Cookie Plug — Restaurant in Ferndale

The cookies at Cookie Plug are admittedly pretty good - I particularly enjoyed the Nutty OG cookie, which was great but a bit undercooked. Unfortunately, everything else about my experience ensures I won't be returning.

The female employee working that day repeatedly made uncomfortable sexual jokes and innuendos. When we didn't laugh at her initial "jokes," she doubled down by emphasizing that the "Nutty" part was funny because of her "cum" reference - an awkward and unprofessional interaction that made the visit uncomfortable.

After this experience, I researched the company and discovered this wasn't just a one-off bad employee situation but reflective of deeper issues with the brand. Cookie Plug has faced widespread criticism for cultural appropriation, with communities in Indianapolis and elsewhere calling them out for misusing Black culture and hip-hop references to sell cookies with names like "Purple Drank" and product descriptions using phrases like "straight outta the hood." Especially problematic with ownership that is not black.

I also learned the company is connected to politically charged businesses and has been listed on anti-woke business directories, which explains the off-putting branding. Add to this their history of insensitive product names (like one referencing harmful "Mammie" stereotypes that sparked protests in Texas), and it's clear this isn't a business I want to support.

If you just want a good cookie and can overlook everything else, the product itself is tasty. But for me, good cookies aren't worth supporting a business with these...

2.8 Pros: Nice customer service and excellent cookie texture. I love how these cookies are moist on the inside, but crisp on the outside. I also love that the cookies were served warm. What more could you ask for?

Cons: The actual flavor/taste of these cookies is just not there. They are extremely sweet with no nuanced flavor such as butter, vanilla, etc. You bite into it and all you taste is a ton of sugar and salt. I understand sometimes you need a pinch of salt to balance out the sweet, but the cookie I had tasted like they put just as much salt as sugar. It was off-putting and made me THIRSTY.

I was excited about the different flavors offered, but it seems the flavors are just dye. Like the purple haze cookie. I thought it was Ube or something, but it's just food coloring from the taste of it. These cookies taste sort of generic. Like break and bake Pillsbury or something.

I'm sorry to say this, but considering the cookie competition in the Ferndale area, the Cookie Plug needs to go back to the drawing board and improve these recipes. Add some dynamics in terms of flavor quality instead of sweet on sweet, making the taste very one note. I really feel this place has potential because the texture and bake on these cookies? PERFECT. But that doesn't mean much if the taste isn't right. I hope they can figure it out and I'd be happy to give them...

Ferndale has no shortage of cool spots, but Cookie Plug has truly raised the bar for sweets in the area! From the second you walk in, the shop’s bold and playful vibe hits you — graffiti art, colorful boxes, old-school hip-hop — it’s a fun, laid-back place that feels like a little party in cookie form.

The cookies here are massive — like thick, fudgy slabs of pure goodness. I grabbed a mixed dozen to sample a little bit of everything. ‘The Mac Daddy’ (double chocolate chip) was outrageously good — soft and rich, almost like a brownie-cookie hybrid. ‘Glazed and Confused’ (birthday cake flavor) was fun and nostalgic, and the ‘Black Velvet’ (chocolate velvet) was decadently intense without being overly sweet.

Customer service was excellent — the staff took the time to explain the flavors, offer samples, and package everything carefully. You can tell they care about the product and the customer experience. Also loved that they had deals for larger orders — perfect for parties or just treating yourself.

Ferndale’s Cookie Plug is 100% worth the stop, whether you’re a local or visiting. These cookies are next-level and make a great gift (if you don’t eat them all first!). Highly recommend and can’t wait...