FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO YOU DESIGN CUSTOM COOKIE SETS?
The first step is always to know what the cookies are for, if there is a theme or color palette, and what date the cookies are needed. If I have availability and you have requested a mood board, then I will put together an order sheet that includes elements that will inspire and/or be included in your cookie set. Mood boards are not necessary for every set but can sometimes help to narrow down the design features. Pricing will be determined based on all of the design details and approximate cookie sizes.
WHAT GOES INTO THE COST OF THE COOKIES?
When you order custom cookies, you are getting a one of a kind treat that fits the exact theme of your party or life event. Beyond the cost of supplies and ingredients are the countless hours I have poured into learning new techniques or inventing new flavors to make sure that the cookie you get looks and tastes better than what you could've even expected. That cookie is the result of years of practice and late nights to perfect a beautiful and delicious treat!
WHY DON'T YOU SEND ME A SKETCH OFÂ WHAT MY COOKIES WILL LOOK LIKE?
I began by sketching every order. The problem I ran into was that by the time I was making the set a month later, I had new ideas that might have created a better set. By not sketching, my customers are getting a more creative and advanced set and often a better pricing deal than if I were to pre-design each cookie.
CAN I MIX AND MATCH COOKIE SIZES IN MY ORDER?
Absolutely! I love doing sets with various sizes because some people want smaller treats than others. It also adds some great visual interest to your overall set. Pricing will be adjusted to accommodate the various sizes.
WHY CAN'T YOU SHIP COOKIES?
Mau Loa Sweets is licensed by the State of Minnesota as a Cottage Food Bakery. Minnesota cottage food guidelines prohibit me from shipping any perishable goods for profit.
HOW ARE MY COOKIES PACKAGED?
Cookies can be packaged in a number of ways. If you plan to place them out on a serving platter, you can pick up your cookies unwrapped in a bakery box. If you are giving out your cookies as favors, want to preserve or freeze the cookies, or just reduce the number of people touching each cookie than I can seal them in eco friendly, compostable bags complete with compostable labels. A variety of gift boxes is also available if you are gifting cookies to your loved ones. All pop up sale cookies are heat sealed in bags to prevent contamination.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE USED IN YOUR COOKIES?
At Mau Loa Sweets, I strive to use the highest quality ingredients. Each batch is made with organic flour and cage-free, organic eggs from a local Minnesota family. I use conventional butter to keep pricing lower but I can substitute organic butter for an additional charge. My flavorings are either high quality extracts and emulsions or derived from natural sources like lemons and cocoa powder. When you taste these cookies, you will understand why it's so important to use the highest quality ingredients!
I SEE YOUR MOST POPULAR FLAVOR INCLUDES ALMOND, WHAT IF I AM ALLERGIC TO TREE NUTS?
The almond flavoring in the vanilla almond cookies does have some natural flavors in the emulsion but the almonds are so highly refined that the allergen is removed, making it safe to use for those with nut allergies. If you need to see more information, I would be happy to send you the analysis from the company. I am happy to share any information I can about any ingredient.
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS?
I have spent hours developing a custom gluten free flour blend that I can substitute into any of my flavors. Mau Loa Sweets gluten free cookies are still soft in texture and have the same great flavors as my gluten cookies. Because I do operate in a kitchen that is exposed to gluten, this is not a suitable cookie for anyone who is highly sensitive to gluten or has celiacs.
WHEN DO YOU HAVE FLASH SALES AND POP-UPS?
Flash sales will most likely happen around major holidays and events as long as I am not too booked with custom orders. Pop-up sales will be more sporadic and will be announced through my social media channels. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to get updates.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY ORDER?
I do require a minimum of two weeks notice to cancel an order to avoid a $30 cancellation fee. Any cancellation within one week before the delivery date will not be refunded. This is due to the fact that I have saved a spot for your order and have likely turned down other orders for your reservation. There is a possibility that you may transfer the balance to a future order dependent on my availability. This may mean that you would not be able to reschedule for up to 3 months.