The Best of Best Review is thrilled to announce that Sugar and Chip AZ, led by the talented Shannon Melde, has been awarded the prestigious Best Home Bakery in Arizona of 2025. This recognition celebrates Shannon’s exceptional skills, dedication, and the heart and soul she pours into her baked goods, particularly her signature chocolate chip cookies.

For over 25 years, Shannon has been perfecting her craft, transforming a love for baking into a successful business. Starting as a hobbyist, Shannon’s journey to becoming one of Arizona's most beloved home bakers has been driven by passion, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. By using only the finest ingredients in her recipes, Sugar and Chip AZ stands out for its ability to create cookies that are both comforting and extraordinary, with each bite offering a truly unique experience.

In 2022, Shannon faced unimaginable hardship with the loss of her daughter Maddie, who tragically passed away at the age of 14. Despite this devastating loss, Shannon chose to honor Maddie’s memory by continuing to grow her business and by creating The Maddie Melde Foundation in her honor. This courageous decision to push forward, both personally and professionally, is a testament to Shannon’s resilience and determination. Her journey, marked by both personal tragedy and triumph, is the essence of the Sugar and Chip AZ story.

In 2025, Sugar and Chip AZ was rightfully awarded Best Home Bakery in Arizona, a recognition earned not only for the outstanding quality of their cookies but also for the business’s perseverance, community involvement, and personal story that resonates with customers.

Why Sugar and Chip AZ Won Best Home Bakery in Arizona of 2025:

• Uncompromising Quality: Shannon’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients ensures each batch of cookies is baked to perfection. Every cookie embodies her dedication to quality, texture, and flavor.

• Personal Passion: Shannon’s love for baking is evident in every product she creates, offering customers more than just a treat—it's a personalized experience that feels like a gift from the heart.

• Resilience and Strength: Despite experiencing profound personal loss, Shannon’s determination to build her cookie empire has only grown stronger. She has turned adversity into an inspiring story of courage, continuing to pursue her dreams while keeping Maddie’s memory alive through her foundation.

• Community Engagement: Beyond her bakery, Shannon is dedicated to giving back. As a Volunteer Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish Arizona and a member of the Junior League of Phoenix, Shannon demonstrates her unwavering commitment to helping others in her community.

This award is a reflection of Shannon’s strength, her incredible work ethic, and her unmatched dedication to her craft. Her business, Sugar and Chip AZ, is a testament to the power of following your passion and pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

For more information about Sugar and Chip AZ, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. You can also learn more about The Maddie Melde Foundation by visiting themaddiemeldefoundation.org.