Roll cake cookie and pancake cookie are two popular types of cookies that seem quite similar at first glance. They are both soft and spongy cookies made with eggs, flour, sugar, and baking powder. However, they have some key differences in ingredients and preparation methods, leading many cookie lovers to wonder – are roll cake cookie and pancake cookie siblings?
Defining Roll Cake Cookie and Pancake Cookie
First, let’s clearly define what roll cake cookie and pancake cookie are:
Roll Cake Cookie
A roll cake cookie is made by creaming together butter and sugar, then mixing in eggs one at a time. Flour, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract are then folded in gently to form a batter. The batter is spread into a thin sheet on a baking tray and baked. When cooled, the large thin sheet of cookie is rolled up jelly-roll style to create a soft, fluffy cookie log.
Pancake Cookie
A pancake cookie starts with creaming butter and sugar together. Eggs and vanilla extract are beaten in, followed by the dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, and salt. What makes this different than a roll cake cookie is the addition of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the batter. The batter is dropped by spoonfuls onto a baking tray, spreading out into flat, round disc shapes. The end result is a cookie with a texture similar to a fluffy pancake.
Comparing Ingredients
Looking closer at the ingredients, roll cake cookie and pancake cookie do share some common ingredients, but also have some distinct differences:
Common Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
Unique Ingredients
Roll Cake Cookie
- Milk
Pancake Cookie
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Salt
While they share some basic cookie ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, roll cake cookies distinguish themselves with the addition of milk. Pancake cookies stand out by including cornstarch/arrowroot and salt.
Preparation Methods
The preparation method also differs between roll cake cookie and pancake cookie:
Roll Cake Cookie
- Cream butter and sugar
- Beat in eggs one at a time
- Fold in flour, baking powder, milk, vanilla
- Spread into thin sheet on baking tray
- Bake into large thin sheet
- Roll up cooled cookie sheet into log
Pancake Cookie
- Cream butter and sugar
- Beat in eggs and vanilla
- Whisk together dry ingredients
- Fold dry ingredients into creamed mixture
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto baking tray
- Bake into flat, round cookies
The roll cake cookie is unique in that the batter is baked as a single large sheet, while the pancake cookie batter is portioned out prior to baking. The roll cake cookie also requires an additional step of rolling up the baked sheet before serving.
Appearance and Texture
Visually, roll cake cookies and pancake cookies have some similarities but are easy to distinguish:
| Roll Cake Cookie | Pancake Cookie |
|---|---|
| Log or cylindrical shape | Round, flat disc shape |
| Pale Tan | Golden Brown |
| Dense and evenly soft | Fluffy yet sturdy |
Roll cake cookies have an even, soft texture throughout the log shape. Pancake cookies are fluffier in the center with a crisper edge.
Flavor Differences
While generally sweet from sugar, roll cake cookies and pancake cookies do have some subtle flavor differences:
Roll Cake Cookie
- Milk adds a dairy richness
- Vanilla is prominent
- Sweetness is tempered by eggs and flour
Pancake Cookie
- Salt enhances sweetness
- Cornstarch/arrowroot impart soft, cakey texture
- Crispy browned edges
Roll cake cookies have a simple, straightforward cookie dough flavor. Pancake cookies offer something more complex with contrasting textures and toastier notes.
Are They Related?
With their similarities and differences compared, are roll cake cookie and pancake cookie siblings?
The answer is no, they are not siblings or directly related.
While they are both soft, cakey cookies, their unique ingredients, preparation methods, appearances, and textures set them apart. Roll cake cookie has a more cookie dough-like flavor while pancake cookie is reminiscent of pancakes.
However, they could be considered extended cookie cousins. They are linked through the basic cookie family of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. But over time they have developed into their own distinct branches of the cookie family tree.
Conclusion
Roll cake cookies and pancake cookies may seem like siblings at first glance, but upon closer inspection they have clear differences setting them apart. Roll cake cookies start with a thin baked sheet rolled up while pancake cookies are dropped as individual discs. Ingredients like milk and cornstarch create unique textures and flavors.
While not siblings, they share membership in the extended cookie family. They can be thought of as cousins who start from similar origins but develop into their own distinct baked goods over time and recipes. Roll cake cookies emphasize the rich doughy essence of cookie batter, while pancake cookies mimic the taste of griddled pancakes in cookie form.
Both hold a place in the pantheon of soft, cakier cookies. Whether choosing between the two or enjoying both, cookie lovers can appreciate the family connection while savoring the unique appeal of roll cake cookies and pancake cookies.