SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Myler Makes...Gingerbread Cookies!
We’re kicking off the holiday season, and you know what that means—it’s cookie time!
Growing up, my family had a tradition of diving head first into cookie-making at the start of December. We’d bake them all month long and, of course, eat them just as quickly. To this day, my grandma keeps the tradition alive, cranking out an endless variety of cookies throughout December. Seriously, you could show up at her house anytime, and there’s this magical room full of Christmas lights, decorations, and even music that automatically plays when you walk in—thanks to my grandpa's tech wizardry.
Naturally, with the holiday spirit in full swing, I figured it was time to get baking myself. Everyone has their go-to holiday cookie, but I wanted to zero in on one that feels universal: gingerbread. It's classic, festive, and just screams "holidays!" But honestly, I didn’t think I’d find anyone in Maine who specializes in gingerbread. Spoiler alert: I was wrong—and I’m so glad I was.
Enter Girl Dad Bakery in South Berwick. The name alone hooked me—I had to know the story. Turns out, owner Jesse McIntire named the bakery after his three daughters. He’s a proud girl dad, and honestly, that’s the kind of wholesome energy we all need during the holidays.
When I reached out to Jesse about filming, he had one special request: no showing how the cookie dough is made. Why? Because it’s a secret recipe he created as a kid! How cool is that? I mean, who has a secret recipe they dreamed up as a kid and now uses in their business? I was unbelievable excited about these cookies before I even tried one.
So, I made my way to South Berwick to learn how to make these gingerbread people. Like many small businesses, Jesse runs Girl Dad Bakery out of his own home, and let me tell you, his house was beautifully decorated for the holidays. We started with the dough—already made, of course—and used special rolling pins to get it to the perfect thickness. Then came the cookie cutters to create gingerbread men and women, and into the oven they went.
When they came out? Adorable. These cookies had little indents for the icing, making them even more charming. Jesse whipped up some royal icing for decorating, and while some folks go all out with gumdrops and cinnamon candies, he keeps it simple to let the cookie’s flavor shine—a choice I fully support.
Finally, the moment of truth: tasting them. And let me tell you...They. Were. Perfect.
Close your eyes and picture the ultimate gingerbread cookie—the kind you imagine but never actually get to eat. That’s this cookie. Soft but firm, with just the right amount of crispness. Sweet, but not overly so. The spices? Perfectly balanced—you can actually taste the ginger! And the icing? Just enough to complement the cookie without overpowering it.
I don’t know what kind of gingerbread magic Jesse has going on, but these cookies are everything I’ve ever wanted a gingerbread cookie to be. Truly.
Right now, Girl Dad Bakery sells near-exclusively online. Jesse says from checkout to first bite, you're looking at a few days.
Jesse, thank you for welcoming me into your home and sharing your gingerbread world with me. This was one of those food moments I’ll always remember. (And yes, I ate way more than usual on this segment—I couldn’t stop myself. Totally worth it.)
So, what are you waiting for? Why are you still reading this? Go try them. You can thank me later.
Happy Holidays!