Crafting Cookie Dreams with a Dash of Chaos: The Cookie Catastrophe
In the bustling world of baking and sweets, where delicious creations emerge from the confluence of passion, determination, and a sprinkle of chaos, there's a delightful treat for all the taste buds and a story to savor. We're thrilled to introduce you to Stephanie and Krystal, the dynamic duo behind The Cookie Catastrophe – a whimsical haven where gourmet cookies, delectable brownies, custom treats, and endless confectionery wonders come to life.
Stephanie, the visionary baker with a lifelong dream of owning her own bakery, found herself on the precipice of this delightful journey with her equally talented partner, Krystal. It all started amidst the whirlwind of the pandemic when the world seemed uncertain, and life took a quirky turn. Their adventure began with a spark, fueled by the ingenious idea to transform their home into a bustling cottage bakery.
The catalyst? A batch of M&M cookies, a recipe Stephanie was perfecting. As fate would have it, a baking mishap transformed her kitchen into a whirlwind of cookie chaos. Frustration and laughter danced together as Krystal, undeterred by the mayhem, calmly savored the delicious cookie mishaps, declaring, "I think you just named the business…”
“It’s memorable, it's funny, and it's accurate – especially if you've ever seen the condition of our kitchen after an intense baking session! Quite a catastrophe!!!”
- Stephanie
With a mixture of old family recipes from northeast Ohio and Stephanie's own culinary creations, The Cookie Catastrophe boasts a delightful array of treats that weave together tradition and innovation. But that's not all – Krystal, the artistic genius, lends her skills as a graphic designer to create vibrant logos, enchanting labels, captivating signage, and enchanting cookie designs, giving each treat its unique character.
Their adorable daughter, Abby, nearing her fourth year, adds her own touch to the magic as the official taste tester and “helper”. As the family unites in the pursuit of culinary dreams, they juggle the demands of full-time jobs, meticulous planning, shopping, event organizing, and tidying up – all while spreading joy one delicious treat at a time.
From custom-printed sugar cookies to irresistible brownies, cookie cakes, cupcakes, and an impressive variety of delectable creations, The Cookie Catastrophe leaves no craving unfulfilled. Whether it's corporate events, weddings, showers, birthdays, or just an ordinary day when you need a delightful pick-me-up, their gourmet treats fit the bill.
Stephanie and Krystal invite you to relish the world of The Cookie Catastrophe, where each bite is infused with love and creativity. Their journey, brimming with culinary wonders and a dash of chaos, is a testament to the joy they find in sharing their treats with the world. Join us in celebrating the sweet symphony of flavors, the tantalizing aesthetics, and the delightful chaos of The Cookie Catastrophe!
What inspired you to specialize in unique and out-of-the-box cookie flavors? Are there any particular flavors or creations that have been customer favorites?
We love coming up with new and fun cookie ideas! My personal favorite is the Caramel Toffeedoodle – a snickerdoodle with toffee and caramel in it. Krystal loves the Cowboy Cookie – an oatmeal cookie with pecans, coconut, and chocolate chips. Abby’s favorite is the Strawberry Lemonade Cookie.
Our best sellers change from day to day and market to market, which isn’t surprising since we offer over 100 flavors of gourmet cookies alone, but we can always count on a few to sell out every single time!
Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookie (So good it should win an award) – a classic with our warm spiced twist!
Oreo Cheesecake Cookie – Oreo… Cheesecake… Can you even go wrong here?
Strawberry Creamsicle Cookie – Sweet strawberry, and vanilla chips, takes you back to childhood!
Funfetti Cookie – Birthday Cake flavored cookie with tons of sprinkles!
Reese’s Overload Cookie – Our classic peanut butter cookie packed with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!
How do you come up with new and innovative cookie creations?
Sometimes we see something while we are out and think wow, that would be good in a cookie. Or someone gives us an idea, and we figure out how to turn it into a cookie. Sometimes Krystal has a funny idea for a label, and we make the cookie based on that. Or we see an ingredient in a store and incorporate it into a cookie… the possibilities are truly endless. Believe me, there are plenty of catastrophes thrown into the process!
What sets The Cookie Catastrophe apart from other bakeries in the area? How do you strive to deliver a unique and memorable experience to your customers?
Our cookies use real butter, real flour, and real sugar… we don’t do anything gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, or keto, and that’s truly rare these days. We use tried and true recipes that taste good, and we keep our cookies a little smaller (and less expensive) than our competitors because we want our customers to try several of our flavors. There’s nothing worse than spending $6 on a single cookie only to realize one bite in that you don’t even like it. With $6, you can try 4 of our cookies and hopefully find your new favorite!
And we always give out free samples at our markets – and by free samples, we mean a whole, bite-sized cookie made just for you. These samples aren’t pieces of broken cookies or parts of messed up cookies – they are cookies we made for each and every person who comes to our booth because we want to put a smile on your face.
We also have an edible printer, which allows us to print logos, photos, images, words, or whatever you want directly onto our delicious sugar cookies. And Krystal works directly with our customers to ensure the designs are exactly what you want, built custom just for you!
As a family-owned and operated business, what are some of the joys and challenges you face while working together? How does your familial bond influence the success of The Cookie Catastrophe?
We work as a team every single day. And it’s not always fun, and we don’t always like each other, but that’s what happens when you live and work together 24/7. Being a family ensures we are all working towards the same goals. And it’s not just the 3 of us… we get help from my parents, Krystal’s mom and sister, our best friends who might as well be family – this is truly a family operation, and we couldn’t do it without all the support we receive.
Could you share some of your favorite moments or heartwarming customer experiences that have made your journey as bakers truly special?
There’s nothing better than being out shopping or eating at a restaurant and hearing, “COOKIE LADIES!!!” Or having someone stop at our booth at a market and say they remember us from a year ago at an event, and they are so excited they found us again… a year ago… they remember a cookie they ate a year ago!
We’ve been a part of so many birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, and corporate events, and every single one is so special to us. Seeing pictures and hearing about how everyone loved the treats is always so uplifting for us.
How do you ensure that your bakery remains inclusive and welcoming to all customers, regardless of their background or identity?
Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community gives us a unique outlook, having been discriminated against in the past. We never want anyone to feel that way when interacting with us. We work hard to ensure we are welcoming to everyone. Be nice to us, and you get a cookie! We spread the love one cookie at a time!
What role do community events and markets play in connecting with your customers and building relationships within the community?
Community events and markets play a huge role – they put us front and center to talk to people, give out samples, and let everyone see in person what we love to do. We’ve built a network of vendor friends that mean the world to us, and seeing our regulars at markets brings such a feeling of joy.
How can people support The Cookie Catastrophe and indulge in your delightful creations? Are there any delivery options or online platforms where they can place orders?
We have lots of exciting markets coming up in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Lake Wales, and more! Stay in the loop with The Cookie Catastrophe! Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our exciting events and ongoing projects. Ready to satisfy your sweet cravings? Visit their website for a delightful assortment of treats. If you're in Winter Haven, you can conveniently pick up your order near Buckeye Loop and Country Club Rd. Don't worry, Lakeland friends – we've got you covered too! We offer delivery for a small fee, and for extra convenience, we bring custom orders to our events. You can also find our delectable delights stocked weekly on the shelf at Red Rooster’s The Village Coop in Winter Haven. Let the sweetness continue!
Discover the ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth every month with their Monthly Cookie Subscription Box! Each month, we curate two exciting themes, and you can choose one for just $25 or indulge in a combination of both for $40. These themes inspire the delicious flavors in your Cookie Box, which includes exclusive sneak peek items, delightful bonuses, and an assortment of cookies, brownies, and other delectable treats to fulfill your dessert desires.
To join the subscription, simply shoot us a Facebook message, and we'll add you to our direct contact list. We'll keep you in the loop with the upcoming themes every month. What's even better? There's no commitment or obligation month to month. If the themes don't match your craving, you can easily opt-out, and we'll touch base with you next time. And when you find the flavors you love, pay and pick up your Cookie Box once it's ready. It's as simple as that!
But if you're not looking for cookies right now, you can still show your support for our small family business. Engage with us on social media - follow, like, comment, or share our posts. If you've enjoyed our treats before, leave us a glowing review. Spread the word by mentioning us to a friend in need of cookies, or share event ideas and flavor suggestions. Your support means the world to us, and we're thrilled to be an active part of the vibrant communities of Winter Haven and Lakeland!
As Stephanie, Krystal, and their daughter Abby pour their passion and creativity into The Cookie Catastrophe, they're not just creating sweets; they're crafting moments of happiness. From heartwarming interactions with customers to their dedication to high-quality, mouthwatering treats, this family-owned bakery is an integral part of the Winter Haven and Lakeland communities. So, whether you're exploring their unique flavors, subscribing to the Monthly Cookie Subscription Box, or simply spreading the word, you're supporting a small business that puts love and delight into every bite. Thank you for being a part of their journey, and here's to many more sweet memories with The Cookie Catastrophe!