Lake Bluff, IL — October 15th, 2025 — You’re a Cookie!, maker of premium gluten-free and nut-free cookie dough and baked cookies, is proud to announce that its Take & Bake Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Dough has been named a Finalist in the Sweet Snacks category for the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi™ Awards—a distinguished honor recognizing the best specialty food products of the year.
The annual sofi Awards have celebrated excellence and innovation in specialty food since 1972. This year’s winners will be announced live in a ceremony at the Specialty Food Association’s newest trade show, Winter FancyFaire, January 11–13, 2026, in San Diego, California.
“Being recognized as a sofi Finalist is such an honor,” said Angela Milicevic, Founder of You’re a Cookie! “We’ve always believed that the best cookies start with the best ingredients. That’s what makes our cookies special — they’re crafted for anyone who loves a good cookie, and made so that everyone can enjoy them.”
The Take & Bake Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Dough stood out among more than 1,200 entries, judged by a panel of specialty food buyers in a blind tasting. Products were evaluated based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation.
“There are thousands of food and beverage products that are sold on store shelves and yet amidst the multitude of options, these finalists have risen above their peers to receive top scores from our expert judging panel of buyers,” said Bill Lynch, president of the Specialty Food Association. “Congratulations to You’re a Cookie! and all the 2026 sofi Award Finalists!”
Crafted with Michigan-grown blueberries and organic brown sugar, Take & Bake Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Dough delivers a fresh twist on a nostalgic favorite—fruity, buttery, and perfectly chewy. Sold in resealable pouches with six pre-portioned cookies, it’s designed for effortless home baking and maximum freshness.
Attendees at Winter FancyFaire 2026 can experience You’re a Cookie!’s Take & Bake Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Dough through exclusive tastings at the show’s First Taste Table—a curated experience showcasing the very best in specialty food to more than 450 retail buyers. In addition, the product will be sampled during the sofi™ Awards Ceremony on Monday, January 12, where the Gold and Grand Honors winners will be announced.
The recognition comes after a milestone year for You’re a Cookie!. Originally founded in Chicago, IL, the company relocated to Lake Bluff, IL in 2024 to expand its dedicated gluten-free and nut-free manufacturing facility and partner with major distributors such as Fortune Fish & Gourmet. After exhibiting at its **first-ever trade show—the Summer Fancy Food Show in 2025—**the brand submitted its cookies for the sofi Awards and was honored to be named a finalist. Today, You’re a Cookie! continues expanding across the Midwest and beyond, with retail placements in Plum Market, Sunset Foods, and Woodman’s Fresh Market, among other specialty retailers.
“This recognition is a powerful step forward as we continue to grow our reach and share our cookies with more people nationwide,” said Milicevic. “Our goal for the coming year is to keep expanding our partnerships and prove that gluten-free can be just as crave-worthy as any cookie out there.”
The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the $219-billion specialty food industry. Past winners have included some of today’s most recognizable and successful brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Kettle Chips, Fage Yogurt, Stonewall Kitchen, and Vermont Creamery.
For more information on You’re a Cookie! and the Take & Bake Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Dough, visit www.youreacookie.com or follow @youreacookie on Instagram and Facebook.
About You’re a Cookie!
Founded by former pastry chef Angela Milicevic, You’re a Cookie! makes ridiculously good cookies that just happen to be 100% gluten-free and nut-free. Crafted in a dedicated allergen-free facility in Lake Bluff, IL, the company sources premium Midwest ingredients to create indulgent, chef-crafted cookies and cookie dough that everyone can enjoy. You’re a Cookie! products are distributed through Fortune Fish & Gourmet and available at retailers across the Midwest including Plum Market, Sunset Foods, and Woodman’s Fresh Market.
About the Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $219-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972.
Media Contact for You’re a Cookie!:
Angela Milicevic
Founder, You’re a Cookie!
[email protected]
(773) 961-7091
Media Contact for the Specialty Food Association:
[email protected]