Most Popular Choice
Shop Butter Tarts Enjoy award-winning butter tarts from Carla’s Cookie Box, handcrafted...
Most Popular Choice
Have an account?
Log in to check out faster.
Award-Winning • Family-Run • Handcrafted Since 2016
What began as a leap of faith became Carla’s Cookie Box—a family-run bakery built on Italian roots, handcrafted desserts and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your passion.
Carla’s Cookie Box began as a heartfelt passion project, inspired by Carla’s love for baking and her close-knit family roots. As an independent, woman-owned, and locally family-run online bakery, we craft everything by hand — from our Award-Winning Gourmet Butter Tarts to our artisanal cookies and rich, deep-fudge brownies.
Driven by her Italian-Canadian background, Carla turned her lifelong passion into a thriving business that celebrates homemade quality with every bite. Every dessert reflects her dedication to tradition, creativity, and locally sourced ingredients — offering a taste of nostalgia with a gourmet twist.
We grew up with two loves... Family & Food
My Italian roots and passion for anything sweet prompted me to really hone in on my grandmother’s traditions. I love when food comes from its natural state. The simplicity in cooking is what makes our ancestors’ food so flavourful.
Carla's Cookie Box is an award-winning Canadian bakery based in Vaughan, Ontario, specializing in handcrafted gourmet butter tarts and soft-baked cookies.
Our butter tarts earned First Place at the 2025 Paris Butter Tart Festival. We also received Third Place in the Professional Wild Style category at Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival in 2023 for our White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle butter tart.
Discover our 2025 festival story and view the official 2023 competition results.
I wanted to support other people that were doing what I was doing but I didn’t have the financial means to do it. I decided right from the start of my business that purchasing local raw materials to make my own product was the way I could do my part to support farmers & local artisans.
Staying true to her roots
Born in Canada and raised in a traditional Italian household, Carla’s love for baking began at a young age. She spent countless hours in the kitchen with her mother, especially during the holidays, baking authentic Italian Christmas cookies and family-favourite desserts. Over time, Carla began developing her own recipes — blending old-world Italian flavours with a modern twist. Today, she brings those same traditions to every batch of butter tarts, soft cookies, and fudge brownies, staying true to her roots while crafting desserts that stand out.
I love to be creative but I am horrible at drawing. LOL. One way I learned to be creative was in the kitchen. I began to experiment with traditional desserts and started adding unique spins to my favourite desserts, this is where I came up with my many different Gourmet Butter Tart flavours.
It’s never too late to make a change
At 39, Carla’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost her corporate office job. With three young children and a household to support, she was faced with a life-altering decision. Rather than return to the conventional workforce, Carla took a leap of faith — launching a passion-driven business and stepping into new territories. Her goal was bigger than baking; she wanted to show her children that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and turn passion into purpose.
I decided to start this little business during one of the most desperate times of my life. It was incredibly scary and invigorating at the same time. My children are the one thing that drove me and continues to drive me. I wanted to show my children that it is never too late to have a dream and follow a passion. There is beauty that lies underneath hard work and determination.
Today, Carla is deeply committed to giving back and creating meaningful change within her community. After losing her beloved brother Paul to a drunk driving incident, she was moved to take action. In his memory, she launched a heartfelt initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage safer, more responsible choices. Through her platform and her work, Carla hopes to honour his legacy while helping others avoid the pain her family has endured.
In 2020, Carla partnered with MADD Canada to launch a meaningful line of quarantine and graduation t-shirts in memory of her brother, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in August 2019. With $10 from every shirt donated directly to MADD Canada’s programs, the campaign helps raise awareness about impaired driving — a cause deeply personal to Carla. Through this initiative, she continues to honour her brother’s memory by promoting safer roads and inspiring others to make responsible choices.
"My younger brother, who was and still is very near and dear to my heart was killed by a drunk driver. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him or weep over him. He was a very pivotal person in my life and continues to be so. I refuse to let his death be in vain and I am determined to ensure another family does not go through the pain my family and I continue to live through."
Carla remains dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for change so that no other family has to endure the heartbreak hers did. Her commitment to the fight against impaired driving is unwavering, driven by a deep desire to be a voice for victims who can no longer speak for themselves. Carla’s ongoing campaign with MADD Canada focuses on preventing the tragedies caused by drunk and impaired driving — and it’s a mission that can be supported year-round by anyone who wants to help make a difference.
AS SEEN IN THE MEDIA
Carla's Cookie Box has been recognized by Canadian food publications, lifestyle magazines and television programs for our award-winning butter tarts, handcrafted gourmet cookies and unique dessert gifts.
Butter Tart Recommendations & Food Features
National Media & Television
Real Moments from Carla’s Cookie Box
