Review: Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods Makes Epic Pie Crust Cookies

Calling your baked goods “life changing” is a bold claim, but Janie Deegan has solid evidence to back that claim up. She founded the company as a way to rebuild her life after struggling with drinking and homelessness, and now, Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods is paying it forward, providing second-chance jobs to those in need and donating treats to local community centers and homeless shelters.

And, on top of all that, are the pie crust cookies. Yes—pie crust cookies. The unexpected mashup of a buttery crust base, classic pie filling and streusel topping—all packaged in a four-bite size—put Janie’s business on the map. (It was so popular, in fact, that when she presented the treats to a panel of culinary experts, they all insisted she ditch her cakes and other goods just to focus on ’em.)

Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods has three bakeries in New York City, though the company also ships nationwide via its website, JanieBakes.com, and after sampling one of literally everything on the menu (at least the day I was there), I can honestly say it’s a must-visit. Especially for anyone who loves (1) gooey chocolate chip cookies and/or (2) pie crust more than the actual pie filling.

Here’s Everything You Should Know Before Planning a Visit to Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods:

How Much Are Pie Crust Cookies?

At $2.75 apiece, Janie’s Pie Crust Cookies are one of the best deals in NYC (especially since most buzzy cookies in the city cost upwards of $4 or $5). Her other cookies, which are larger (like s’mores), cost $3.50—still pretty reasonable, and a cold brew will set you back $4.

What Do the Cookies Taste Like?

• Pie Crust Cookies — You don’t need to be a pie person to appreciate these cookies, but you’ll be obsessed with them if you are one. Every flavor, from apple to triple berry, stands out. You get actual chunks of fruit, and it isn’t gloppy, like some fillings can be. The crust is soft and buttery, never too crunchy, and the streusel adds a nice texture and sweetness. That said, some of our favorite flavors are…
  • Fruit-Filled Pie Crust Cookies — Triple berry and peach had just the right jammy notes and had us dreaming of seconds
  • Cream & Other Fillings — Kids go wild for the soft, pillowy birthday cake-filled pie crust cookie, which is like enjoying Confetti cake batter and a pie at the same time. The adults I shared the treats with fought after the pecan, which was nutty, caramel-y and sweet without being cloying.
• Half-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies — If you love gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven, practically molten cookies (as I do), these are for you. The outer edges are slightly crisp and caramelized, giving way to a soft, dense mound of what amounts to as close to cookie dough as you can get. In a word, they’re glorious.
• Cookies & Cream Cookies — These frosting-topped chocolate cookies are an Oreo lover’s dream. They were a bit too sweet for my taste, but my daughter loved them.
• S’mores Cookies — This type of cookie has been popular at bakeries, but the marshmallow can easily go stale and hard, or the graham crackers can overpower the cookie, drying it out. Not so here—Janie’s are well balanced, with all three elements (‘mallow, chocolate and graham) coming through in a soft, chewy cookie.

How Often Do New Cookies Come Out?

In 2024, Janie’s is releasing a new cookie—or bringing back one from its “vault” of former flavors—every week, the brand announced on Instagram.

What Should I Order?

You can’t leave without trying at least one kind of pie crust cookie (though we recommend going for two—one fruit-filled and one pecan, chocolate or birthday cake) and a half-baked chocolate chip cookie. Wash it all down with a cold brew, and you’ve got a great day ahead.