Milano cookies are a popular chocolate covered cookie sold by Pepperidge Farm. The crispy vanilla cookie on the inside is topped with a thin layer of chocolate on the outside to create a delicious sweet treat. Many people enjoy Milano cookies for their balance of crunchy cookie and smooth chocolate flavors. But what exactly are the ingredients that go into making these cookies? Here we will take a closer look at the ingredients list for Milano chocolate cookies to understand what’s inside each bite.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Milano cookies are:
Flour
Milano cookies are made with enriched flour. Enriched flour has certain B vitamins and iron added back in after processing, as they are lost during the milling process that converts whole wheat into white refined flour. So enriched flour gives back some of the nutrients of whole wheat while maintaining the texture of white flour that is ideal for baking cookies. Specifically, Milano cookies are made with enriched bleached flour. Bleaching further removes proteins from the flour which results in a finer texture and lighter color.
Sugar
Sugar is essential for cookies to give them sweetness and aid in browning through caramelization. Milano cookies contain sugar as one of the main ingredients. The sugar adds both sweetness and texture to the crispy vanilla cookie layer. Granulated white cane sugar is most likely used rather than brown sugar, as brown sugar would add more molasses flavor. The ingredients just list “sugar”, but white granulated sugar derived from cane is standard for cookies.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is used in Milano cookies to give them a smooth, creamy texture and mouthfeel. The oil binds the ingredients together and keeps the cookies from becoming too dry and crumbly. Palm oil is solid at room temperature so it contributes to a shortbread-like texture. The high melting point of palm oil relative to other vegetable oils makes it ideal for baking applications. This semi-solid fat lends richness without overpowering other flavors.
Cocoa
What would Milano cookies be without the chocolate? Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor and color for the outer coating on the cookies. Cocoa powder is made by pressing cocoa solids to remove a portion of the cocoa butter. This leaves a powdered concentrate behind that is both bitter and chocolatey. The cocoa powder mixed into the outer layer gives Milanos that intense chocolate burst in each bite.
Minor Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients, Milano cookies contain smaller amounts of other ingredients that still lend flavor and improve texture:
Chocolate
While cocoa powder provides the bulk of the chocolate taste, additional chocolate is used in the coating. Chocolate contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter which together produce a richer, smoother chocolate flavor than cocoa powder alone. The chocolate enhances the chocolate flavor impact of the Milano cookie coating.
Leavening Agents
Leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder are essential for cookies to give them lift. This provides a crispy, crunchy texture versus a dense, hard cookie. Baking soda and baking powder react with other ingredients to form air bubbles that expand in the oven, leading to a risen, lightly textured cookie. A small amount contributes volume and texture.
Salt
Salt may seem like a surprising cookie ingredient, but it plays an important role. First, it enhances flavor, bringing out the sweetness and other notes. Second, it impacts texture and helps control the rate of browning and spread. A pinch of salt has a noticeable effect on the overall cookie results.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors are likely included in small amounts in Milano cookies. Natural flavors enhance the existing notes of the cookie dough and chocolate coating. Vanilla and other baking spice flavors would complement the recipe and give Milano cookies a more complex, layered taste profile.
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is commonly used in small volumes as an emulsifier in baked goods. An emulsifier helps bind ingredients together that otherwise would not mix well, like oil and water. Soy lecithin would improve the texture of the Milano cookies. A small amount improves moisture retention and gives a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Dairy Ingredients in Milano Cookies
Some may wonder if Milano cookies contain any dairy ingredients like milk or butter. According to the official ingredients list, Milano cookies do not contain any dairy components. They are dairy-free. Here are the reasons why:
No Milk
Milano cookies do not contain milk. The cookies achieve a crispy, crunchy texture through the use of solid palm oil rather than relying on milk for fat and richer texture. They keep the ingredients simple with no dairy used.
No Butter
Butter is another dairy ingredient that is traditionally common in cookies. However, Milano cookies do not contain butter. As mentioned, they use palm oil instead to lend rich texture and moisture without imparting a strong butter flavor that could clash with the cocoa and chocolate coating.
Suitable for Dairy Allergies
The lack of milk and butter ingredients makes Milano cookies suitable for those with dairy allergies. Those avoiding dairy due to allergies or intolerances can feel comfortable enjoying Milano cookies as the ingredients list confirms they are dairy-free.
Are Milano Cookies Vegan?
While Milano cookies do not contain dairy, they are not considered vegan because of one key ingredient – palm oil. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of oil palms and is considered a vegetable oil. However, its production process leads many vegans to avoid it. Here is an overview of if and why Milano cookies are not vegan:
Contain Palm Oil
As noted above, palm oil is one of the primary ingredients in Milano cookies, used to give them a creamy, semi-solid texture. While palm oil itself is vegetable-derived, the environmental impacts of palm oil production have led many vegan consumers to avoid it.
Unsustainable Harvesting
Palm oil production is linked to deforestation, loss of habitat for endangered species, and climate change. The high demand for palm oil leads to unsustainable harvesting practices. Clearing land to increase palm oil tree planting impacts many fragile ecosystems.
Unethical Labor Practices
Unfortunately, palm oil production also has a history of human rights violations and unethical labor practices. Insufficient worker pay and poor working conditions have been reported on some palm plantations. Child labor is a major concern as well.
For these reasons, many vegans boycott products containing palm oil or seek ones using sustainably harvested palm oil. Since Milano cookies contain conventional palm oil, most vegans do not consider them vegan-friendly. Removing palm oil would be needed to make them vegan.
Special Diet Information
Here is an overview of how Milano cookies fit into some popular diet lifestyles:
Gluten-Free
Milano cookies are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour. The enriched bleached flour as the main ingredient contains gluten proteins, so these cookies are unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
Paleo
Milano cookies are not paleo-friendly given they contain modern processed ingredients like refined flours and sugars. The paleo diet avoids food products that rely on modern agricultural practices.
Keto
Milano cookies are too high in net carbs to fit into a keto diet. Each cookie contains 14 grams of net carbs, while the keto diet recommends limiting net carbs to 20-50 grams per day. The sugars and enriched flour add carbs.
Low FODMAP
The low FODMAP diet limits certain carbohydrates that can trigger digestive issues. Milano cookies may be low FODMAP given they appear to be free of main offending carbs like fructans. However, those following a strict low FODMAP diet may want to confirm with a dietitian.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Milano chocolate cookies according to the Pepperidge Farm website:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat Cal. | 45 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Sat. Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total Carbs. | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 1g |
Key aspects to note are the 140 calories and 20 grams of carbs per serving. There is minimal protein or fiber. The main macros come from carbohydrates and fat, mostly the vegetable-based palm oil. Overall the macros reflect a balanced sweet treat cookie profile.
Where to Buy Milano Cookies
Milano cookies are sold at most major grocery stores in the cookie or bakery aisle. Here are some specific places you can find them:
Grocery Stores
– Safeway
– Kroger
– Publix
– Target
– Walmart
– Whole Foods
– ShopRite
Online
– Amazon.com
– Walmart.com
– Target.com
– Instacart
Warehouse Stores
– Costco
– Sam’s Club
– BJ’s Wholesale Club
Pepperidge Farm, who makes Milano cookies, has a store locator on their website that allows you to search for local retailers that carry the cookies. This is helpful to find smaller grocery stores or specialty shops that sell Milanos nearby.
Cost of Milano Cookies
A 5 oz bag of Milano cookies typically costs between $3.50-$4.50 at most grocery stores. Here are some example prices:
– Target: $3.99
– Safeway: $4.29
– Walmart: $3.48
– Whole Foods: $4.49
– Amazon: $14.05 for 4 bags
The best value is often at discount grocery stores like Walmart where you can regularly find Milano cookie bags under $4. Warehouse stores like Costco offer larger packs but the per oz or per cookie price is similar to other retailers when calculated. Online prices can be inflated, so brick and mortar grocery stores are typically cheaper.
History of Milano Cookies
Milano cookies have been around for over 100 years. Here is an overview of the history behind these iconic chocolate sandwich cookies:
Created by Pepperidge Farm
Milano cookies were first introduced by the commercial bakery Pepperidge Farm in 1956. Based in Connecticut, Pepperidge Farm was founded in 1937 by Margaret Rudkin.
Named after Milan, Italy
The cookies were inspired by a trip to Milan, Italy that the founder took. The elegant European city matched the sophisticated cookie she envisioned with crisp layers and chocolate.
Sold Across the USA
Over the years, Milano cookies have become popular across American grocery stores, known for their delicious taste and indulgent texture. Their popularity continues today.
Entered Pop Culture
As a ubiquitous American cookie brand, Milanos have made their way into pop culture with references across media like TV shows, movies, and books. Their iconic look is instantly recognizable.
Variations of Milano Cookies
In addition to the original chocolate Milano, Pepperidge Farm has introduced a number of flavor variations:
Double Milk Chocolate
Double the chocolate goodness with two layers of chocolate coating sandwiching the cookie instead of just one.
Milk Chocolate
Swaps out the darker cocoa powder coating for sweeter milk chocolate.
Mint Chocolate
Pairs refreshing mint and chocolate in each cookie for the perfect after dinner treat.
Orange Chocolate
Adds a citrusy twist by using orange-flavored chocolate to coat the outside.
White Chocolate
Replaces the dark cocoa coating with creamy white chocolate for a blonde cookie treat.
Lemon
Uses tangy lemon cookies and filling instead of vanilla and chocolate for a bright, fruit flavored rendition.
How to Store and Maintain Freshness
To keep Milano cookies tasting great, follow these storage tips:
Seal Tightly
Make sure the cookie bag or container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and keep cookies crisp. Roll or clip bag tightly after opening.
Cool Dry Place
Store cookies at room temperature in a cool, dry spot like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid warm areas like near the oven that speed up staling.
Use Within 2 Weeks
For best texture and flavor, consume Milano cookies within 1-2 weeks of opening the packaging. Proper storage helps extend freshness.
Freeze For Long Term
If not eating within 2 weeks, freeze remaining cookies. Place cookies in air-tight container or bag and freeze up to 2-3 months.
Following these tips will help Milano cookies retain their signature crunch and rich chocolate taste that makes them so crave-worthy. Handle with care for the most enjoyment from each pack.
Conclusion
Milano chocolate sandwich cookies have become an iconic pantry staple thanks to their irresistible combination of crunchy vanilla cookie and bold chocolate exterior. A closer look at the ingredients reveals secrets behind their texture and flavor like the use of palm oil for rich, indulgent mouthfeel. While not suitable for all diets, Milanos offer a hit of chocolate you can conveniently keep stocked in your kitchen. Follow proper storage and enjoy these classic cookies as an easy sweet treat anytime.