Don’t Let The Cookies Fool Ya!

Who: Urban Cookie Bakeshop, Central Phoenix

What: The Cupcakes

Where: 2325 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85006 / 602.451.4335 /

By: Carissa Guell

Being a fan of Urban Cookies is like being in on a really good secret. Located on Central between McDowell and Thomas it’s a tiny space you would otherwise miss if it wasn’t for the giant sign out front. In this case the name doesn’t exactly say it all. Yes, they do have incredible cookies (my favorite is the dark chocolate walnut), but they also have donuts, cakes, coffee, ice cream and, what I keep coming back for: cupcakes. These are not just any cupcakes — they’re award-winning. The owners, husband and wife Brady and Shaun Breese, have been serving Phoenix sweets since they opened in 2005. Their website lists a ton of impressive accolades, but the most impressive in my opinion is winning Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2011! Since then they have had a growing fan base in stores and online, with currently almost 15,000 followers on Instagram.

I had my first cupcake from them a year ago and I haven’t turned back since. And now, thanks to their very generous happy hour, I’m always fueling my addiction to the “black and white” cupcake. Usually I go for the more unique flavors, such as German Chocolate or Almond Mezcal (which was one of their seasonal flavors this summer), but when a classic is done well nothing can beat it. Their vanilla cake is incredibly moist without being dense, and the chocolate ganache on top is the perfect amount of rich without being too rich. I could eat a dozen if I had just a little less willpower.

So if you want to be let in on the secret, treat yourself to their happy hour. Cookies and cupcakes are 50% off every Sunday 3 – 4pm and every Mondays and Tuesdays 5 – 6pm. Last time I went 30 minutes into the sale and realized they sold out of brown velvet — a fan favorite! — so keep that in mind if you’re on the hunt for something specific. They also just debuted the “Chumpkin”, which is a pumpkin churro cupcake, for the fall season. But no matter the cupcake, cookie, or donut you choose you can never go wrong.

Follow @urban_cookies on Instagram for deeper look into this family-owned bakery, and for surprise happy hour announcements!