by Washington Washington
I’m gonna be straight with you folks, the Handcrafted Cookie Company is freaking awesome. For a little over a year now (it opened on January 27, 2009), owners Chad and Theresa Williams have been serving up their signature cookies and doughs as well as a collection of sweet homemade treats such as sticky buns, mini gourmet cakes, brownies, macaroons, and meringues, not to mention their vast selection of tasty teas served iced, hot, and in “bubble” form (a Thai-style beverage that contains a tea base mixed with fruit, or fruit syrup, and/or milk and also contains tapioca balls).
A major facet of the HCC is their passion and commitment to healthy and natural, eco-friendly living. It has led them to the development of their natural cookie dough creations, to choose packaging made from recycled materials and green shipping options, and to offer organic, fair trade coffees, teas and other café beverages. Their hope is to provide customers with cookies made with high quality natural ingredients and delicious and unique flavors that can be home-baked to one’s own personal standards. These delectable treats are sans dubious additives, preservatives, partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats), or high fructose corn syrup.
I recently stopped by the HCC to chat with Chad Williams. He’s been cooking professionally since the age of 15 and has a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University. He and his wife have long had ambitions to own and operate a restaurant, so the HCC materialized as a way to test their skills, patience, and ability to work with one another. Williams said, “This was something where we could get our feet wet, work our day jobs, and figure out if we could do it without killing each other. And so far, we’ve collaborated well.”
Williams claims, “I hate to admit it, but she (Theresa) is the creative force. I have the technique, but she’s the one who has come up with just about all of things that we offer.” And what they offer is a cookie lover’s dream: Sixteen signature cookie varieties, original Handcrafted Cookie Dough Pops, cookie cakes, cookie crust cheesecakes, molten cookie pies, and custom cookie gifts, favors and platters.
The many varieties offer a little something for just about everyone, so please have a look at them all on their website – http://www.thehandcraftedcookiecompany.com. Below, I have highlighted one particular variety from each of the four flavor groupings: Chocolate, Classic, Oatmeal, and Sugar…
Chocolate Hotties – Little kicks of fiery jalapeno in a rich chocolate cookie, mellowed by the coolness of smooth, white chocolate chips.
Honey Nutsies - Honey-kissed cookies chock-full of roasted pecans, almonds and walnuts, and topped with a pistachio dusting- a rich, salty-sweet pleasure.
Blueberry Bliss Oatmeal – Sweet dried blueberries and creamy white chocolate chips swirled together in an oatmeal cookie.
Raspberry Mint – A refreshing combination of tangy raspberry preserves and minty freshness enveloped in a warm sugar cookie.
There’s a lot to like about the HCC: variety, good principles, convenience, and quality. As for business in general, Williams said, “So far so good. We’re very happy with where we’re at right now.” And that my friends is a very good thing… Consider it Phoenixville’s premiere patisserie!
I agree that the HCC is freaking awesome. And it just gets better and better each time they add something new. The cakies are a hit, and their bread is out of this world. This is the kind of place that creates an identity for Phoenixville, and I hope Chad and Theresa are here for many years.
Damn, between you guys and their Facebook page, I’ve officially surrendered, and my clothes will never fit the same. Got some cookies, a meringue, delicious cheescake cakie and sticky bun today. Will have to get some Saturday bread. So happy the hours have been expanded (like my waistline!)
And as good as the cookies are, the owners are such pleasant people that it’s easy to sit down and chat with them. I should eat more cookies just to have an excuse to stop in more often.