Meet Angela Yosco
Angela Yosco, Founder & Owner, Tootie Cookies
First, what is a "Tootie Cookie"?
“Tootie” is how my daughters pronounced “cookie” when they were toddlers, and it always melted my heart. Tootie Cookies are a delightful drop-style cookie available in various flavors. Each cookie is baked in an individual cookie cup, making them both unique, fun to enjoy, and easy to share.
What inspired you to start Tootie Cookies?
As my girls approached school age, I started to realize I wanted more for myself—more than just the title of “mommy.” I wanted to show them that dreams are within reach. Baking cookies has been my passion for the last 15 years. It’s such a simple joy that brings smiles to so many faces. When my husband learned I wanted to turn this cherished hobby into a business, he was all in, cheering me on every step of the way. Starting Tootie Cookies felt like a warm embrace—something familiar and manageable that would allow me to inspire my daughters to follow their dreams, just as I’m doing now.
How do you decide on flavors and ingredients?
Tootie Cookies is all about bringing classic and nostalgic flavors to life. In a world where extravagant flavor combinations and frosting-stuffed cookies are all the rage, I focus on delivering a true wow factor through taste. When someone takes a bite of a Tootie Cookie, I want them to be instantly transported back to their childhood, embracing the warmth of simpler times and sweet memories. Current varieties include but are not limited to sea salt chocolate chip, double dark chocolate, sprinkle, and white chocolate macadamia.
“Currently, my main focus is on thank-you boxes, where I collaborate with clients who want to express their appreciation through a sweet treat and a personalized note.”
Who is your target customer?
I always say Tootie Cookies’ target customer is anyone who loves cookies! Currently, my main focus is on thank-you boxes, where I collaborate with clients who want to express their appreciation through a sweet treat and a personalized note. Before diving into the world of business-to-business thank-you boxes, I offered a limited-edition flavor of the month. I hope to bring that back soon, but this time as part of a special limited-edition box!
What are your short-term and long-term goals for Tootie Cookies?
I envision expanding Tootie Cookies to include a variety of themed boxes—not just for business clients, but also for special occasions like birthdays, congratulations, and “thinking of you” moments. My long-term goal is to broaden my customer base and, ideally, to ship “ready-to-bake cookies” to hotels across the country.
And my biggest dream? To open a charming little bakery on Main Street in Disney World, where the magic of cookies can bring joy to everyone!
Do you have a favorite kind of Tootie Cookie?
My favorite cookie has always been the sea salt chocolate chip, and it still holds a special place in my heart. However, about two years ago, I had my girls help me create what they considered their ultimate cookie. One of their creations is a peanut butter-filled pretzel cookie, bursting with peanut butter M&Ms mixed throughout the dough. The other is a delightful peanut butter, chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin cookie, enhanced with a sprinkle of cinnamon. These cookies are truly limited edition and a must-try!