Cookie Co. gourmet cookie shop coming to southeastern Sioux Falls

A new cookie shop is coming to southeastern Sioux Falls.

Cookie Co. is a new cookie business based in Redlands, California.

The founders Matt and Elise Thomas first opened shop in 2020 just before the pandemic hit. That was when Sioux Falls local Sarah Storm began following their journey on Instagram, and Storm herself has always had a passion for business.

“Their story was so intriguing, and their cookies looked amazing," she said. "I was really rooting for them from afar and hoping they were successful."

It wasn’t until the company announced franchising opportunities last year that Storm really considered opening a franchise herself.

“I thought, ‘Now that’s something I’d really love to do.’ I love to bake, love to feed people and create that atmosphere in my home," she said. "Why not do that for others?”

Early this spring was when all the pieces came together and after the owners sent her some cookies to try, Storm said she was sold.

The menu will feature four cookie varieties each week. The chocolate chip cookie will be a regular while the other three flavors will rotate.

Some flavors include sea salt caramel, Scotcheroo, German chocolate and frosted animal cookie. Her husband’s favorite is the apple crumb, she said, which is like apple crisp and coffee cake.

“For me personally, I cannot stop thinking about the peanut butter and jelly,” she said. It’s a peanut butter cookie with raspberry buttercream frosting and raspberry drizzle.

Customers will be able to order as many or as few cookies as they want. There will also be gluten-free cookie options in the rotation, and eventually, those gluten-free options will be available every week.

“One thing I really like about Cookie Co. is it’s all real ingredients," Storm said, referring to using real eggs, sugar and butter. "We don’t use any oils or egg mixtures. It’s not necessarily healthy food, of course, but it’s more natural for your body.”

Cookie Co. will occupy about 1,900 square-feet in the new retailer center on 69th and Cliff, which will also house a Starbucks and Year Round Brown.

Storm chose the location for its proximity to Harrisburg as well as other Sioux Falls schools and Avera.

“I’m an east-sider myself, so I wasn’t opposed to the west side, but this felt like a good fit. And the area is a little underserved in dessert options other than ice cream,” she said.

Customers will be able to order their cookies at the counter or online through apps like DoorDash.

Storm said Cookie Co. will likely be ready to open in January.

“It would be nice to be open for the holidays, but I think the beginning of the year is more realistic," she said.

Storm and her husband flew to California a few weeks ago to meet the owners and do some training on running the business. While her husband isn’t part of running the franchise, Storm said he’s been super supportive and open to help in any way he can.

“I’m still learning how it will all work, but I’m just incredibly excited for this opportunity,” Storm said. “And I can’t wait for Sioux Falls to try the cookies, too.”

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Cookie Co. cookie shop coming to Sioux Falls in January