In the heart of Pennsylvania, a small-town bakery is stirring up a sweet political storm. Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro, known for its delectable baked goods, is once again hosting its wildly popular ‘cookie election’. Since 2008, customers have been able to purchase cookies iced with the names of the presidential candidates, and this year is no different.
The bakery’s frosted, sprinkle-covered cookies have become a viral sensation, attracting national attention. This year, the ‘Trump 2024’ cookies are outselling the ‘Harris 2024’ ones, mirroring the political landscape in a captivating, albeit sugary, way. However, owner Kathleen Romano Lochel is quick to remind everyone that the cookie election is just a fun, lighthearted way to engage with customers.
“I always like to remind people that this is not scientific and it’s just a cookie,” she says. While she emphasizes that it’s not a prediction tool, it’s worth noting that Lochel’s cookie election has accurately reflected the real-life results in 2008, 2012, and 2016. The bakery’s location in a swing state adds a layer of significance to the cookie count, making it a charming microcosm of the national political climate.
Romano Lochel reveals that the bakery has already surpassed the Trump cookie sales from 2020, while the Democratic cookie numbers are only half of what they were in the previous election. This surge in sales has led to an influx of new customers, with orders shipping across the country, even reaching Hawaii and Alaska.
Despite the political tension, the cookie election has become a unifying force, bringing people together through a shared love of sweets and political discourse. Romano Lochel describes some of the most memorable interactions, including people buying Trump cookies as wedding favors, veterans sharing stories about presidents they’ve seen throughout their lives, and customers coming in dressed as their candidate of choice. It’s a delightful blend of political expression and sweet indulgence.
Beyond the fun, the cookie election has also allowed Lochel’s Bakery to give back to the community. A North Carolina customer who suffered significant damage from Hurricane Helene received $1,200 in gift cards from the bakery’s customers, and the bakery also donated $1,000 to Samaritan’s Purse to aid hurricane victims. This charitable act highlights the positive impact the cookie election has had, allowing the bakery to support those in need.
As the election approaches, Lochel’s Bakery continues to provide a sweet escape from the political fray. While the cookies may not be a scientific predictor of the election results, they offer a fun and engaging way for people to participate in the political process.
In the end, the cookie election is a testament to the power of community, the joy of a shared love for baking, and the ability of a simple cookie to spark conversation and connection.
