When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Cindy Lou's Cookies
Why Cindy Lou's Cookies is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cindy Lou's Cookies stands out as a premier destination to meet up with friends, beloved for its large, old-fashioned, and seriously delicious cookies that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Located in Miami's Little River neighborhood since 2017, this artisanal cookie shop combines classic All-American cookie traditions with a sophisticated culinary pedigree. The shop features a rotating selection of approximately a dozen flavors at a time, drawn from an impressive repertoire of 35 recipes, including classic chocolate chip, red velvet, and oatmeal raisin, alongside unique offerings like guava coconut macaroon that infuse a South Florida vibe. The cookies, each weighing about seven ounces, are designed to be shared, offering an "affordable luxury" experience. The cozy yet mostly to-go setup lends itself to spontaneous dessert outings or thoughtful take-home treats. The shop's founders, Cindy Kruse, a classically trained pastry chef, and Eric Paige, with extensive chef experience, ensure every cookie is crafted with custom dough and handmade in-house ingredients, resulting in thick, flavorful, perfectly baked goods. Beyond cookies, Cindy Lou’s offers exceptional brownies and rotating pies that deepen the appeal. The combination of handcrafted quality, varied flavors, and warm neighborhood atmosphere makes Cindy Lou’s Cookies an excellent meeting place for friends to indulge in shared sweet moments.
Here's what people think of Cindy Lou's Cookies
As of recent, Cindy Lou's Cookies holds a 4.9-star rating based on 405 reviews.
Customer feedback for Cindy Lou's Cookies is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in a stellar 4.9-star rating based on over 400 reviews. Fans consistently praise the cookies’ large size, perfect balance of ingredients, and exceptional flavor profiles that blend traditional favorites with inventive tastes such as guava coconut and lemon poppyseed white chocolate chip. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the brownies and rotating pies as standouts complementing the cookie experience. The freshness of the cookies and their handmade, artisanal nature receive frequent commendations, emphasizing how each bite delivers a comforting yet gourmet treat. The warmth and passion behind the small team—often led by Cindy and Eric themselves in baking and shop operations—add to the personalized feel customers love. On the negative side, some reviewers note the primarily to-go nature of the shop limits seating availability, making it less conducive to longer in-store gatherings. A few mention prices ranging from $4 to $5 per cookie might be considered a bit premium, though usually balanced by the high quality and size of the cookies. Overall, reviews conclude that Cindy Lou’s Cookies excels at delivering a memorable dessert experience, with attentive small-batch craftsmanship and unique flavors that justify the price and keep patrons returning.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mio Komuro
I'm so glad I have to make a point to go to Little Haiti and to Cindy Lou's. If I could go more easily, I'd easily gain 15 pounds. I made a Toogoodtogo pickup with them and loved every item that was in the bag. The bakery is purely counter service---maybe there's a window counter where you can park yourself if you really want to dig into something? But they do not sell coffee or tea, a.k.a. your baked item staple drinks. They do sell milk to keep your inner child cozy. It's really more of a pick out items you want and take it home with you to indulge kind of a place. The space is clearly more industrial and dedicated to the baking part of things, and I'm completely okay with that! Here's what I got: Rocky road cookie: You know the crispy part of a brownie? Like brownie brittle but with things inside? This was that embodiment, with chunks of brownie batter surrounded by melted marshmallow and crunchy walnuts. It was so airy that I almost forgot I was eating a cookie, and calories. White chocolate macadamia cookie: Crunchy, a little chewy, a lot smooth white chocolate and macadamia flavor. So good. Funfetti cookie: One of my favorites, and I usually don’t like sugar cookies! The shortbread in this cookie was light, buttery and crumbly without being greasy. I want one just thinking back on it! Oreo chocolate cookie: I took 4 days to eat this one because it was so dense and satisfying with a few small pieces at a time. There was a slight mocha flavor to the chewy, thick dough, topped heavily with Oreo pieces. Lots of stuff going on for a great time in the mouth, haha. Vegan banana nut bread: I legitimately thought this was crumble cake because of its sugar coated surface. It turned out to be a super moist, albeit a little oily, banana bread chock full of nuts. That sugar coated top, though, gave it that special bite that set it apart from a homemade banana bread. I was thinking I could make these items last for a week. They were gone in 4 days. I was so happy to have them and so sad when they were done. I will absolutely return to try the entire rest of their menu and gift them to anyone whenever I have a chance!
Ira Galvish
Honetly, these are not the best cookies in Miami, very doughy, average ingrediants kind of plain jane, there is nothing special about them. I was def not impressed but rather disappointed. True Loaf Bakery makes a better chocolate chip cookie, crunchy on the outside, premium chocolate chunks and a way better flavor. I am perplexed how this bakery was nominated as the best cookie baker in the city by The Miami New Times, did they pay for the review? For me they were average, something you expect at pot luck supper, nothing to write home about. I dont understand their 4.6 star review. Maybe their customers were high and had the munchies? I wont be coming back. Wow.. Your response is obviously not in the realm of reality. I suggest you go around to the competition and try their products and than try yours, the outcome is obvious. No I wasnt paid to write this review, it was an honest critique. I really am passionate about everything I review and seriously your products are mediocre. Your feedback review you sent me, was that an a corporate exercise or do you really want to improve your products? Ill gladly bring you some cookies from the competition and we can sit down and compare. Take me up on my offer?
Black Girl 1k
Love this place! I think I’ve had every cookie and dessert they have even the limited editions.
Strategic Memories
Who is my first time in that establishment? The selection was amazing and what I chose I really taste good. It was a specialty item. I was actually going to the place next-door, but I went there for a sweet treat and it was very good. The customer service felt just a little rushed, but maybe they had some Mobile orders or something. Because they were still very polite, but by being my first time, I had many questions, but this is definitely a place I would recommend and come back to
Lori Moreno
We have ordered delivery from here a few times and have now tried everything on the menu they have on doordash. There is not a single item on their menu I would say is not good. We do have a few standouts that we love. The coconut chocolate chip cookie is a must if you like coconut. Any poundcake on the menu I would say try. The chocolate cake is so delectable 🥰. The espresso cookie is so different and yummy. The carrot cake is one of the best I've ever had and that is something I try at every place. The pictures I'm posting are half eaten because I always forget to take pictures before I start eating from here. We're new to Miami and have been trying a lot of dessert places and this is one I will definitely get when friends come in to visit.
How to reach Cindy Lou's Cookies
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Why Cindy Lou's Cookies may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cindy Lou’s Cookies with your friends?
Gathering at Cindy Lou’s Cookies is an irresistible invitation to share an extraordinary dessert experience with friends or family. This Miami gem has earned a spectacular 4.9-star rating from over 400 reviews, signaling wide acclaim for its comfort-filled, indulgent pastries. When you rally here, you’re not just meeting at a cookie shop—you’re stepping into a place that celebrates nostalgia through giant, handcrafted cookies and rotating delightful treats, perfect for those craving something sweet and memorable. The atmosphere is welcoming, even if the storefront is small and mostly geared toward to-go orders, the joy that these massive cookies bring acts as a communal bond—encouraging smiles, stories, and shared moments. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a weekend catch-up, Cindy Lou’s Cookies offers a warm, sweet backdrop where you can savor a variety of innovative flavors like guava coconut macaroon or potato chips and Snickers. The expansive cookies are designed to be shared, making this a perfect hub for socializing around a universally beloved indulgence. Plus, the friendly service and the chef’s passion imbued in each treat only deepen the connection between the visitors and the experience.
What activities can you enjoy at Cindy Lou’s Cookies?
While Cindy Lou’s Cookies doesn’t focus on traditional cafe activities or extensive seating, the true activity here lies in the communal enjoyment of extraordinary baked goods. Groups can pre-order an array of giant cookies—each approximately 5.5 to 6 inches and rich with carefully balanced flavors—that invite sharing and tasting. The cookie tasting itself becomes an event, encouraging conversation about favorite flavors and the nostalgia each bite evokes. For those with special dietary preferences, Cindy Lou offers a remarkable selection of gluten-free giant cookies, including tropical guava coconut macaroons and decadent rocky road varieties, ensuring everyone in your group can participate in the treat tasting adventure. Since the bakery mostly operates as a to-go venue, visitors often turn gatherings into picnics at nearby parks or small get-togethers at home, all centered around Cindy Lou’s famous desserts. Additionally, the shop offers rotating pies and fudgy brownies that provide variety for larger groups, letting your meetup explore beyond cookies into other soulful desserts. These extras allow your group to customize the experience, making each visit unique whether it's a casual hangout or a celebratory fête.
Why is Cindy Lou’s Cookies perfect for group meetups?
Cindy Lou’s Cookies shines as a meetup spot because its offerings foster shared indulgence and delight, key ingredients for any memorable gathering. The bakery’s cookie sizes and richness naturally encourage sharing, promoting communal enjoyment that can enhance connection among friends or family. The rotating menu ensures that repeat visits remain exciting, providing fresh treats to talk about and savor together. Also, the bakery’s ability to accommodate special dietary needs with gluten-free options means your group can be more inclusive, a significant plus when organizing meetups. The small storefront encourages orders ahead by phone or online, simplifying logistics for groups and minimizing wait times. Its location in Miami’s Little River neighborhood provides a cozy, off-the-beaten-path charm, perfect for groups looking to discover a hidden local gem. The combination of Cindy Lou’s culinary pedigree, evidenced by founder Cindy Kruse’s renowned pastry background, and the welcoming atmosphere cultivates a sense of care and quality that elevates a simple meetup into a heartfelt occasion centered around shared enjoyment of exceptional desserts.
How does Cindy Lou’s Cookies cater to special preferences and dietary needs?
One of Cindy Lou’s Cookies’ standout qualities is its thoughtful approach to inclusivity, especially for those with gluten sensitivities. Their gluten-free giant cookies, shipped nationally and available in-store, offer the same indulgent size and delightful flavor combinations as their classic offerings—ensuring no one in your group misses out on the fun. Options like the guava coconut macaroon and rocky road exemplify how gluten-free treats can be both exciting and satisfying, blending tropical fruit flavors with rich chocolate and textures. This dedication highlights Cindy’s passion for making cookies that not only taste nostalgic and heartfelt but also respect diverse dietary requirements. Beyond gluten-free, all cookies are made from scratch with custom doughs and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, maintaining quality and flavor balance that appeals broadly. Such careful crafting appeals to food lovers who appreciate artisan desserts and want to enjoy their treats responsibly. This approach encourages groups to include everyone in their plans without worries about limited options, strengthening the meetup appeal for Cindy Lou’s Cookies.
What makes Cindy Lou’s Cookies a meaningful choice beyond just desserts?
Visiting Cindy Lou’s Cookies is about more than just the delicious treats; it embodies a story of resilience, passion, and community spirit. Founded by Cindy Kruse, a Culinary Institute of America-trained pastry chef who worked under celebrated chefs, this bakery represents her joyful return to creating comfort foods that nourish the soul. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when wholesale accounts vanished overnight, Cindy Lou’s adapted by taking phone orders and offering contactless pickups, which surprisingly became their busiest period. This flexibility and commitment to the community, including baking for hospitals and first responders, planted Cindy Lou’s Cookies deeply in the Miami heart and soul. Customers don’t just get pastries—they experience a piece of Cindy’s dedication and the collective comfort these cookies have provided during challenging times. This sense of connection transforms a casual dessert to an emotional celebration shared around the table. Hosting a meet-up here means joining in a local tradition of warmth, resilience, and shared enjoyment that elevates the experience above the ordinary.
What is the best way to plan a meetup at Cindy Lou’s Cookies?
Planning a meetup at Cindy Lou’s Cookies involves a bit of strategy, since the bakery is primarily a takeout destination with limited seating. To ensure a smooth experience, groups are encouraged to place orders ahead either by phone, online, or through delivery apps. This approach avoids the small retail space’s wait times, especially for popular cookies that are huge yet carefully crafted and in high demand. Knowing the bakery’s hours—Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.—is important for timing your visit or pickup. Once you have your orders, nearby parks or cozy home gatherings are ideal spots to unpack the treasure trove of freshly baked cookies and desserts. Bringing your own beverages can also complement the rich flavors beautifully, augmenting the overall group experience. For those farther afield, Cindy Lou’s offers nationwide shipping for gluten-free cookie packs, enabling virtual meetups or gifting opportunities to friends and family unable to visit Miami in person. Thoughtful planning can help you maximize the joy and comfort such a sweet spread brings to your social occasion.