Cookies to crave

BY STACY URBINA, STAFF WRITER

IN A SMALL PLAZA ON SOUTH Dixie Highway lies a hidden, quaint cookie shop, with a variety of hidden favors, waiting to be explored. Sweet Lich’s offers cookies and ice cream in their bright, highly decorated shop, transporting customers back to their childhood.

Opening in mid-2020, Sweet Lich’s became owner Stephanie Lichter’s passion project, as she decided to support her family after cultivating new skills in baking.

When COVID-19 struck, the Lichters were left with little to do, at which point they decided to make cookies, a bonding activity that not only produced a delicious treat but also a closer family.

In the meantime, Stephanie Lichter decided to begin working toward her master’s degree online, furthering her education. Moreover, she also took up violin classes in an effort to occupy her time in a valuable way.

Once they had their first child, the Lichters decided they would like to provide for their family doing something they now loved. After working average day jobs, they wanted their children to grow up seeing passion being poured into their daily lives.

Today, Sweet Lich’s provides fresh new recipes to its customers, with the Lichter family’s evergrowing passion.

“I own the place, so I definitely put my blood and sweat into making this place happen,’’ Stephanie Lichter said. “I enjoy the people I work with, and I enjoy making people happy with a cookie or ice cream every day.”

Since the Lichters had no restaurant nor shop experience prior to opening Sweet Lich’s, they decided to contact renowned chefs and managers to better understand what it takes to run this type of business. They began by hiring several employees but ultimately decided to make the whole business family-run.

Stephanie Lichter took this task on as her full time job, handling the business side, while Eric Lichter worked more on the sidelines, continuing to develop the shop’s recipes, constantly adding to the menu. Sweet Lich’s variety is one of the factors that keeps bringing customers back, making Eric Lichter’s position vital to the daily operations.

On the menu are many customer favorites such as the white chocolate, chocolate chip, M&M and Oreo-stuffed cookies, to name a few. The cookies come from a long-used family recipe, which has only been improved upon by Eric Lichter.

Cookies are not the only menu option, however. Sweet Lich’s also boasts vanilla and key lime ice creams, perfect to pair with their warm cookies. The shop also sells vegan s’mores and mallow square pies.

The aesthetic of Sweet Lich’s especially draws in customers, who are happy to then indulge in the many treats offered. The inside boasts themed furniture like cookie-shaped seating, perfect for comfort and photos.

Sweet Lich’s also contains colorful walls covered in lights, giving the shop a comforting vibe to all who enter. The smell of delicious homemade cookies just completes the already cozy atmosphere.

“I love the colors and the cookies,’’ sophomore AnnMarie Reyes said. “It’s so colorful, and it looks so comfy.’’

The themed interior and friendly staff welcomes patrons of all kinds, and has set Sweet Lich’s apart from its competition from the beginning.

As a quaint, delightful cookie shop filled with homemade baked goods and a wonderful family story behind it, Sweet Lich’s has definitely earned its title as one of the best dessert options in Coral Gables. Despite only having opened recently, it is sure to have many great years to come and many cookie favors to offer. Stop in for a quick treat or an aesthetic photo opportunity with friends.