No one makes cookies like Grandma — well until Wunderkeks came along! 😋🍪 Wunderkeks is an Austin-based cookie company known for their warm, fresh-baked cookies, just like Grandma used to make. “We figured, if we are to be kids again, what better vehicle than a warm cookie, just like Grandma’s?”, Co-founders and husbands, Luis Gramajo and Hans Schrei stated on Wunderkeks’ site.
Luis and Hans are changing the world one cookie at a time through their values that go beyond the dough: connection, inclusivity, and impact. These nostalgic cookies are truly special, as Wunderkeks is now a multi-million dollar brand. (cha-ching!)
Read on to hear about their heartwarming journey from love to dough, their passion for community, and their recipe to sweet success.
We are ecstatic to feature the two of you and share your stories with our audience! Can you share a little bit about yourselves?
Let us tell you a bit about ourselves. We are the dynamic duo behind Wunderkeks, an online bakery shipping nationwide. We’re both originally from Guatemala, we ventured to the US to build a life where our family would be acknowledged and valued, because back home sex-same marriage is not yet recognized. With a passion for storytelling through food, we founded Wunderkeks to create Safe Spaces for others to share their experiences. Hans brings his marketing and design expertise, while Luis excels in marketing, sales, and photography. Together, we’ve turned Wunderkeks into a thriving movement, making waves in the media and even with celebrities.
Some may know you two as “The Cookie Gays”, as you are married Co-founders of Wunderkeks, a cookie brand based in ATX! Tell us more about your wonderful brand and what inspired you all to create it.
We were inspired to create both Wunderkeks and The Sunday Afternoon Foundation because we wanted to make a positive impact on the world.
With Wunderkeks, we saw an opportunity to bring people together through the simple joy of cookies. We believe that food has the power to create connections and foster a sense of belonging. By sharing our delicious treats, we wanted to create moments of happiness and build a community around the idea of Safe Spaces.
As for The Sunday Afternoon Foundation, we realized that our influence as founders could be used for a greater purpose. We wanted to go beyond just selling cookies and make a difference in people’s lives. The Foundation allows us to use media and community-building to raise awareness about the importance of Safe Spaces and empower individuals to create them in their own spheres of influence.
In essence, both organizations are driven by our passion for inclusivity, connection, and making a positive impact. We believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued, and we’re dedicated to creating a world where Safe Spaces are the norm.
We love that you guys are passionate about creating safe spaces for the community. How has your love story and company helped you bring this vision to life?
Our love story and company have played a significant role in bringing our vision to life. As a couple, we have faced challenges and experiences that have shaped our understanding of the importance of Safe Spaces. We realized that in order to live authentically and be seen as a family, we needed to create a world where everyone feels accepted and valued.
Through our company, we have been able to spread awareness about the significance of Safe Spaces and connect with a diverse community. Our brand has become a catalyst for conversations and a symbol of inclusivity. It has provided us with a platform to engage with people from all walks of life, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging.
Our love story and company have given us a deeper understanding of the impact we can make. They have motivated us to establish The Sunday Afternoon Foundation, where we can further amplify our mission and create a lasting legacy. Together, our love, story, and company have shaped our vision and fueled our commitment to building a world where Safe Spaces are embraced by all.
Wunderkeks has become a multi-million dollar cookie empire, but we can imagine the journey was not easy. What are some of the tough challenges you’ve faced as founders while building this brand?
Building Wunderkeks into a multi-million dollar cookie empire has indeed been a remarkable journey, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. As founders, we have encountered numerous obstacles along the way that have tested our resilience and determination.
One of the major challenges we faced was navigating the competitive food industry. Breaking into the market and establishing our brand presence required relentless effort, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences. We had to differentiate ourselves from existing players and continually innovate to stand out in a crowded market.
Another significant challenge was adapting to unforeseen circumstances, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, we faced disruptions in our operations and had to pivot quickly to survive. We transformed our business model, shifted our focus to e-commerce, and leveraged social media to connect with our customers. It was a challenging period that required us to be agile and creative in finding solutions.
Additionally, scaling our operations while maintaining quality and consistency was a demanding task. As demand grew, we had to streamline our production processes, expand our team, and ensure that every cookie that left our kitchen lived up to the high standards we set. It required careful planning, resource management, and effective communication to ensure smooth growth without compromising on quality.
Through perseverance, a strong belief in our mission, and the support of our team and community, we overcame these challenges. Each obstacle we encountered served as a valuable learning experience, helping us refine our strategies, improve our operations, and ultimately contribute to the success of Wunderkeks.
We anticipate that some of our readers will journey over to your site and check out the delicious array of treats Wunderkeks offers 😋. If you had to pick, Luis what’s your favorite Wunderkeks cookie? Hans, what’s yours?
Luis: Oh man, hands down, my favorite Wunderkeks cookie is The Original… The Best Chocolate Chip Ever! It’s like a chocolate chip dream come true. Soft, gooey, and loaded with dark chocolate chips. Seriously, it’s pure chocolatey bliss. And here’s a pro tip for you – pop ’em in the oven for a few minutes if you want that extra crispy goodness. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Hans: Wow, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried The Everything Cookie. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Picture this – sugar-coated cookie with dark chocolate, pecans, cinnamon, and coconut. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy. Seriously, it’s everything you want in a cookie and more. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
On Friday, August 4th, you both will be co-hosting our Founder Friday event at Soho House (can’t wait! 😆). For those that will be attending, what can they expect?
Get ready for an epic happy hour event with us, folks! We’re bringing the Latin vibes and some mouthwatering cookies that will blow your mind. It’s going to be a party you won’t want to miss!
First up, we’ll share our story in a quick 10-minute session. You’ll get the inside scoop on how we went from a Farmers’ Market stand to a multi-million company with a mission. But don’t worry, we won’t hog the spotlight the whole time. We want to hear your stories too!
After the story session, it’s Q&A time! Ask us anything you’ve been dying to know. We’re an open book, and we’re here to connect with you and have some fun.
But let’s not forget the most important part—meaningful conversations and real connections. We’re creating a space where you can be your authentic self, no code-switching needed. Share your stories, listen to others, and let’s support each other like a tight-knit community.
Oh, and did we mention there’ll be awesome music playing in the background? We’re all about setting the right vibe. And to add a splash of color, we’ve got a little dress code—wear something pink! Let’s bring the fun and make this event a blast.
So grab your friends, mark your calendars, and join us for an unforgettable, lively, and downright awesome happy hour. See you there, cookie lovers!
Before you go, can you give us an inside scoop or any exciting new products coming soon? 👀
Get ready for a delicious collaboration brewing between Wunderkeks and Visit Austin! We’re cooking up something special that will satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the city.
We’re excited to announce a limited-edition cookie box that will capture the essence of Austin’s flavors and culture. Stay tuned for updates on how you can get your hands on this delectable collaboration. The best part? We ship nationwide, so you can share the magic of Austin’s goodness with your loved ones all across the country.
Keep your eyes opened for more details and be prepared to indulge in a mouthwatering experience that combines the best of Wunderkeks and the unique charm of Austin.
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