Makeda’s Cookies was established in 1999 and built on the premise of “butterific love." The recipe is a family treasure that has been passed down and perfected by three generations. The company started as a side business which eventually led to them requiring a larger space where they could amp up production, thus forming Makeda’s Cookies.
Makeda Denise Hill was born October 11, 1990, daughter of Morris and Willie Mae Hill. She departed this life on July 18, 1997 after losing her battle with Leukemia. Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies are named in her honor to keep her memory alive. In the Holy Bible Makeda was the Queen of Sheba. In Memphis, Tennessee Makeda is the Queen of Cookies.
The essence of the company is simple, while it is cookies that are the key component of the business, it is actually smiles that the employees are after. In fact, the aroma traveling from the ovens is enough to conjure a big grin on anyone's face. It is intoxicating and heavenly.
The first version of the butter cookie recipe was inspired by the delicious cookies that were served in Memphis City Schools years ago.
In 2015, Makeda’s Cookies opened its second brick and mortar store on Butler Avenue just across from The Civil Rights Museum, a prime Memphis location. This spot gives them enough space to host birthday parties and pop-up shops. Local kids can also sell homemade items and have a fun way to learn business skills. Future plans are in the works for hosting live music at the large downtown location.
Each batch of cookies are made fresh and cookies are easy to find as they are sold in local Kroger, CashSaver and Superlo locations. Each bags contain 18 perfectly baked butter cookies. The Makeda's menu is below. Click HERE to have a few bags shipped to your door!
by Amanda Smith
