St. Pete’s newest dessert destination, Cookie Fueled Mama, is officially open at 3021 Central Ave. The locally owned business appropriately opened its doors on Valentine’s Day, serving soft, gooey cookies that will melt your heart. Owner Christina Malone’s idea for a cookie business wasn’t born in the kitchen but in the gym.
As a competitor in national Strongman events, Malone is no stranger to a strict diet. But with those restrictions come intense cravings for sweets. “When I was cutting weight for nationals,” she explains, “I wanted my cheat meal to be worth it.” Frustrated by store-bought sweets that didn’t satisfy her cravings, Malone set out to create a cookie that was indulgent enough to break her diet guilt-free.
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“I was chasing after a soft, gooey chocolate chip cookie,” Malone says. “And one year later, I cracked the code for my taste buds—a cookie that’s worth the calories.” The result? A chocolate chip cookie with the satisfying heft of a sleeve of Oreos but only about 450 calories—crisp at the edge yet soft in the middle. “All the cookies I make are meant to be indulgent,” she adds. “Makes it worth the cheat.”
Exclusive flavors only available in St. Pete
Malone has already sold her cookies at Al Lang Stadium during Rowdies games and at the Trop for Ray’s games, offering them wholesale and in small batches online. After Strongman competitions, where athletes fiend for a sweet treat after grueling workouts, her cookies are a hit. But her brick-and-mortar store in St. Pete is the only place to get exclusive flavors, like the caffeine espresso protein balls, among other unique varieties. Check out exclusive menu items on Instagram.
In addition to her mouthwatering cookies, Malone also crafts protein variants like the Red Velvet, as well as a variety of protein balls made with plant-based pea protein. And for those with gluten allergies, rejoice: Malone has a dedicated station exclusively for whipping up gluten-free delicacies.
You can also find her sweets at other local businesses, such as Bean Wandering Cafe in St. Pete.
The brick-and-mortar cookie shop is currently open Friday through Sunday from noon until they sell out of baked goods.
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