Frequently Asked Questions
As much as we think it’s a piece of cake, we know there still are questions you simply need answered. See below for a list of our most frequently asked questions. The first section is related more for Logo and Photo Cookies and Cakes and Desserts follow below. If you still have additional questions, please email us at sales@FreedomBakery.com
FAQ for Photo and Logo Cookies
Q: Do you make chocolate chip cookies for Photo and Logo Cookies?
A: No, our Photo and Logo Cookies are made with a butter shortbread cookie. Soft cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc., breaks in shipping transit because those cookies are too soft. In addition, you cannot get a clean image on those cookies without thick icing and even with that, the icing and image will crack. Our shortbread cookies are rich and buttery and available in different flavors including chocolate. We have tested and perfected our cookie for so it’s delicious and structurally stable for shipping.
Q: How far ahead do I need to order for Photo and Logo Cookies?
A: Our standard turn-around time for custom photo and logo cookies is 3 business days from approval of art. We recommend you submit your art and order 7-10 days before the day you need it by. This will allow for us to finalize artwork and details. Transit time depends on where we are shipping it. If you are picking it up from our Watsonville bakery, it can be ready 3 days after you approve the art. Rush service is available depending on your quantity and lead time.
Q: What is the shelf life and storage requirements for the cookies?
A: Shelf life is 10 weeks during Oct-Mar and 6 weeks Apr-Sept. Store cookies somewhere cool, dry, and NOT in direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Q: Do you make custom shaped cookies?
A: Yes, custom shapes are available depending on what you have in mind. We work with our customers on what cookie cutters we have. If we don’t have the shape you’re looking for, additional lead time is required so we can get a new cookie cutter. Most custom shapes are for pick-up only. We are located in Santa Cruz County, 45 miles south of Bay Area and 20 miles north of Monterey. In some cases, some custom shaped cookies may be shipped with double packaging. Most unique shaped cookies have corners or pressure points that breaks during shipping. As much as we would like to sell you anything you need, we feel strongly about making sure our customers and their recipients are 100% satisfied with our products and service from beginning to when the product arrives. There is a minimum of 100 cookies for custom shapes with a minimum of 2-week lead time. Our standard shapes are rectangle and two sizes of round.
Q: What kind of artwork do you need for Photo and Logo cookies?
A: If you have a logo or monogram, an outlined vector file is best. If you have a photo or image, a jpg file with 200 dpi is best. We also provide Custom Product Design Templates for your convenience.
Q: Do you offer fulfillment services?
A: Yes. We can assist in whatever fulfillment services you may need. Please see our Packaging and Fulfillment page for details.
Q: Can you ship internationally?
A: All of our cookies and brownie gifts can be shipped anywhere in the United States. If you need shipment to locations outside of the United States like Canada, Mexico, etc., you will need to set up your own pick-up carrier. We will fulfill your order and have it ready to be picked up from our facility. However, due to customs and different international requirements, you will have to handle the paperwork on your own end.
FAQ for Cakes and Desserts
Q: How far ahead do I need to order for cakes and dessert?
A: Sheet cakes require a one day advance notice. We asked you order by 4pm, at least a day before, for all cakes, cupcakes, pies and desserts. We do have a selection of some most popular Signature Series cakes in our showcase that you can simply come by and pick up. Size and flavors may be limited. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you want to confirm your favorite flavor and we can hold it for you. All round and specialty cake requires a 10-day lead time.
Q: Can you ship your cakes and desserts?
A: No. Unfortunately, we cannot ship cakes and desserts. We can only ship cookies and brownies.
Q: Do you have a second bakery location?
A: Not a retail bakery but a tasting room. We have a Monterey location that services our bride and grooms and corporate planners. It is a cake tasting room convenient to meet with our Wedding Team. Otherwise, we currently only have one retail bakery location in Watsonville.
Q: Do you deliver cakes and desserts?
A: Yes. Delivery of our cakes and desserts are available for events within 100 miles of our bakery (San Francisco to Monterey). Minimum product order for delivery in the Monterey Bay area is $600. $850 product minimum for San Francisco Bay area locations. Delivery and any set-up costs vary. Limited to availability.
Q: Do you offer Tasting Plates for birthday and milestone events?
A: If you are unsure of which flavor you want, you can call to order an In-home Tasting Plate for $25. You can sample twelve (12) of our most popular Classic Cakes. These Classic Cakes are made with buttercream and can be made into multiple tiers; which allows you to display your cake at your big event. We do not offer samples of our chiffon and whipped crema cakes. Please note whipped cream cakes (such as our Dream Cake) only comes in sheet cakes and whipped cream cakes should be out of refrigeration no more than two hours.
Q: How do I find pricing for cake ideas I have but don't see on the website?
A: For specialty cakes, our bakery team is happy to help with ideas and suggesting cake sizes and decorations with general pricing. However, as custom orders are just that - customized to your requests, we cannot always answer all your questions on your first inquiry. Some designs require us to talk with our decorators in detail. We recommend you email us for a Specialty Cake Quote Request and our Bakery Team will answer your questions more thoroughly.
Q: What is your most popular cake?
A: Our most popular chocolate cake is our Dream Cake. Our most popular white cake is our Fresh Strawberry Supreme. And if you like Carrot Cake and have tried ours, you'll know why it also is one of our top flavors. We offer two main different cake "breads" - Chiffon and Classic. Chiffon Cakes are light, delicate & melts in your mouth. Cake is paired with whipped cream icing. Whipped cream cakes are best served cold and should not be at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Classic Cakes are traditional cakes with more of a “bite” and usually paired with buttercream icing. Buttercream cakes best served at room temperature. All of our cakes are delicious with a variety of flavors.
Q: Do you make ice cream cakes?
A: No.