Cookie Creativity

Former New Yorker Laura Shafferman never imagined she’d be the proprietor of a successful, niche baking business nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Nonetheless, the erstwhile real estate marketer is making quite the name for herself through her whimsically named company, Legally Addictive. 

Back in “the City,” prior to her move South, Shafferman had been laid off from her marketing job. A friend suggested she sell her handmade cookies on Etsy for a holiday party, and thus her new career/cookie concept was born. She baked them from a tiny New York City structure and sold them by subway, on foot, bicycle, and Uber—whatever got the job done.

“We relocated our business from NYC to WNC in August 2022, expanding from a tiny kitchen with an office made out of concrete blocks in a ‘closet’ to a 7,000 square-foot space in order to accommodate our growing business,” she explains.

Her production facility is in Weaverville, and the sales of her products have been primarily conducted online. “We call them part cracker, all cookie—and every single one starts with a crispy cracker base. The idea is inspired by a cult-favorite homemade treat that’s been passed around for decades and is popular during the holidays,” she notes. Legally Addictive’s signature product is a sweet and salty cookie made from a cracker, salted toffee, chocolate and sea salt. 

“We make six varieties, and two additional seasonal flavors,” she adds. “We’re the first to bring this beloved recipe to the shelf—with a longer shelf life, better ingredients, and real upgrades like responsibly sourced chocolate and sea salt. A lot of people tell us it tastes like something from their childhood—and we like to think we elevated it.”

Legally Addictive has also collaborated with well-known local brands such as Spicewalla, creating distinctive, spicy confectioneries including Chai Masala, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Salted Gingerbread (seasonal). Other cookie creations include the Everything, and Churros.

In addition to purchasing the handcrafted cookies online, Shafferman and her team have recently partnered with successful grocery markets. Legally Addictive’s products are now available in 43 Whole Foods locations in the Southeast and also in all North Carolina locations of The Fresh Market. 

Legally Addictive Foods
For more information, and to place an order, see legallyaddictivefoods.com