Bakr Cookies is no stranger to Midwest Dairy. After winning The Hatchery’s Pitch Contest presented by Midwest Dairy in 2023, the Chicago-based company has continued to grow, showing how dairy-powered innovation can turn a small business into a national brand.
Since that win, Bakr has steadily expanded its footprint. In October 2025, the company grew from distribution in about 400 Midwest stores to more than 2,000 stores nationwide with its launch at Target. This expansion marked a major milestone for the brand and highlighted the role dairy plays in creating craveable products that stand out on shelf.
A Target Launch with a Dairy-Forward Twist
As part of the Target rollout, Bakr introduced a Target-exclusive flavor: Mini Birthday Cake. Like their other frozen, ready-to-bake cookie dough products, the new flavor leans into what consumers love most, great taste and simple ingredients, while relying on real dairy to deliver rich flavor and texture.
This launch helped Bakr reach new shoppers and bring their product into more homes, reinforcing how dairy remains a key ingredient in modern, convenient desserts.
Strong Growth and Real Demand for Dairy
Bakr has continued to grow week after week since entering retail in October 2024. Over the next year, the company expects to sell more than 1,000,000 bags of frozen cookie dough. That equals:
- More than 12,000,000 cookies
- Over 100,000 pounds of butter
Those numbers represent real demand driven by a dairy-forward product, and real impact for dairy farm families.
From Pitch Contest to Grocery Freezers
Midwest Dairy’s support through The Hatchery Pitch Contest helped spotlight food entrepreneurs using dairy in new and creative ways. Bakr’s success story shows how connecting dairy to emerging brands can unlock growth, drive volume, and introduce dairy to new audiences through innovative products.
Innovation That Delivers for Farmers
As Bakr continues to scale nationally, dairy remains at the heart of its recipes and its success. This partnership demonstrates how investing in food innovators can translate into long-term demand for dairy and meaningful returns for farmers.