When it comes to baked goods, the secret to an unforgettable treat isn’t just in the recipe—it’s in the ingredients. Think about giving the Ultimate Gift: something that truly delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. In the world of baking, that “gift” of exceptional flavor starts with choosing the very best components. You might not always be able to tell just by looking if a cookie or cake is made with premium ingredients, but your taste buds definitely will. And at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, they believe in using nothing but the finest, even if it means going the extra mile (and sometimes spending a little extra, too). Let’s explore why these superior ingredients are the key to unlocking truly extraordinary flavor in every bite, transforming a simple baked good into the ultimate gift of deliciousness.
1. Butter: The Rich Foundation of Flavor
You can’t always spot it at first glance, but the difference between butter and shortening in baked goods is profound. While shortening might cut costs, butter delivers an unparalleled flavor. It’s why Zingerman’s Bakehouse insists on real butter. Take their cinnamon rolls, for example. The moment you pull one apart, the rich, sweet aroma of butter fills your nose, followed by the warm spice of cinnamon. Shortening simply can’t compete; it lacks any discernible scent. Good pastry should always smell as good as it tastes, and that starts with better butter. This commitment to quality is what elevates baked goods from ordinary to the ultimate gift for any occasion.
2. Better Butter: Grassland’s Sweet Cream
Zingerman’s Bakehouse doesn’t settle for just any butter. They choose sweet butter from Grassland for many of their creations. Why? Because it’s simply better. Grassland butter boasts a superior taste, less water content, and a richer, more pronounced flavor. In baking, the quality of your butter directly impacts the final product. There’s no substitute for excellence when it comes to this foundational ingredient. Using Grassland butter is a testament to their dedication to providing the ultimate gift of flavor in every pastry.
3. Belgian Chocolate: Deep, Decadent Indulgence
Chocolate is a beloved treat, but Belgian chocolate is in a league of its own. Zingerman’s chocolate chunk cookies are generously loaded with large pieces of exceptional chocolate, including Callebaut Belgian chocolate. With a higher cocoa content, Callebaut chocolate is chocolatier, richer, and far more delicious than the mass-produced, less expensive chocolates often found in baked goods. This upgrade in chocolate quality transforms a simple cookie into a decadent, unforgettable experience – truly the ultimate gift for chocolate lovers.
4. Real Maple Syrup: Nature’s Sweet Depth
Forget artificial syrups; Zingerman’s Bakehouse uses 100% pure maple syrup from northern Michigan to sweeten their oatmeal raisin cookies. While sugar provides sweetness, real maple syrup adds layers of depth, complex flavor, and unique character. It’s a taste of nature’s bounty in every bite. This commitment to real maple syrup elevates their cookies beyond mere sweetness, making them a thoughtful and flavorful gift.
5. Country-Style Sour Cream: Unmatched Richness
The sour cream Zingerman’s uses is exceptionally thick and rich – so much so that some guests have mistaken it for butter! Standard sour cream, in comparison, is often thin and watery. This country-style sour cream adds incredible richness and flavor to their sour cream coffee cake, creating a moist and flavorful crumb. It’s this dedication to superior ingredients that makes even a classic coffee cake feel like a special, indulgent gift.
6. Real Vanilla: Flavor Beyond Imitation
Real vanilla is often the first ingredient to be cut in large-scale bakeries due to cost. Imitation vanilla is significantly cheaper, about a twentieth of the price of the real thing. And because vanilla is used in small quantities, some might think the difference goes unnoticed. However, the taste difference is undeniable. Real vanilla boasts nearly 150 times the flavor complexity of artificial vanillin. Zingerman’s understands that real vanilla is essential, adding an irreplaceable aroma and depth of flavor to everything it graces. This commitment to real vanilla ensures that their baked goods offer the ultimate gift of nuanced and delightful flavor.
7. Red Flame Raisins: Plump and Juicy Jewels
Thompson raisins, found in standard red boxes, are common, but Zingerman’s Bakehouse opts for Red Flame raisins. These raisins are a revelation – plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They are the star in their oatmeal raisin cookies, pecan raisin bread, and cinnamon raisin bread, adding a delightful burst of sweetness and texture. Choosing Red Flame raisins demonstrates a commitment to quality that transforms familiar baked goods into extraordinary gifts of flavor and texture.
8. Organic Unbleached & Unbromated Flours: The Foundation of Great Baking
The quality of flour is fundamental to the quality of baked goods. Zingerman’s Bakehouse uses organic all-purpose flour for almost all of their breads and pastries. Organic, unbleached, and unbromated flour contributes to a better texture and a cleaner taste, forming the ideal foundation for exceptional baking. This careful selection of flour is a key ingredient in creating the ultimate gift of perfect baked goods.
9. Fresh Eggs: A Touch of Tradition
Many commercial bakeries today use frozen eggs that come in plastic buckets for convenience and cost savings. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, however, stubbornly sticks to fresh, old-fashioned eggs in their traditional oval shells. This commitment to fresh eggs, like they used to be, adds a subtle but noticeable difference in richness and texture. It’s a touch of tradition that contributes to the overall quality and makes their baked goods feel like a truly special gift.
10. Toasted Nuts: Unlocking Deeper Flavor
Toasting nuts takes extra time, but it dramatically enhances their flavor. Zingerman’s Bakehouse takes the time to toast the walnuts for their sour cream coffee cake, the pecans for their pecan pie and pecan blondies, and all nuts used in their products. Toasting brings out a deeper, richer, and more complex flavor profile. This extra step transforms nuts from a simple ingredient into a flavor powerhouse, adding another layer of deliciousness to the ultimate gift of baked goods.
11. Indonesian Cinnamon: Warmth and Spice
Cinnamon is a staple in baking, and choosing the right cinnamon makes a significant difference. Zingerman’s Bakehouse uses Korintje cinnamon from Indonesia. This cinnamon boasts a rich, warm flavor with a pleasant, tongue-tingling spice. This superior cinnamon elevates the flavor of their cinnamon rolls, breads, and other baked goods, contributing to the ultimate gift of comforting and flavorful treats.
12. Love: The Secret Ingredient
Ultimately, what sets Zingerman’s Bakehouse apart is the passion and care infused into everything they create. The crew at the Bakehouse is dedicated to ensuring that every item leaving their ovens carries their personal seal of approval – the kind of love and attention you’d expect from homemade baking. This dedication, this “love,” is the final, essential ingredient, transforming meticulously sourced components into truly exceptional baked goods. And that, in the end, is what makes Zingerman’s Bakehouse treats the ultimate gift – a gift made with heart and the very best ingredients.
