As a self-proclaimed cookie connoisseur and gifting guru, I‘m always on the hunt for the best sweet treats to share with loved ones (or shamelessly scarf down myself). So when I kept hearing rave reviews about Cheryl‘s Cookies, I knew I had to put them to the test. Could these mail-order cookies really live up to the hype?
In this in-depth Cheryl‘s Cookies review, I‘m diving deep into the brand‘s history, product offerings, customer feedback, and more to give you the full scoop (pun intended). I even ordered a few boxes myself to do some, ahem, very scientific taste testing. So grab a glass of milk and let‘s dig in!
What is Cheryl‘s Cookies?
Founded in 1981 by college roommates Cheryl Krueger and Caryl Walker, Cheryl‘s Cookies is a gourmet cookie delivery service known for their signature buttercream frosting, festive designs, and gift-ready packaging. The brand has grown from a small storefront in Columbus, Ohio to a nationally-recognized brand, thanks in part to their acquisition by 1-800-FLOWERS in 2005.
Today, Cheryl‘s offers a wide array of cookies, brownies, cakes, and other sweet treats for every occasion, from birthdays and holidays to corporate events and "just because." While they have a handful of retail locations in Ohio, the bulk of their business comes from online orders shipped all over the country.
What Makes Cheryl‘s Cookies Special?
So what sets Cheryl‘s apart from your average cookie delivery service? According to the brand, it all comes down to the quality of their ingredients and signature buttercream frosting. Cheryl‘s buttercream is made with just four simple components – butter, confectioners‘ sugar, vanilla, and milk – but the result is an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps customers coming back for more.
In addition to their famous frosting, Cheryl‘s offers an impressive variety of cookie flavors and designs for every season and celebration. From classic chocolate chip to iced pumpkin spice, the brand has a treat to satisfy every craving. They also go above and beyond with their gift packaging, offering festive cookie bouquets, hand-decorated gift tins, and even a DIY cookie decorating kit.
But Cheryl‘s doesn‘t just talk the talk – they‘ve got the accolades to back it up. The brand has been featured on The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, The View, and in publications like People, Good Housekeeping, and Rachael Ray Every Day. They‘ve also earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, which is only awarded to products that have been rigorously tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
My Cheryl‘s Cookies Taste Test
As a serious sweet tooth and frequent gift-giver myself, I couldn‘t wait to put Cheryl‘s Cookies to the test. I ordered a mix of their best-selling buttercream frosted cut-out cookies, classic chocolate chip, decadent peanut butter, and festive seasonal designs. Here are my honest thoughts:
Buttercream Frosted Cut-Out Cookies
These are the cookies that put Cheryl‘s on the map, and it‘s easy to see why. The sugar cookie base is soft and buttery with a hint of almond, while the buttercream is rich and creamy without being tooth-achingly sweet. I sampled a mix of everyday and limited-edition Valentine‘s Day designs, and was impressed by the level of detail on each one. The X‘s and O‘s looked like they were piped by hand!
My favorite was the classic vanilla buttercream, but the chocolate and strawberry frostings were also tasty. I will say that the cookies are on the larger side, so one or two is plenty for a serving. The resealable plastic bags kept the leftovers fresh for several days, but I doubt they‘ll last that long in most households!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
As a certified chocolate chip cookie snob, I have high standards for this classic treat. Cheryl‘s version did not disappoint! The cookies were soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout. They tasted freshly-baked, with a nice balance of brown sugar and vanilla.
While they may not be as showstopping as the decorated cut-outs, these chocolate chippers would be a welcome addition to any cookie jar or care package. I could easily polish off a few in one sitting (and I did, for the sake of this review of course!).
Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! These cookies are packed with rich, nutty flavor and have a delightfully crumbly texture. The dough is studded with peanut butter chips for an extra boost of flavor in every bite. As someone who‘s attempted many a homemade peanut butter cookie, I have to give Cheryl‘s props for nailing the balance of sweet and salty.
My one complaint is that the cookies were a bit on the dry side, especially compared to the chocolate chip and buttercream varieties. Nothing a glass of cold milk can‘t solve though! I think these would be extra tasty crumbled over ice cream or used in a cookie sandwich with peanut butter frosting.
Seasonal Cut-Out Cookies
In addition to their year-round offerings, Cheryl‘s releases special cookie collections for major holidays like Christmas, Valentine‘s Day, Easter, and Halloween. I was able to snag a few of the Valentine‘s Day designs, and they definitely did not disappoint in the looks or taste department!
The cookies came individually wrapped with festive tags, making them perfect for gifting or displaying. I loved the pink and red color scheme and intricate heart designs. Flavorwise, they had the same delicious almond sugar cookie base and creamy buttercream as the classic vanilla cut-outs.
I think these would make such a fun and unexpected alternative to traditional Valentine‘s Day gifts like flowers or chocolates. The combination of cute designs and tasty flavors is sure to win over any lucky recipient!
What Other Customers Are Saying
But you don‘t have to just take my word for it – let‘s see what other Cheryl‘s Cookies customers have to say. I scoured reviews on the brand‘s website, Amazon, and other independent sites to get a well-rounded picture of the customer experience. Here are some of the key takeaways:
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On Cheryls.com, the buttercream frosted cut-out cookies have an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating from over 3,000 reviews. Customers rave about the creamy frosting, soft cookie texture, and cute designs. "These cookies are my absolute favorite!" one reviewer gushes. "The buttercream frosting is out of this world and the cookie is always soft and delicious."
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The chocolate chip cookies are another fan favorite, earning a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 star rating on the brand‘s site. "These are the best store-bought chocolate chip cookies I‘ve ever had," one satisfied customer writes. "They taste homemade and have the perfect balance of chewy and crispy."
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Shoppers also appreciate the variety of gifting options and speedy delivery. "I have sent these cookies for every occasion imaginable," shares one repeat customer. "They always arrive fresh and on time, and the packaging is so cute!"
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On Amazon, Cheryl‘s Cookies products have a solid 4.4 out of 5 star rating across over 2,000 reviews. Positive feedback praises the taste, freshness, and customer service, while negative reviews mostly cite issues with shipping delays or damaged cookies. However, the brand seems to respond promptly to resolve any problems.
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Independent review sites like Sitejabber and Trustpilot show similar positive trends, with Cheryl‘s earning a 4.5 out of 5 star rating (based on over 10,000 reviews) and 4.4 out of 5 star rating (based on over 8,000 reviews) respectively. "I have never been disappointed with anything I have ordered from Cheryl‘s," one Trustpilot reviewer raves. "Everything is always fresh and delicious, and their customer service is outstanding."
While no product is perfect, it‘s clear that the vast majority of Cheryl‘s customers are very happy with their purchases. The brand has earned a loyal following over the years thanks to their winning combination of quality, variety, and service.
Cheryl‘s Cookies Pricing & Shipping
One of the most common questions about Cheryl‘s Cookies is how much they cost. Since they‘re a gourmet gift brand, you can expect to pay a bit more than your average grocery store cookie. However, I think the prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients and beautiful packaging.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of pricing for some of Cheryl‘s most popular items:
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Buttercream Frosted Cut-Out Cookies | $29.99 – $49.99 | 12 – 24 cookies |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | $19.99 – $29.99 | 12 – 24 cookies |
| Peanut Butter Cookies | $19.99 – $29.99 | 12 – 24 cookies |
| Cookie Gift Baskets & Tins | $29.99 – $59.99 | Assorted cookies & treats |
| Brownies, Cakes & More | $24.99 – $49.99 | Varies by product |
As you can see, most of the cookie assortments fall in the $20 to $50 range, with larger quantities and gift sets on the higher end. Cheryl‘s also offers individual cookies and treats starting at just a few dollars each, so you can mix and match to create your own custom gift.
In terms of shipping, Cheryl‘s offers standard, express, and overnight options within the contiguous United States. Standard shipping typically takes 5-8 business days and starts at $6.99, while overnight shipping can be as much as $39.99 for large orders.
The brand occasionally offers free shipping promotions, so it‘s worth keeping an eye out for those. They also have a Celebrations Passport program that includes free standard shipping on eligible products for an annual membership fee of $29.99.
Cheryl‘s Cookies FAQ
Still have questions about Cheryl‘s Cookies? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked:
Q: Does Cheryl‘s offer any gluten-free or vegan options?
A: Yes, Cheryl‘s has a selection of certified gluten-free cookies that are made in a dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination. However, they do not currently offer any vegan cookies as all of their recipes contain milk, eggs, and/or butter.
Q: Can I customize my own cookie gift assortment?
A: Yes, Cheryl‘s allows you to build your own cookie gift box or tin by selecting your preferred flavors and designs. Prices start at $29.99 for a dozen cookies.
Q: How long do Cheryl‘s Cookies stay fresh?
A: According to the brand, most of their cookies will stay fresh for up to 10 days at room temperature, 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or a few months in the freezer. The individually-wrapped packaging helps maintain freshness and prevent the cookies from sticking together.
Q: What is Cheryl‘s return policy?
A: Due to the perishable nature of their products, Cheryl‘s does not accept returns. However, if you are unsatisfied with your order for any reason, you can contact customer service within 24 hours for a replacement or refund.
Q: Does Cheryl‘s offer any corporate gifting options?
A: Yes, Cheryl‘s has a dedicated corporate gifting department that can help with large orders, customized packaging, and bulk discounts. They also offer a gift card program for businesses.
The Bottom Line
So, are Cheryl‘s Cookies really worth the hype? In my personal and professional opinion, absolutely! As a lifelong cookie lover and frequent gift-giver, I can confidently say that Cheryl‘s offers some of the best tasting and most beautifully packaged treats I‘ve come across.
The brand‘s signature buttercream frosting lives up to its legendary status, and the sheer variety of flavors and designs is impressive. I also appreciate that they offer certified gluten-free options, which can be hard to find in the gourmet cookie world.
While Cheryl‘s prices are definitely higher than your average store-bought cookies, I think the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail justify the cost. These are not your run-of-the-mill supermarket cookies! The elegant packaging and prompt shipping also make them a great choice for gifting.
My biggest tip would be to take advantage of any free shipping promotions or discount codes, as the shipping fees can add up quickly. It‘s also a good idea to order well in advance of any holidays or special occasions to ensure on-time delivery.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend Cheryl‘s Cookies to anyone looking for an indulgent treat for themselves or a loved one. From the classic buttercream frosted cut-outs to the decadent peanut butter and chocolate chip flavors, there‘s truly something for every sweet tooth.
So go ahead and treat yourself (or someone else) to a box of Cheryl‘s – your taste buds will thank you!
