'What A Dream Come True': Elise's Niece's Cafe's Cookies Named Tops On Long Island

FARMINGDALE, NY — Elise's Niece's Cafe won Best Cookies on Long Island in the 2023 Bethpage Best of LI Awards.

Jenna Napolitano founded the cafe in June 2020 in memory of her Aunt Elise. The two often baked together over the years. Napolitano has emerged as a premier baker on Long Island, and her vast array of cookies have garnered critical acclaim.

She said winning the award is "amazing and humbling."

"I remember knowing we were nominated and even that surprised me in the best way possible," Napolitano told Patch in an email. "My little bakery that hasn't even been open for two years was nominated for best cookies? What a dream come true. I remember receiving the email saying we won and having to double check that it wasn't a fake email! I was so taken back and overwhelmed with pride, happiness, and joy to see that our customers and community notice all the hard work and pride we put into all of our desserts!"

When Napolitano and her family lost Elise because of melanoma cancer in the late 2010s, Napolitano went to her uncle to inherit Elise's recipes. Baking Elise's recipes filled a void, Napolitano said. Winning an award with her aunt's recipes and knowledge made her emotional.

"Every day that I get to work the first thing I do is think to myself, 'I wish she was here to see this.' There are so many times throughout the day that I wish I could call to ask her a question or translate the handwriting in her recipe book. It's so hard to be reminded of her missing presence but at the same time so empowering and motivating. I constantly want to make her proud. Even though she is no longer with us, I can feel her positive energy all around me, pushing me to keep working hard."

While the Elise's Niece's Cafe menu changes every week — Napolitano said it's fun for her customers — there are core cookies the venue always has. Chocolate chip cookies, rainbow cookies, Linzer tarts, sprinkle cookies, S cookies, vanilla chip biscotti and snowball cookies are the main attractions.

Rotating cookies include lemon ricotta, dulce de leche, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, raspberry thumb print cookies, and blueberry muffin top cookies.

The cafe also serves non-cookie items such as brownies, Dunkaroo Whoopie Pies, homemade Pop Tarts, cakes, and more.

"We are constantly innovating and trying to come up with unique flavor combinations that we know our customers will love!" Napolitano said.

Elise's Niece's Cafe is in the rear of her parents' store, Back In Time, at 441 Main St., Farmingdale. The family put together an outdoor lounge with chairs, a bon fire, bar and more, where they plan to hold farmers markets, Oktoberfests, and other events.

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