Few foods hold the power of a cookie. Whether fresh from the oven or straight from a lunchbox, they carry a sense of comfort and joy that transcends time. Jhayr Sanford, CEO and Pastry Chef of Split Decision Desserts, has made it her life’s work to recreate that same magic with her irresistible vegan cookies—proving that you don’t need butter or eggs to savor a taste of home.

But enjoying Split Decision cookies doesn’t require being vegan. With their soft texture and buttery flavor, they taste just like the classics many grew up loving.

“I try my hardest to perfect every recipe so it tastes like the real thing,” says Chef Jhayr. “To gravitate not only the vegans in, but also the non-vegans.”

Jhayr’s passion for the kitchen took root early in her childhood. Recognizing her talent and curiosity, her parents enrolled her in Young Chef’s Academy, where she learned to prepare everything from appetizers to entrees and desserts.

“There was one time, I remember it really vividly,” explains Shirley Powell, Chef Jhayr’s mother, “when Jhayr was in kitchen holding the handle of the skillet like she had been cooking for a long time.

“I thought to myself, ‘Wow, she really has a knack for handling herself in the kitchen.’”

Although her love of cooking was undeniable, Jhayr’s interests were wide-ranging. She explored sports, played in the orchestra, and excelled academically. She ultimately pursued a biology degree on a pre-med track, earning acceptance to medical school during her senior year. Her family relocated to a new state as she began preparing for her future career in medicine.

Yet as she spent long hours studying, a realization began to take hold.

“I just thought to myself, ‘Jhayr, I don’t think you want to be a doctor. Your passion has always been baking and cooking. Why are you doing something you don’t really want to do?’”

That moment of clarity inspired the creation of Split Decision Desserts, which has since grown into a family business involving her parents, sister, brother-in-law, and husband.

“Each recipe is 100 percent hand-crafted by me,” explains Chef Jhayr.

“We make sure to touch every single cookie, every single time to ensure quality control,” says Mrs. Powell, “and to make sure it is a cookie we would be proud to sell.”

Today, Split Decision Desserts brings a fresh twist to beloved classics with vegan chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and funfetti cookies that are as rich and satisfying as traditional recipes. Whether you’re vegan, curious to try something new, or simply craving a soft, indulgent cookie, these handcrafted treats are worth a bite. Pick up a pack at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and taste why Chef Jhayr’s creations have everyone coming back for more.

Run time- 4:13