Mama Bayer Cookies
Ann Devlin Bayer
Above photos by Liz Caron
For many people, cake is the default celebration dessert. But what if you really don’t like cake? What if you’re more of a cookie person? Then you make sure you’ve ordered a set of birthday cookies from Mama Bayer Cookies, baked by Ann Bayer. Ann is what’s known in the biz as a “cookier”, someone who creates little works of art inside the parameters of a cookie cutter. “I found my thing,” says Ann. “I never tire of doing this.”
Ann has been creating decorated cookies for over ten years, starting when she would bring her experiments into co-workers at Maine Medical Center. “I asked them for any critiques, and they were honest,” she tells me. “That’s how I figured out to underbake them slightly for better texture.” The cookie itself has been the same since the beginning, a buttery base with a slight almond flavor. Lately she’s been branching out and offering some alternatives, including a honey graham flavor and a chocolate one that she swears tastes like a brownie. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, she goes to town with decorating.
The Mama Bayer style is whimsical and colorful, with surprise little touches. Ann is inspired by vintage children’s illustrations, often with a cartoon feeling. “I like the colors and shapes to be a little sweet. It brings people back to childhood. My cookies should bring you away from the world for a little bit,” Ann says. She also gets a lot of ideas from Pinterest and “CookieCon” the annual (and largest) cookie art and convention and for cookiers from all over. “You can take classes with famous cookie people,” she says. “Some people use icing as an art medium and it’s crazy. It’s too much cookie for me, I like mine to be approachable and fun.”
And they are certainly fun. The 600 cookies Ann made in December included grazing reindeer, Christmas sweaters and elves holding wreaths made of nonpareils. “The holidays from Halloween to Christmas are the busiest, then there’s a break, then Valentine’s Day is really busy,” Ann explains. In order to keep things under control, she’ll do cookie sets, several cookies beautifully pre-packaged with paper shreds in boxes or cellophane bags with ribbons. Her plans for Valentine’s Day include a box of cookies disguised as a box of chocolates with that new brownie-like base. Easter is another big cookie celebration holiday, and Ann is preparing for it with a new bunny cookie that will be sporting a sour candy ribbon and polka dot dress.
But the thing Ann loves best are custom orders. Any occasion can be commemorated with cookies. In truth, any day, any time can be celebrated with a tray full of edible cheerfulness. “I love when people give me artistic freedom,” she says. All she needs is a one or two suggestions about what the recipient likes and her creativity is off and running. For a recent birthday, all she was told is that the birthday girl loves Alice in Wonderland. A platter featuring Alice’s dress, the Mad Hatter’s hat and stopwatch magically appeared, along with the girl’s age and name. “Using their name on a birthday platter means it’s just for them,” Ann says. Cookies can be the centerpiece of any celebration, or they can be the party favor that goes home with guests. Ann’s creations have been popular for weddings, engagement parties, bridal and baby showers. Graduations, congratulations and a sincere “thank you” can all get the Mama Bayer touch. “They’re perfect when you want to mark an occasion,” says Ann.
“Something sweet is a nice way to end a meal. It brings you away from the world for a little bit,” Ann says. I couldn’t agree more.
MORE SWEETNESS:
On February 6, Bear Mountain Inn in Waterford presents the Cookies For Caregivers Barn Bake Off. Professional chefs, home bakers and caterers will bake thousands of cookies that to be donated to local caregivers. Go and taste the sweets then vote for your favorite. The winner receives a two-night stay at the inn.
Cookies for Caregivers is a national, grass roots organization. “Since April, more than 100 bakers have joined the group, baking and delivering more than 15,100 snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, cakes and more to workers at local hospitals, grocery stores, fire departments and more.”