I’m working on creating an easy to use and streamlined form to order my cookie cakes but unfortunately do not have that made yet. In the meantime, here are a bunch of Frequently Asked Questions…answered!
I know it’s pretty long (and a bit overwhelming) so if you have any questions or if there is anything you’d like on your cake but I don’t mention it, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can get as creative as you’d like!
A few FAQ’s:
I am registered as a cottage food producer by the MN state dept. of agriculture. My baked goods are homemade and not subject to state inspection. Pick up is at my home in NW Rochester, delivery may be possible within Rochester at a small fee.
What Size Cookie Cakes Are Available And How Many People Do They Feed?
- The cookie cake can be made in either 2 or 3 layers. If you want more layers or even just a single layer cookie cake–I’m sure I can make that happen, too!
- The standard/medium size cookie cake (my most popular!) are approximately 7.5/8″x10″–two numbers fit on a half-sheet cake board or one number on a quarter sheet. Each number can be cut into 10-16 servings (more/less depending on how big they are cut, this will also depend on the surface area of the number/letter/symbol). I can also do smaller (approximately 5″x7″) or larger (approximately 10″x16″) sizes too. **Each number, letter and symbol has a different shape/surface area. Sizes will vary.**
Allergens:
My cookies do include eggs, gluten/wheat, and dairy. Right now I can not make substitutions to the recipe based on allergies/food intolerances but hope to do so in the future!
My icing/frosting is dairy free and does not include any common allergens.
Macarons contain nuts and eggs.
My kitchen is NOT nut-free or gluten-free. I do my best, but there may always be a possibility of cross-contamination. If you have an allergy to nuts, dairy, eggs or wheat please let me know in advance. For your own safety I may not be able to complete your order at this time.
What Flavors Are Available?
I love to flavor the shortbread many ways–and I dislike doing the same flavors over and over so therefore I don’t offer a set list of flavors. Whatever flavor you dream up, I’d love to make happen! I love to use herbs, spices, nuts and zests (I use all natural flavors almost exclusively–unless requested) so there are lots of possibilities! Some of my most popular flavors:
- Vanilla Bean (REAL vanilla, NEVER imitation extract)
- Lavender and Honey
- Chocolate
- Lemon Zest
- Cardamom and Pistachio
Like the shortbread, the icing is also available in many flavors. I don’t typically offer a set list because I love to get creative with my customers. I use all natural flavors and avoid adding food coloring unless a specific color is requested. Some of my most requested flavors are:
- Vanilla Bean (REAL vanilla, NEVER imitation extract)
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Cardamom/Pistachio
- Raspberry, Blueberry, Mango or Strawberry
FILLINGS:
I can also add a jam/preserves filling for an additional fee. Unfortunately, because of the laws surrounding homebaked goods (cottage food), I am unable to use fresh fruit curds or anything that may spoil at room temperature.
TOPPINGS:
The toppings for the cake can and will vary. I can do all sorts of fun things–candies, chocolates, homemade mini brownies, chocolate shapes/diamonds/names, small cookies, mini macarons. Some toppings will have an additional fee attached (keep reading for more info).
If fruit is added, it will vary based on what I can find fresh and what looks the best at the markets—I will not make any promises on which fruits will be used when the order is placed, but will try my best to honor any requests. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are usually readily available. Unfortunately, due to the law and my license, I am unable to add cut fruit.
If you would like macarons added to your cookie cake there may be an additional fee attached. Their availability may be limited as I’ll have to find time to make these as well.
If you would like a particular flavor/color of macaron there is also a minimum order of 1 dozen regular size macarons. The cost for 1 dozen macarons is approximately $33–and may be more if there is a special design or unique flavor/ingredient requested. If the customer is custom ordering macarons with their cake I will gladly add smaller ones in matching flavors to the cookie cake at no additional fee.
If you choose not to custom order macarons and still would like them on the cake–it will depend on what I have available and colors/flavors will be up to me. The additional cost will be $1.25 per macaron for minis or $2.50 for full size.
Edible flowers and greenery will be based upon what my supplier has in stock. Pansies and marigolds are usually always available. I can special order different flowers, too (such as roses) but the cost of the flower and the shipping will be added on to the price of the cake if that’s the case. I can also make sugar flowers at an additional cost.
I love to use REAL, edible gold-leaf/silver-leaf. I often add a bit for extra pizazz, but if you request more “bling”, there will be a small additional fee, dependent on your project and requirements. Generally it will range from $5-$10 depending on how much is being added.
How Do I Store The Cookie Cake?
The cake should be stored in the refrigerator. The icings I use are dairy-free so they are stable at room temperature, but to keep them looking fresh and because they are topped with fruits, I really recommend the fridge. If there are leftovers, they will keep well for 5 days in the refrigerator or can be wrapped well and frozen for up to 6 months.
I prefer to deliver/have them picked up the day the cake will be served to ensure that if I use any edible flowers/greens they will not wilt. If that doesn’t work, I can pack a small container of extra flowers/greens so they can be easily replaced as needed.
How Do I Cut The Cake?
The cakes cut fairly easily with a sharp knife and shouldn’t fall apart or crumble too much. *Let come to room temperature before cutting/serving* For clean cut slices, wipe down the knife blade before making cuts.
Ordering/Payment Info
I accept CASH or VENMO (or Paypal friends/family, if necessary) for payment. The full payment is due to reserve your slot on my calendar. I will send you an invoice ASAP as soon as we discuss your order and have finalized what you’d like as well as the cost. Currently my invoices are sent via quickbooks.
I accept cancellations/refunds up until 2 weeks before your cake is due for delivery. If you need to cancel before then, I will issue a full refund of your cake. If you must cancel within 2 weeks of the delivery, HALF of the cost of the cake will be refunded.
If I have less than 2 week notice, certain toppings (macarons/edible flowers) may not be available, so the more notice–the better!
RUSH ORDERS/LAST MINUTE ORDERS
As much as I love to bake and love to help people celebrate special occasions in their lives, I may not always be able to help. If you request a rush order (same week) and I’m able to squeeze it into my baking schedule, there will be a $10 fee added to your order.
Pricing
Because my layered cookie cakes are based upon the customer’s custom requests, I can not post definite prices. Each project will be a little different.
Prices will depend on the number of layers and what sort of toppings you’d like to have included. As stated above, Macarons and gold/silver leaf have an additional cost. There may also be an additional cost for premium candies or other toppings you’d like included–again, this will all depend on what you’re looking for.
Once we have determined the basics of what you would like, I will send you over a quote.
If you have a specific budget in mind, and my typical offerings do not work for you, I’d love to work with you to create something, too! Please let me know what your budget is and I can create a quote to fit.
To give you an idea on cost: (all costs are based on ONE single digit, letter or number).
A LARGE 3 layer single digit or number would start at $175 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
A LARGE 2 layer single digit or number would start at $150 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
A MEDIUM 3 layer single digit or number (approximately 7.5/8″x10″) would start at $115 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
A MEDIUM 2 layer single digit or number would start at $75 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
A SMALL 3 layer single digit or number would start at $60 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
A SMALL 2 layer single digit or number would start at $40 and there would be additional charges if you choose to add macarons and gold leaf.
MINI Cookie Cakes are subject to availability–unless you are ordering a minimum of 3, I am unable to customize these and they’ll be “baker’s choice.” These are approximately 3.5″-4″ in diameter and are typically 3 layers and will feed 2 to 4 people. My mini cookie cakes start at $15 and there are additional charges if you choose to add macarons (subject to availability).
CUSTOM SIZES are also available! If you’d rather ditch the cupcakes and have something different to celebrate a special occasion or to serve at your wedding, I’m happy to give you a quote!
I know this is a lot of information, but once you have an idea of what shape (number/letter/symbol), flavor, color scheme, how many layers and a vague idea of toppings, I’d be happy to send you a quote!
Until I am able to get my form uploaded, please email me at: thespicedupmom@gmail.com and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible!
Due to the current circumstances and how busy my life has become (full time teaching my kid on top of everything else), my email response may be a bit slow. If you do not hear back, please don’t hesitate to message me again or send a message on Instagram. Sometimes the messages get lost in my email or sent to the wrong folder.
TESTIMONIALS:
