The Chocolate Rye Cookie: Rye’s “Cookie with a Cause” Debuts at Wainwright House’s Gingerbread Showcase
- Melanie

- Dec 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Melanie Underwood, founder of Nourish and Gather and author of Making Artisan Cheesecake, was featured in NS Lifestyles for her Chocolate Rye Cookie, proclaimed the official cookie of Rye, NY, created to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Something extra sweet is coming to Wainwright House’s Gingerbread Showcase — and it’s more than just the icing on the gingerbread!
At the Opening Celebration on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m., Rye Mayor Josh Cohn will officially declare the Chocolate Rye Cookie as the Official Cookie of Rye, NY. Created by Culinary Instructor Melanie Underwood of Nourish & Gather, this deeply flavorful cookie is more than a delicious treat — it’s a cookie with a cause.
The Chocolate Rye Cookie was developed to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through the national nonprofit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Thanks to Melanie’s creativity and generosity, Rye now joins the ranks of cities with their own signature cookies — from New York City’s iconic Black-and-White Cookie to Boston’s Chocolate Chip Cookie — and celebrates one that makes a difference.
A Sweet Celebration with Purpose
During the Opening Event, Melanie will host a live demonstration on how to make the Chocolate Rye Cookie, offering guests a chance to see her artistry in action. Attendees will enjoy fresh samples of the cookie and learn more about its inspiring mission to support children’s cancer research.

Adding to the excitement, FinaMill — whose innovative spice grinder helped inspire the cookie’s creation — has generously donated a FinaMill Spice Grinder Gift Set that will be raffled off to one lucky attendee during the kickoff celebration. It’s a fun, flavorful way to celebrate creativity, community, and compassion — all in one bite.








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