- Berger Cookies
-
Berger Cookies are a kind of cookie made and distributed by DeBaufre Bakeries. It is a vanilla wafer topped with a thick layer of chocolate ganache that derives from a German recipe, and are a cultural icon of Baltimore.[1]
History
The Berger Cookie recipe was brought to America from Germany by George and Henry Berger in 1835. Henry owned a bakery in East Baltimore which was later run by his son Henry. While Henry took over his father's bakery, his two brothers George and Otto opened their own bakeries. Around 1900 Otto died, then George and Henry combined the bakeries to create 'Bergers'. As technology grew so did the bakery, eventually Henry died leaving George as the sole proprietor of the bakery.
When George retired he sold the bakery and the recipe to Charles E. Russell. Charles' son Charles Jr. took control once his father retired. Charles Jr. and his sons Charles 3rd and Dennis ran the business through the depression. They also had two brothers working for them by the name of Charles and Benjamin DeBaufre. When Charles Jr. retired he left the bakery to his two sons Charles 3rd and Dennis. Meanwhile Charles and Benjamin left to start DeBaufre Bakeries Inc.
DeBaufre Bakeries Inc was able to earn enough of a profit to purchase Berger's from the Russell family in 1969. Charles' son Charles DeBaufre Jr. purchased part of the business in 1978. Charles Sr. died in 1988 leaving ownership to Benjamin, Charles Jr., and John Koehler. Charles Jr. became the sole proprietor of Berger Cookies in 1994 when Benjamin retired.[1]
References
External links
- The Berger Cookie Official Website
- Best Cookie: Berger Cookies entry in the Baltimore City Paper's Eats and Drinks 2000 competition
Categories:- Brand name cookies
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.