Retellings, Connections, and Cookies: KidLit Confections Gluten-Free Berger Cookies

What was your favorite book/story when you were a child? 

I bet you immediately thought of at least one. Because books are magical. Especially for children, who are just learning to navigate this great big world!

Books and stories are powerful because they help us to relate to the world in so many ways. When we relate to the characters on the page, we feel seen and validated. For those who might feel "othered" in the real world, finding themselves in the pages of a favorite book can make their world a little less lonely. And connecting with a character in a book can help us understand things about ourselves that we may not have realized. (It wasn't until I read WE CAN'T KEEP MEETING LIKE THIS by Rachel Lynn Solomon and fully seeing myself in the main character, as she explained the way my brain worked better than I ever have, that I realized I might have OCD. My primary care doctor agreed with my suspicions, and now I'm in the process of finding a psychologist so that I can get proper medication and treatment for something I used to be sure I didn't have!) 

And when we don't personally identify with the characters on the page, something even more magical happens: We're able to expand our worlds and connect with people, cultures, and traditions we might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. The more we read diverse books, the better equipped we are to relate to those around us. Our worlds become larger and the people in it are brought closer. 

Books are magical. Our favorite stories never grow old. And the best thing about KidLit is that stories can be retold in so many ways! There's always a new "What if?" twist to explore, and there will never be a shortage of wonder in the world as long as there are children who imagine new possibilities. Some of my favorite fractured fairy tales and retellings include:

HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS by Janet Sumner Johnson and Courtney Dawson

Shailey loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shailey takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favorite characters from fairytales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can't stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shailey is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

IT'S NOT HANSEL AND GRETEL by Josh Funk and Edwardian Taylor

Hansel and Gretel will not listen to their storyteller. For one thing, who leaves a trail of bread crumbs lying around, when there are people starving? Not Hansel, that's for sure! And that sweet old lady who lives in a house made of cookies and candy? There's no way she's an evil witch! As for Gretel, well, she's about to set the record straight--after all, who says the story can't be called Gretel and Hansel? It's time for these wacky siblings to take their fairy tale into their own hands. So sit back and enjoy the gingerbread!

With laugh-out-loud dialogue and bold, playful art (including hidden search-and-find fairy-tale creatures), this Hansel and Gretel retelling will have kids giggling right up to the delicious ending!

SLEEPING UGLY by Jane Yolen and Diane Stanley

A clever twist on Sleeping Beauty for emergent readers.

Princess Miserella is very beautiful outside, but inside she's the meanest, wickedest princess around. Plain Jane, on the other hand, has a face to match her name but a sweet and loving nature that earns her three wishes from a fairy. Miserella's horrible manners make the fairy so angry that her magic throws them all into a deep sleep.

Will the handsome prince kiss the right girl?

And of course, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROGS, by Veronica Bartles and Sara Palacios

Once upon a time there was a princess named Cassandra who had everything she could ever wish for...except a pet frog to be her best friend.

So when the Royal Pet Handler finds her the perfect little green frog with bumpy brown spots, Cassandra couldn't be happier. Until she gives her friend a good-night kiss and--WHOOSH!--he turns into a prince!

But princes aren't pets. Cassandra wants a frog!

Soon her castle is overflowing with princes, and if Cassandra doesn't find a way to fix the situation, her overcrowded castle might burst at the seams--and she may never have a frog of her own.

There are far too many to mention, but I have more recommendations on my Fairy Tale Retellings list on bookshop.org -- and I'm always adding to the list!

If you've read this blog or connected with me on social media, it will come as no surprise that I think of cookies in much the same way as these lovely fractured fairy tales. There's always a new, magical twist on an old favorite recipe that we can explore. 

Last week, in the Tuesday night #KidLitChat on Bluesky, I shared the recipe for my take on the Baltimore favorite: Berger Cookies. I created and posted my version of the recipe a few years ago, before I was exclusively creating gluten-free cookie recipes. When someone in the #KidLitChat mentioned that they would need to look for a gluten-free version of the recipe, I realized I'd never updated this one. So here it is! The "Fractured Fairy Tale" version of Berger Cookies: now gluten-free for those who need it.

Gluten-Free “Berger” Cookies

1 ½ c. butter

1 c. sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. tapioca starch

1 ½ Tbsp. vanilla extract

5 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour

Fudge Topping:
3 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter*
1 c. dry milk
1 c. + 2 Tbsp. water
1/4 c. cocoa powder (optional)
2 (12 oz.) pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips
5 c. mini marshmallows
2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, baking powder, salt, tapioca starch, and vanilla. Mix until combined, then turn speed up to high and beat until light and fluffy (at least 3-5 minutes). Then stir in flour, one cup at a time, just until combined.

Scoop into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart, and press with the bottom of a cup or glass jar lightly to flatten each cookie to approximately ½ inch thick. Chill* for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fudge Topping: Put marshmallows and chocolate chips into a large metal or glass mixing bowl. (NOT plastic—it will melt!) Make sure your mixer is plugged in, with the wire whisk attachment ready to go. Measure the vanilla extract into a small bowl, so it will be ready when needed.

In a large pan, stir together sugar, butter, powdered milk, cocoa powder and water over medium heat until it reaches a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue to stir constantly, while allowing the mixture to boil for EXACTLY 5 minutes.

Remove from heat immediately. Pour over chocolate and marshmallows in mixing bowl. Immediately begin mixing with your electric mixer, until both chocolate chips and marshmallows have completely melted, and chocolate is smooth. Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Working quickly, while fudge is still warm, drop generous spoonfuls over the top of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container, with waxed paper between layers.

*Optional: Freeze 2-4 hours or overnight. Once frozen, transfer cookie dough to a large freezer bag and return to your freezer. You can bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes. Continue with fudge topping after baking.

This recipe pairs well with any fractured fairy tale or retelling.