Spiced wafers — not to be confused with gingersnaps — may be the Philadelphia region’s best-kept secret, writes Carolyn Wyman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“It’s so big here,” said Nancy Morozin, who works at the Dining Car restaurant in Northeast Philadelphia and offers customers a milkshake with crushed spiced wafers. “But if you drive 60 miles, they’re like, ‘Spiced — what?’”
The factory-made cookies are popular in the fall and generally belong to one of two brands, both of which have local ties: Sweetzels and Ivins.
Spiced wafers have a fine blend of molasses, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice, which gives the wafers that distinctive flavor over the gingersnap.
The former’s popularity is belied by the company’s world headquarters, which is hidden behind an unmarked door above a Flourtown jewelry store.
“We don’t want to have to deal with people knocking on the door looking to buy cookies,” said Rob Borzillo, who runs the business from that small office with his father and sister.
The latter, meanwhile, is the house brand of Acme, which is based in Chester County.
“Spiced wafers are the original pumpkin latte,” said Acme spokesperson Dana Ward.
Read more about the Flourtown company that makes Sweetzels and Ivins in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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Jurble does a taste comparison of Sweetzels and Ivins spiced wafer cookies. His verdict: Both molasses-based and seasonal, but Ivan’s wins with a stronger clove and cinnamon punch, while Sweetzel delivers a milder, more molasses-forward bite.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in October 2022.
