A lot of ingredients go into baking the perfect cookie: eggs, butter, and flour — but there's a secret. 

"There’s a lot of love that goes into them,” said Susan Burke, a baker who does it all in her home in Wilbraham. "Out of my kitchen, from scratch."

She worked in the medical field for 30 years, but decided it was time for a change. She started baking full time and taking her goods to the farmers market. 

"Ever since then, they have known me as the cookie lady," said Burke. "And it has blossomed from there."

The pandemic has forced her to shift her cookie operation a bit. She can no longer do the farmers markets, but still has a high demand for her desserts.

"There’s a lot of people, including some of my neighbors, who are afraid of going out now and would really like to have cookies delivered and that's basically how it’s become this right now," said Burke. 

Her cookies are individually packaged and all cleaning and safety measures are followed. Susie B’s Sweets and Treats are now available for pickup and delivery to Wilbraham and surrounding towns. 

"That's why I don't push myself to become a big business, I would rather put myself into them and it means a lot," said Burke. 

During this holiday season, she prepares gingerbread cookies with decorating kits. She also has a selection of holiday cookies. 

"I have to say my favorite is the oatmeal chocolate chip because it's really hearty," she said. 

Just in time for the holiday season, Burke said the sweet treats are a way to spread cheer, even when people can’t be together. 

"It is so simple how a cookie can make you realize everything is going to be OK," said Burke. "It is so simple, but it's a feel good thing."

Burke’s treats can be viewed online at https://www.susiebs.com/.