YES, YOU MAY...

In this "platinum age" of gourmet "this and that," we've seen many glorified incarnations of some of the world's well-loved desserts. We gave a nod to the cupcake as she emerged on top of the gourmet food chain, and we lauded the French macaroon as she made a promising come-back by way of popular patisseries and upscale bakeries. We laughed delightfully with the donut as he stuffed himself with exotic fillings like guava or passion fruit, and we cried with joy as red velvet cake overcame the dirty South only to become one of the most famous cakes ever. We cheered at the sheer perseverance of gelato as he staunchly made a name for himself outside of his native Italy, and we stood by the brownie in all its various forms: with s'mores on top, glazed, caramelized, and even with a sheen of cheesecake on top.

The trendiest desserts of modern times have brought us to tears or made us laugh... but above all else, they made us smile. And the emotions only overflow with the time-adored cookie -- especially, the yesUmay cookie.

The little cookie-ry, based in Mt. Pleasant, SC, puts the "fresh" in "fresh-baked cookies," as is evident in their very cool cookie names: Blissed Out (toffee and chocolate bits in a dark cookie, finished with dusting of sea salt), Abundant Bite (a dense, dark, and delicious dose of goji berries & dark chocolate.), and Sweet Satisfaction (a classic sugar cookie topped with butter cream frosting). While many might cower in the face of decadent dessert-ery, yesUmay makes sure that there is no intimidation despite the pomp and circumstance. A cookie, after all, is to be loved by all -- no matter who you are, where you've come from, and what you're doing.

The cookie remains a beloved treat. While it might seem overlooked amidst a gourmet sea of cupcakes, brownies, and fruit-filled pastries, the cookie continues to hold its own. And when you have that special craving, always know that "yes you can," and yesUmay.

A snapshot of yesUmay Cookies' main landing page