Sofia and Grace Cookie Company
You know what these chilly winter months call for? A warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie. Or maybe a berry cheesecake cookie, a peanut butter and jelly cookie, a vegan apple raisin cookie, a vegan matcha cookie, a German chocolate cookie, or a a dulce de leche cookie. Luckily for us, Shalonda Vasquez, owner of Sofia and Grace Cookie Company, offers all of these, among more than 25 flavors baked fresh daily.
“My grandmother used to bake cookies every day after school when I was a child,” says Shalonda, 39, on the inspiration for opening her Bed-Stuy shop two years ago, after quitting her job in early childhood education. “And I wanted to pass on a legacy for [my three-year-old twins] Sofia and Grace.”
Per the bakery’s slogan, Sofia and Grace Cookie Company promises that their made-from-scratch treats will “remind you of your greatest childhood memories.” Shalonda playfully reprimanded us for not trying her more sophisticated cookie flavors (lemon chai, for example, or sweet potato with maple pecans), but we wanted to put this claim to the test with nostalgic options like birthday cake, peanut butter and jelly, Butterfinger, triple chocolate, berry cheesecake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and lemon Oreo. Buttery, soft and not-too-sweet, each bite bursted with true-to-life flavor.
“I wanted to pass on a legacy for [my three-year-old twins] Sofia and Grace.”
We also explored the broader Sofia and Grace lunch menu, including a toothsome sampler of handmade baked empanadas — sauteed kale and spinach, beef, curry chickpea and Philly cheesesteak — that were just as tempting as the sweets.
A true neighborhood gem, Sofia and Grace Cookie Company seats about six inside its charming, open bakery space (plus outdoor seating). But despite the shop’s small size, it draws a continuous flow of loyal customers hungering for their fresh vegan and non-vegan cookies, paninis, whipped banana pudding and more. With delightful cookie and empanada flavors in constant rotation, you’ll want to make return visits, too, and try them all.
163 Ralph Avenue, 718-450-8034, Sofia and Grace Cookie Company on Instagram
