Maya’s Cookies, America’s #1 Black-owned gourmet vegan cookie company, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 5th Annual Black History Month Collection. This milestone collection celebrates the Golden Age of Black Television, honoring transformative shows like Good Times, A Different World, and Scandal—stories that have inspired generations with their groundbreaking narratives and cultural impact.
This year’s collection features a visual and conceptual narrative designed by Ashley Rouse, the prolific founder behind rouse like house creative house. From the designs to the marketing materials, she worked to create a cohesive and impactful campaign that celebrates the heritage of Black culture.
This limited-edition collection features three indulgent cookies, each lovingly crafted to pay homage to groundbreaking shows, their cultural significance, and the joy they brought to millions:
“Good Times” Cookie
A tribute to the joy and resilience depicted in the beloved series Good Times, this cookie is a celebration of art, nostalgia, and flavor. The base is a salted brown sugar cookie—warm, rich, and comforting—stuffed with chunks of crispy chocolate peanut butter bark, inspired by the iconic Whatchamacallit candy bar. Just as Good Times brought vibrant Black stories to life on television, this cookie shines as a reminder of those “good times” spent with family, laughter, and love.
Maya’s cookies owner and founder Maya Madsen shared her personal connection to the show stating, “As a child, I was captivated by the art in the opening credits of Good Times. It wasn’t until adulthood that I learned the art was by a renowned Black artist, Ernie Barnes—underscoring the underrepresentation of Black creatives in galleries across America. This cookie is my way of honoring those artists and the joy they’ve brought to our lives.”
“A Different S’wirled” Cookie
This cookie embodies the bold, creative spirit of A Different World, the iconic series that offered a window into life at an HBCU. The base combines Maya’s classic Uncle Nearest Whiskey caramel chocolate chip dough with a swirl of rich, decadent fudge dough. The result? A harmonious fusion of flavors as dynamic and inspiring as the show itself.
A Different World wasn’t just entertainment—it raised awareness of HBCUs and encouraged countless students to pursue higher education. Between 1976 and 1994, HBCU enrollment increased by 26%, with nearly all of this growth occurring between 1986 and 1994—the period during which “A Different World” was on the air. Uncle Nearest Whiskey, a key ingredient in this cookie, has supported the community through their Annual HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge that aims to provide a full scholarship to each nationally accredited HBCU. This cookie is a delicious tribute to the power of education, cultural pride, and legacy-building.
“Scandalous” Cookie
Scandalously delicious, this cookie honors Scandal and its groundbreaking lead, Kerry Washington, whose iconic role as Olivia Pope redefined power, grace, and unapologetic excellence on screen. This decadent creation begins with a luscious amaretto vanilla dough, filled with a tangy, sweet bing cherry compote, then topped with an almond crumble and a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite delivers a sophisticated balance of bold flavors, just like Washington’s unforgettable performances.
Maya expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kerry Washington: “In 2020, Kerry Washington’s support for Maya’s Cookies was instrumental in helping us reach new audiences and grow as a company. Her impact on and off the screen has been a source of inspiration, and I’m honored to dedicate this cookie to her.”
Celebrating their 5th year of honoring the rich history of Black Culture, Maya reflects on the collection’s legacy. “Every year, our Black History Month Collection is my favorite way to honor the incredible contributions of the Black community to arts, culture, and entrepreneurship.” It’s also a way to share my love for Black stories and flavors with our fans. The Golden Age of Black Television Collection represents not only the legacy of these iconic shows but the continued power of Black creativity, community, and collaboration,” she adds.
The Black History Month Collection will be available starting January 15 on Maya’s Cookies’ website and in-store at the Grantville and San Marcos locations. So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on a scrumptious box of cookies and celebrate Black History Month one delicious bite at a time.
