Milano slices are a type of cookie that is known for its delicate, crispy texture and signature half-moon shape. Here’s a closer look at what makes Milano cookies so unique and delicious:
Origin and History
Milano cookies were first created in the city of Milan, Italy in the 1920s. The original recipe was developed by bakers at the Galbusera bakery, who wanted to create a cookie that was inspired by the city’s fashion and culture. The half-moon shape of the cookies is rumored to be modeled after the architecture of Milan’s Duomo cathedral.
The cookies were an immediate success in Italy and the recipe was brought to the United States in the 1960s. Here, the cookies were mass-produced and popularized by brands like Pepperidge Farm. Today, Milano cookies are widely available from grocery stores to high-end bakeries.
Ingredients
A classic Milano cookie has just a few simple ingredients:
- Flour – Usually all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose and cake flour. The flour gives the cookies structure.
- Butter – Milano cookies are traditionally made with butter instead of shortening or oil. The butter gives them their distinctive rich flavor and tender texture.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar sweetens the dough.
- Eggs – Whole eggs help bind the dough and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla provides fragrant flavor.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the other ingredients.
Some modern recipes will add other ingredients like almond flour or cocoa powder for variation, but the classic recipe stays simple and relies on the quality of the few components.
Appearance and Texture
When perfectly executed, Milano cookies have a delicate appearance marked by:
- Pale golden color – Subtly sweetened, not browned.
- Crisp texture – Each cookie is thin and brittle.
- Delicate crunch – Thanks to the crispy texture.
- Half-moon shape – With slightly rounded edges.
- Two paired halves – Sandwiching a filling.
Bakers pay careful attention to rolling and cutting the dough to achieve the signature clean half-moon shape with a thin profile. This gives the cookies their delicate, crispy nature that easily shatters into crumbs with each bite.
Fillings
While the cookie dough remains simple, Milano cookies differentiate themselves through creative fillings sandwiched between the two cookie halves. Common fillings include:
- Chocolate – Milk, dark, or white chocolate are all popular options.
- Vanilla buttercream – Smooth and rich vanilla frosting.
- Raspberry jam – Tart jam contrasts the sweet cookie.
- Lemon curd – Bright citrus flavor.
- Pistachio – Nutty filling with green color.
- Coffee – For mocha lovers.
The filling possibilities are endless! The contrast between the crispy cookie and luscious filling is what makes Milanos so fun to eat.
Storage and Serving
To maintain their signature crunch, Milano cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can cause them to lose their snap. Before serving, let the cookies come up to room temp if refrigerated.
Milanos make an elegant addition to a cookie tray or dessert spread. Their striking half-moon shape shows off your presentation. For parties, stand the cookies upright in a glass for a decorative look. They pair nicely with coffee or tea.
You can also crumble them over ice cream for a crunchy cookie topping. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cookies straight from the package for an afternoon snack.
Where to Buy
You can find Milano cookies in the bakery or cookie aisle at most grocery stores. Popular national brands like Pepperidge Farm offer mass-produced versions. For artisan Milanos, check your local bakeries or Italian markets.
Online retailers also offer the cookies, including:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Instacart
Prices range from $3-$5 for a package. High-end gift packages may cost more. Consider buying Milanos during the holidays when stores expand their seasonal cookie offerings.
How to Make at Home
Want to recreate the delicacy of Milano cookies at home? Here is a basic recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or other filling of choice
- Icing (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and butter until dough forms.
- Add in the egg and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a 3 inch round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the dough. Reroll scraps to use all the dough.
- Place half the circles on a baking sheet. Top each with 1/2 tsp filling of choice.
- Top with the remaining dough circles and press lightly to seal.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
- Once cooled, spread icing over the top half of each cookie if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Milano cookies!
Making your own Milanos is a fun baking project. Customize them with your favorite fillings and icings. While not quite as delicate as bakery versions, homemade Milano cookies still offer that iconic crispy, sandwich-style eating experience.
Milano Cookie Variations
Half the fun of Milanos is the variety of flavors they come in. Some interesting twists on the classic cookie include:
Rainbow
Food colored dough creates a rainbow effect.
Neapolitan
Sandwich three flavors – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Mint chocolate chip
Minty cookie dough with chocolate chips and chocolate filling.
Peanut butter and jelly
Go back to childhood with this flavor combo.
S’mores
Graham cracker dough with marshmallow and chocolate.
The options are endless for putting your own spin on these iconic Italian cookies!
Conclusion
With their refined flavor, texture, and appearance, it’s easy to see why Milano cookies have been a beloved treat for over a century. These crispy, delicate sandwiches offer the perfect balance of cookie crunch and luscious filling. Next time you want an elegant cookie that shatters deliciously with every bite, reach for a pack of Milanos.