What inspired me to set up this cookie business?
Many people have loved my traditional American cookies at parties and potluck lunches, and always say they’re the best cookies they ever had. I’ve also baked many cookies for my boys when they were little (and now not so little), and have always enjoyed watching them munch on my yummy creations. I enjoy it so much that I started my own bakery business! Jen’s Italian Cookies was born in December 2022.

Why did I name it Jen’s Italian Cookies?
My great grandparents on both sides were originally from Sicily. Some of them immigrated to Ellis Island, some to New Orleans, and one way or another they made their way to Houston, Texas. My great grandmothers brought a Sicilian cookie to America called Cuccidati, a fig cookie, which was made only in Sicily.

What is a Cuccidati?
You might mistakenly compare them with the fig sandwich cookies commonly found in stores today, but the flavor and quality of Cuccidati are beyond comparison! It is traditionally made every year for Christmas with all of the family members baking them together. My grandmothers, mother and aunts continued this tradition, and have passed it down to me and my cousins.

So how did I get started?
Starting in 2015, my Deaf cousins and I decided to continue our family tradition of making Cuccidati together. We had so much fun that first day, mixing, baking, and chatting, and before we knew it, it was midnight! We still enjoy the family tradition together every year, and hope to continue for many more years to come.

Where will you go from here?
With this cookie company, I specialize in not only Cuccidati, but other family favorites as well, such as Biscotti and Giugiuleni, with more coming soon! I also bake some classic American cookies such as Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Snickledoodles.

Who am I?
My name is Jennifer. I’m Deaf, and American Sign Language is my primary language. I have been happily married to Israel for nearly 23 years, and we have two wonderful grown boys. They are 20 and 18 and are into the computer world, VR games, etc. My husband is currently working for an awesome company in Austin, TX. For my family members, I am currently working on the family tree and history. If you have a story you would like to share with me to add here, please email me your story! I would love to hear your stories, and I have a few stories of interesting family history that I would love to share with you as well!