lab, Chris & Jill make a decadent treat: the Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookie, inspired by the amazing recipe from howsweeteats.com.

Get ready to sink your teeth into a rich, fudgy cookie infused with the smooth, creamy flavor of Bailey's Irish Cream. But we're not just here for the deliciousness (although, let's be honest, that's a big part of it...


Cookie Lab Cookie #157 Kourabiedes - Greek Christmas Cookies
#52
01/06/2025

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A Greek Christmas Delight: Kourabiedes

This week on Cookie Lab, Chris & Jill take a virtual trip to Greece to explore a beloved Christmas tradition: Kourabiedes! These delicate melt-in-your-mouth cookies, generously coated in powdered sugar, are a staple of Greek holiday celebrations.

We'll delve into the rich history of Kourabiedes, tracing their origins and exploring their cultural significance. But that's not all! We'll also investigate the science behind one of their key ingredients: sheep's milk butter. We'll explore how its unique composition contributes to the distinctive health benefits...


Cookie Lab Cookie #156 Champagne Cookies
#51
12/31/2024

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Happy New Year from Cookie Lab! 🎉🍪 We're ringing out  2024 with a bang (or should we say a pop!) with our special Champagne Cookie episode! We're baking up some bubbly treats, exploring the history of champagne (because every good party needs a backstory), and uncovering the science behind those delightful bubbles. Join us for a sweet start to the new year! 

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Cookie Lab Cookie #155 Special Guest Katherine Sprung - Kolakakor
#50
12/23/2024

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A Swedish Cookie Holiday Celebration with Katherine Sprung!

Get ready for a sweet Swedish coffee break and a Warm holiday celebration!! This week on Cookie Lab, we're beyond excited to welcome the incredibly talented Katherine Sprung, Food Network Chopped Sweets champion and founder of Squish Marshmallows (and now host of the multimedia podcast and YouTube channel Sprung on Food!).

We're diving into the delicious world of Kolakakor, Swedish caramel cookies, with not one, not two, but three different versions of Katherine's recipe! We'll taste-test each variation, compare...


Cookie Lab Cookie # 154 -Special Guest Hetal Vasavada - Indian Nankhatai
#49
12/16/2024

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Get ready for a genuinely international baking adventure! This week, Chris & Jill are thrilled to welcome Hetal Vasavada, a renowned cookbook author, MasterChef participant, and a passionate supporter of Cookies for Kids' Cancer.

Hetal will share her inspiring culinary journey and discuss her collaboration with Challenge Butter. We'll also dive into the world of Indian baking with a delicious recipe for Nankhatai, a traditional cookie made with ghee. We'll explore the history of Nankhatai and the science behind ghee, clarified butter that adds a unique flavor and texture to these cookies.<...


Cookie Lab Cookie # 153 Millionaire Shortbread
#48
12/09/2024

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Millionaire Shortbread: A Decadent Delight

Get ready to indulge in a truly decadent treat! This week on Cookie Lab, we're investing in Millionaire Shortbread. We'll explore the rich history of this classic British dessert, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day popularity.

We'll also uncover the science behind the creamy caramel layer. And, of course, we'll bake and taste these delicious treats to share our insights and tips.

So, grab a spot of tea and join us for a sweet and informative episode.

...


Cookie Lab Cookie #152 Five Spice Cookies With Candied Oranges
#47
12/02/2024

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A Spicy Surprise: Five Spice Cookies with Candied Oranges

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This week on Cookie Lab, we're baking up a batch of exotic and delicious Five Spice Cookies with Candied Oranges. Join Chris & Jill as we enjoy the rich history of the five-spice blend, exploring its origins and cultural significance.

Then, we'll uncover the science behind candying oranges, a process that transforms fresh citrus into sweet, chewy treats. Of course, we'll be tasting these incredible cookies and sharing our thoughts on their unique...


Cookie Lab Cookie #151 Forgotten Cookies
#46
11/25/2024

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This week, we're remembering the Forgotten Cookie! These magical meringue treats have a mysterious history, a unique baking style, and a delicious taste. We'll explore the origins of their name and uncover the science behind their light and airy texture.

Join us as we bake up a batch of these delightful cookies and share tips for achieving the perfect meringue. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make these heavenly treats.

So, grab your whisk and get ready...


Cookie Lab Cookie #150 Onion Cookies
#45
11/18/2024

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Onion-ly Kidding? A Cookie Experiment

Get ready for a truly unique cookie experience! This week on Cookie Lab, Chris and Jill share the savory-sweet Onion Cookie. Inspired by a curious Facebook post and Chris's dad's quirky suggestion, we're putting this unconventional recipe to the test.

We'll explore the science behind why onions make us cry, and why these cookies might just bring a smile to your face. Join us as we bake, taste, and discuss this unconventional cookie, and discover the surprising flavor combination that might just...


Cookie Lab Cookie #149 Mug Cookies
#44
11/12/2024

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Join Chris and Jill as they ditch the oven and head straight to the microwave! We'll whip up a batch of delicious mug cookies, a quick and easy treat perfect for any time of day.

We'll explore the fascinating history of the mug, from its humble beginnings as a drinking vessel to its modern-day transformation into a baking tool. We'll also explore the science behind microwave cooking, uncovering the secrets behind how these magical machines heat our food - including the Speedy Weenie!

So, grab your favorite mug and...


Cookie Lab Cookie #148 Nutter Butters
#43
11/04/2024

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Join Chris & Jill for a nutty, delicious adventure! In this episode of Cookie Lab, we're biting into the world of Nutter Butter cookies. We'll explore the history of this iconic treat, from its humble beginnings to its current absurdist internet fame.

We'll be baking up a batch of gluten-free Nutter Butter cookies and sharing our thoughts on their taste, texture, and overall deliciousness.

So, grab a glass of milk and join us for a nutty, fun-filled episode!

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Buster Poindexter Hot Hot Hot (Sister Episode from Wednesday Night Podcast)
#43
10/30/2024

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Join the band for a frightfully funny annual Halloween Spooktacular!  Live from an Arizona haunted hotel listening to the fiery world of Buster Poindexter and his scorching hit, "Hot Hot Hot."

But it won't just be hot music. We'll be turning up the heat with a spicy challenge: a hot-wing eating contest to the death... or at least until someone's taste buds give out.

Join us for a night of spicy food, terror, and plenty of laughs. Who will survive the heat? Tune in to find out!

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Cookie Lab Cookie #147 Pumpkin Cookies
#42
10/28/2024

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Get ready for a better-than-pumpkin-spiced delight! In this episode of Cookie Lab, Jill and Chris bake up a batch of chewy, gooey pumpkin cookies that are perfect for an adult Halloween party. We'll delve into the history of canned pumpkin, a kitchen staple that transformed how we enjoy this fall favorite.

But that's not all! We'll also explore the science behind pumpkins and pumpkin seeds. Discover the nutritional benefits of these versatile gourds and learn some fun facts about their growth and harvest.

So, grab a cozy blanket and...


Cookie Lab Cookie #146 Harry Potter Butterbeer Cookies
#41
10/22/2024

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Get ready to cast a spell on your taste buds with this magical episode of Cookie Lab! Join Chris & Jill as we whip up a batch of Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer Cookies, perfect for celebrating Halloween.

We will delve into the history of butterbeer, a beloved beverage from the Wizarding World. We'll also explore the science behind melting butterscotch chips to create that irresistible buttery caramel flavor.

But the fun doesn't stop there! We'll be baking, tasting, and sharing our thoughts on these delicious treats. So, grab your wands and...


Cookie Lab Cookie #145 Indian Cookies
#40
10/15/2024

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This week, we celebrate Indigenous People's Day by exploring the rich history and deliciousness of Chef Tanya Bandt's Indian Cookies cookies. These traditional treats are a testament to the ingenuity and culinary skills of Indigenous peoples across North America.

We'll delve into the history of Native American baking, highlighting the unique ingredients and techniques used to create these flavorful cookies. We'll also explore the science of buttermilk, a key ingredient in many Native American recipes, and learn about its impact on flavor and texture.

Of course, no episode would...


Cookie Lab Cookie #144 Gochujang Cookies
#39
10/09/2024

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Join Chris and Jill as we get spooky with our pre-Halloween episode of Cookie Lab! We're baking and tasting the New York Times Gochujang Cookies, a spicy and savory treat that's perfect for an adult Halloween party.

We'll also delve into the science of fermentation, the process that gives these cookies their unique flavor. And don't forget about the magic of an earthenware pot, which is said to enhance the flavor of fermented foods.

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Cookie Lab Cookie #143 Brown-Sugar Anise Cookies
#38
09/30/2024

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Join Chris & Jill for this episode as we embark on a culinary adventure with the New York Times Brown Sugar Anise Cookies. These delightful treats are a perfect blend of sweet sugar and zesty anise flavor.

We'll delve into the fascinating history of anise, a spice with a rich cultural heritage and unique flavor profile. We'll also explore the science behind anise and its essential oils.

Of course, no episode would be complete without a taste test. We'll be baking and savoring these delicious cookies, sharing our thoughts on...


Cookie Lab Cookie #142 Animal Crackers
#37
09/23/2024

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Join Chris & Jill as we take a trip down memory lane with animal crackers. These classic cookies have been a childhood favorite for generations, and we're excited to explore their history and the science behind their unique flavor.

We'll introduce you to Princess Cake and Cookie Emulsion. We'll delve into the history of this emulsion and discuss the science behind how it works.

We'll also be baking our own batch of animal crackers to taste and share. Get ready to unleash your inner child and enjoy a delicious treat!<...


Cookie Lab Cookie #141 Butterscotch Chip Cookies
#36
09/16/2024

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Join Chris & Jill as we indulge in the delightful world of butterscotch chip cookies! We'll uncover the rich history of butterscotch, a beloved treat that has captured hearts and taste buds for hundreds of years.

But that's not all! We'll also discuss a surprising fact: the yellow dye often found in butterscotch pudding mix can actually make mouse skin translucent. It's a fascinating, albeit slightly creepy, scientific tidbit.

Of course, no episode would be complete without a taste test. We'll bake and savor these buttery, butterscotch-filled cookies, sharing our...


Cookie Lab Cookie #140 Beer Cookies
#35
09/09/2024

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Join Chris & Jill this week because we've baked a delicious and innovative recipe for Beer Cookies, a Celiac-friendly treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and your love for craft beer. Using a gluten-reduced IPA from the Alchemist Brewery, we've managed to capture the essence of beer in a cookie.

Join us as we explore the history of beer, from its ancient origins to its modern-day craft beer revolution. We'll also dive into the science behind releasing the sugars from barley for brewing with yeast.

Get ready to...


Cookie Lab Cookie #139 Chocolate Explosion Cookies
#34
09/02/2024

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Get ready for a chocolatey explosion! Join Chris & Jill as we visit the delectable world of Schmakery's Chocolate Explosion Cookie, a NYC-based treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

We'll uncover the fascinating history of this cookie and explore the science behind its unique ingredients. From theobromine, the compound that gives chocolate its bitter edge, to the mysterious allure of dark corn syrup, we'll delve into the details that make this cookie so special.

Join us as we bake, taste, and analyze this chocolatey masterpiece. It's a cookie...


Cookie Lab Cookie #138 Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cones
#33
08/26/2024

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Join Chris & Jill for the final episode of Chocolate Chip Cookie Month! We're creating a cookie extravaganza: Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cones! We'll bite into the history of ice cream cones and uncover the science behind shaping warm cookies into delicious cones. Get ready for a sweet and informative month finale!















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Cookie Lab Cookie #137 Subway's Foot Long Copy Cat Chocolate Chip Cookie
#32
08/19/2024

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Join Chris & Jill this week on Cookie Lab as we feature the fast food phenomenon of the limited-time offer (LTO). Our target? Subway's infamous Foot Long Chocolate Chip Cookie. We're baking a copycat version and exploring the psychology behind why we crave these elusive treats.

From the science of scarcity to the allure of the oversized, we'll break down the marketing magic that makes us line up for those golden brown morsels. And, of course, we'll taste-test our creation and see if it measures up to Subway's standard. Join us for...


Cookie Lab Cookie #136 The Worst Chocolate Chip Cookies
#31
08/12/2024

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Dear Listener,

If you have a particular fondness for disappointment and despair, then this episode of Cookie Lab may be of interest to you. In our relentless pursuit of culinary calamity, we have attempted to recreate a recipe for the most abominable chocolate chip cookie imaginable. The results, as you might expect, were nothing short of catastrophic. And by catastrophic, we mean a delicious cookie we can not stop eating.

While our baking endeavors were a great success that led to ruining our lives, we did manage to salvage...


Cookie Lab Cookie #135 Mama Kelce's Chocolate Chip Cookies
#30
08/05/2024

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Chip, Chip, Hooray! It's Chocolate Chip Cookie Month!!

Join Chris and Jill as they roll up their sleeves and attempt to recreate the legendary Mama KKelce'schocolate chip cookie recipe. Join them as they measure, mix, and bake their way to cookie perfection (or at least a delicious approximation). But the fun doesn't stop there! After indulging in their warm, gooey creations, Chris and Jill take a scientific detour to explore the fascinating world of baking soda. Discover the chemical reaction that makes cookies rise and whether it is crucial to dissolve...