I had noticed this charming little café in West Village called Janie’s Life-changing Baked Goods, and I was curious to find out what the Pie Crust Cookies which were advertised in the window were all about.
I asked the girl behind the counter what she would suggest that I order and she said that I should definitely get one of the Pie Crust Cookies, and that her personal favorite was the one with apple filling, so I gave that one a try. I also got a S’mores cookie, which looked tempting, and since it was a really hot day, I ordered a glass of hibiscus iced tea to wash it all down.
The pie crust cookie was definitely the star. It wasn’t overly sweet, which I really like, and the flavor and texture really captured all the best elements from a pie and a cookie. The S’mores cookie was more traditional, and a bit too sweet for my taste, so I brought most of it back home to eat later, and it’s gone now:)
I was curious about what was so life-changing about Janie’s baked goods, so I did a little research, and it turns out that Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods is far more than just a bakery, and what an impressive story! After grappling with addiction and homelessness in her early twenties, Janie turned to baking as an act of self-care. A $35 handheld mixer sparked a journey that not only filled her with newfound pride but also evolved into a flourishing small business. Despite never intending to become an entrepreneur, Janie rose to the challenge, fueled by the genuine enjoyment her treats brought to others. She’s now famed for her Pie Crust Cookie, hailed as “The Next Cronut,” and has garnered a number of awards in the culinary world. Though what really sets her apart is her commitment to social good. Janie provides second chances through employment, teaches baking to underprivileged youth, and donates generously to her community. Janie’s story is a powerful reminder that unexpected paths can not only lead to personal redemption but can also make a significant social impact.
Fun fact: Later that day, I told Tina about Janie’s Life-changing Baked Goods, and it turned out that Tina is also a big fan and that she has ordered Janie’s pie crust cookies online several times🙂