For National Cookie Day, we’re cranking up the sugar and the celebration. From gooey Nutella cores and rainbow sprinkles to cheeky shapes and glitter-dusted cakes, supporting queer-owned small businesses has never been sweeter.
Brady’s Bakery — Los Angeles (Glendale), CA
Plus-size, overstuffed cookies? Say less. Brady’s Bakery is an LGBTQ-owned ghost kitchen slinging enormous cookies that are crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and unapologetically extra. Try the Nutella-filled “OMFG” cookie, or the outrageous Half Pounder with Cheese — a half-pound chocolate chip cookie stuffed with red velvet and slathered in cream cheese frosting. Cereal lovers, don’t miss the “Gay AF Rice Krispie Treat,” made with Fruity Pebbles and plenty of marshmallow magic.
Hot Cookie — Castro District, San Francisco, CA
Bold, cheeky, and proudly queer since 1997, Hot Cookie is a Castro District institution. Sure, you’ll find delicious classics like cookies and cream, s’mores, and monster cookies (look out for googly eyes!), but the real star of the show arrives in June: phallic-shaped cookies on a stick. They’re just as NSFW as they are irresistible. Equal parts sugar rush and statement piece, this is the place to let your dessert do the talking.
Michael’s Cookie Jar — Houston, TX
At Michael’s Cookie Jar in Houston, hand-iced sugar cookies are decked out with rainbow flags, sprinkles, and sweet “Happy Pride” messages — and all proceeds from the Pride collection support Hatch Youth. Owned by pastry chef Michael Savino, this bakery (and proud member of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce) also turns out top-tier classics like snickerdoodles and chocolate chip. It’s a win-win: treat yourself and give back.
Jennivee’s Bakery — Chicago, IL
Founded by Filipina trans baker Jenni Vee in 2017, Jennivee’s Bakery was one of the first LGBTQ-owned bakeries in Chicago — and her cookies are next level. Think buttery brown butter chocolate chip, rainbow M&M, peanut butter, and snickerdoodle, all stacked next to colorful cakes and glistening cupcakes (the mango cream is a must). Don’t forget to order a glitter-dusted Pride Cake and share the love by the slice.
Cake Life Bake Shop — Philadelphia, PA
Cake Life Bake Shop, trans-owned and in Philly’s Fishtown neighborhood, is known for its Pride Month lineup that sells out fast. Stock up on Pride and Trans Flag Sugar Cookies, shortbread sleeves, and Fiesta Cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting and rainbow sprinkles (bonus: vegan and gluten-free options available). While you’re at it, grab one of their cult-favorite cinnamon rolls — gooey, sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
Bake Me Happy — Columbus, OH
Bake Me Happy proves you don’t need gluten to enjoy the good stuff. This queer and female-owned Columbus bakery specializes in completely gluten-free treats that taste anything but “alternative.” From oatmeal creme clouds and blondies to donut muffins and mini bundt cakes, everything is celiac-friendly and made with love. Grab a chocolate chip cookie, pair it with a seasonal cold brew, and prepare to become a regular.
Wunderkeks — Austin, TX
Owned by adorable husband duo Hans Schrei & Luis Gramajo, Wunderkeks went viral for its classic chocolate chip cookie after SXSW — and now they ship nationwide with packaging as colorful as their story. Think hot pink boxes and puff balls instead of packing peanuts. Flavors include red velvet, toffee chocolate chip, and cranberry white chocolate — all soft, chewy, and perfectly nostalgic. Cookies that ship with style? Yes, please.
Steve & Andy’s Organics — New York, NY (nationwide shipping)
For cookies you can feel really good about, order a box from Steve & Andy’s Organics, founded by Brooklyn-based couple Steve Marino and Arjan “Andy” Khiani. These are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and completely craveable. Soft-baked flavors like banana chocolate chip and double dark chocolate are cult favorites. The best part? They ship anywhere in the U.S.
