What better way to celebrate a birthday or to throw a special event than with a batch of cookies made specifically for the occasion? This custom-order cookie business in Montclair is dishing out hundreds of hand-crafted cookies each week. Cardinal Cookie Co. bakes and designs some of the best cookies in NJ.
Owner and sole operator Kaitlyn Algarin has a well-established pastry career up until this point. After graduating from the baking and pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America, she set up shop as a pastry chef across several restaurants in New Jersey. Her creatively delicious desserts landed her a position as Pastry Chef at Robbie Felice’s acclaimed Viaggio and Osteria Crescendo for three years. Her work has also taken center stage at Chic Sugars in Englewood, NJ and most recently at Brick + Dough—where she still handles desserts today.
Her pastry genius has brought plenty of creative desserts to Brick + Dough specifically, along with their newly added concept: The Windough. Loaded breakfast sandwiches, featuring her homemade biscuits, and artisan pop tarts are available in-person on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Custom New Jersey Digest cookie from Cardinal Cookie Co.
And while Algarin’s talents are often best displayed on restaurant menus, it’s not just plated desserts that she wants to show off. She started Cardinal Cookie Co. in April of 2023 to offer custom cookies for any event you might have. Be it a birthday, work event or a baby shower, Algarin has you covered with impressively designed cookies in batches.
This could mean a company’s logo, a favorite sports team, or a playful animal—the best part about Cardinal Cookie Co. is that it is completely customizable and up to you.
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It’s true, there are a ton of custom cookie businesses out there, but the harsh truth is that most of the time, the cookies may look nice, but biting into them is like eating sand. It is rare to find a custom cookie that is truly tasty—something Algarin sought to solve.
“They taste as good as they look. I feel like sugar cookies always taste terrible, so my goal was to make a sugar cookie that is as delicious as it is beautiful,” Algarin told me. After tasting a few for myself, I can confirm that her goal has been reached. The cookie itself is buttery and flavorful, with a deliciously beautiful design to top it off.
In addition to custom sugar cookies, Cardinal Cookie Co. offers freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies, and more. Because of Algarin’s custom-order process, which is done entirely through her, you have the freedom to request an array of cookies and flavors. Her repertoire runs deep, so if she is able to fulfill a request, then you’re probably in luck.
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So, the next time you’re hosting a party or planning an event, skip the typical cake or brownie tray, and try something a little different. Custom cookies are a great way to celebrate.
Cardinal Cookie Co. can be ordered via email, which can be found here. From start-to-finish, the entire process is 100 percent customizable and up to you. Have an idea for a cookie design you might want to purchase? Start your order today.
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
