Kalamazoo Cookie Co.
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When it comes to desserts, cookies are my absolute weakness. Therefore I’m super excited about the opening of Kalamazoo Cookie Co., which is a 100% dedicated gluten free bakery. Continue reading to learn more in my interview with the owner.
Who Owns Kalamazoo Cookie Co.?
Do you ever meet someone and immediately feel like they could be your long time friend. When I met Tyler Dilworth at his new gluten free cookie business in Kalamazoo, we talked for at least an hour.
About what makes eating gluten free difficult, and how it gives him so much joy when a customer feels so safe in his bakery. And our shared love of Michigan author Patricia Polacco.
How a Loving Grandfather Created Tyler’s Love of Cookies
“Kalamazoo Cookie Company started somewhere between a childhood memory and a slightly irrational grudge.
When I was a kid, my grandpa and I had a tradition — we’d walk to a tiny cookie shop in Harbor Springs, grab a couple cookies, sit by the water, and just talk. Nothing fancy, just time together. That stuck with me more than I realized.” “I wanted to do something that people could come to and make a memory with it.””
What’s Your Background in Gluten Free Baking?
“During COVID, my mom brought over chocolate chip cookies and my wife wouldn’t stop talking about how good they were. Being the jealous type, that didn’t sit right with me. So I decided to make a better one.
That turned into a year of making cookies almost every day, changing one thing at a time until it finally felt right. That’s the version we sell now.
Everything here is small batch and baked to order. I still make every batch myself, and if I’m not excited to eat it, it doesn’t go out.
At the end of the day, it’s just cookies. But if it feels like someone actually cared when they made them, then I did my job.”
Is Everything at Kalamazoo Cookie Co. Gluten Free?
Yes, Kalamazoo Cookie Co. is a 100% dedicated gluten free facility. At some point, I would like to offer gluten free baking classes.
What Flavors of Cookies are Available?
Kalamazoo Cookie Co. has 5 “mainstay” flavors that are always available. They are:
- Chocolate Chip
- Snickerdoodle
- Molasses
- Peanut Butter and Jelly, and
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
Then there are 1 to 2 “seasonal” flavors that are available. Past flavors include
- Summer Swirl (Raspberry, Grapefruit & Passionfruit)
- Blueberry and Honey Cornbread
- Cookie Monster
- Limoncello
- Sweet Chai
- and many more
Customers can order a 6 count sampler that includes one of each mainstay cookie, and one seasonal cookie.
Do you only use certified gluten free flours?
I source gluten-free ingredients carefully — using certified products and verifying processing with suppliers when needed. I only use King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour.
- Do you use oats, oat flour, or oat milk in your baked goods? If so, which brands?
- I rarely use oat ingredients in my gluten free cookies.
- Do you use certified gluten free wheat starch in any of your baked goods?
- I do not use any gluten free wheat starch in my bakery.
Are your baked goods free from other allergens?
Gluten is the only allergen that I specifically exclude in my products. My recipes frequently use most other common allergens.
What customer feedback has brought you the most joy?
Recently, a young couple drove from Battle Creek to try some cookies. One of them has Celiac Disease, and their partner wanted to surprise them with something sweet. I’ve also met kids with Celiac Disease who have been able to eat their first bakery cookie. It reminds me on the long days that this is why I created this business.
What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?
Cookies are baked to order. I do have Variety 6-packs available daily for walk-ins, but supplies are limited. I cater to weddings, showers, birthdays, retirement parties, etc.
There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in any of my cookies. These cookies are made with real intention, care, and pride. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to do something that I love for a living, especially when what I get to do is spread some joy.
Where Else Are Your Gluten Free Cookies Available?
If you’re out and about in Kalamazoo, you can find our cookies at ‘Zoo Scoop in Kalamazoo and Chocolatea in Portage. All of my packaged goods contain product name, ingredients in descending order, product weight, allergen warning, and business info. You can also find a complete list of ingredients for each cookie on our website.
How should customers place a special order? Do You Ship?
Anyone can place an order at kalamazoocookiecompany.com. For large event orders/ bulk pricing, fill out the form on the Contact page. I ship anywhere in the U.S. Shipping is $12 flat rate on all orders, with free shipping on orders over $55. We also offer gift cards.
You can learn more about Tyler and the Kalamazoo Cookie Co. in this article by Mike Wenninger on the Secone Wave website.
Kalamazoo Cookie Co. Location and Hours
Kalamazoo Cookie Co.
4023 Douglas Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49004
MON-FRI 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / SAT 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: (269)216-3688
Email: [email protected]
Website: kalamazoocookie.co
Kalamazoo Cookie Co. is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan. Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map!