O’z Cookiez: The Gooey, Gluten-Free Treats Taking Over South Florida

 In a warm, bustling kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and nostalgia, a young Omar Anwar found his first calling. Fresh off the school bus, he’d drop his backpack and head straight to his grandmother’s side, where flour dusted the counters, and something sweet was always in the oven.

Together, they baked banana bread that perfumed the entire house, stirring and bonding as episodes of Food Network flickered in the background like a culinary soundtrack to their bond. But his love for food didn’t begin there; it stretched back even further, to preschool days when his grandmother packed him lentils and rice so flavorful that the teachers would eye his lunch with envy, asking for a taste. Before long, those same teachers would find themselves gathered around his table after school, plates full, laughter loud, and Omar Anwar quietly discovering the joy of feeding people.

Years later, in the stillness of the pandemic, that same kitchen became a daily ritual once again. Though older, Omar Anwar returned to those moments with even greater appreciation, cooking side by side with his grandmother, rediscovering the magic not just in recipes, but in connection.

Food wasn’t just nourishment; it was community, comfort, and culture all in one. That realization lit a spark. What started as cherished memories evolved into purpose, inspiring him to channel that lifelong passion into something of his own. Transforming simple ingredients into something bigger: a cookie business rooted in love, legacy, and the power of bringing people together, one bite at a time.

“Wanting to care through food and show love through food is something that stuck with me through her,” said Omar Anwar. “She passed in 2023, but O’z Cookiez can be traced back to that.”

Omar Anwar of O'z Cookiez

Originally from Virginia, Omar Anwar’s journey into the cookie world didn’t begin in a bakery. It sparked at Michelle Odai’s penthouse portrait paint-and-sip night, where a batch of his rich, gooey chocolate chip cookies stole the spotlight and won over the host, quickly turning him into the go-to dessert for her events. What started as a simple, sweet gesture soon grew into a buzzworthy local favorite, as his cookies became a must-have treat that blended indulgence with unforgettable experiences.

After the passing of his grandmother, he set out for a fresh start, landing in South Florida in November 2024 with a vision to turn passion into purpose. He’d start building a local food brand rooted in comfort, creativity, and a story you can taste in every bite.

“I did the cookies, and it just stuck,” said Anwar. “I sold a couple of batches, and it’s O’z because a friend from college would call me O. But it got to a point where everyone was asking for them.”

 What started as a peaceful morning at the beach turned into the spark behind Omar Anwar’s cookie movement, O’z Cookiez. After bringing a batch to a yoga session, the instructor mentioned she was gluten-free and dairy-free, a moment that instantly clicked.

“Omar’s cookies are pure magic,” said yoga instructor Brynlee Kelmanson. “Soft, gooey, and packed with the perfect balance of flavors. I love that it’s gluten and dairy-free, so I can eat them. Every bite feels like a little moment of joy.”

O'z Cookiez - Soft, gooey, and irresistible gluten-free and dairy-free

Inspired by his own mother’s gluten-free lifestyle, he leaned into crafting cookies that didn’t just meet dietary needs but defied the usual expectations of dry, crumbly, flavorless “health” desserts. What many might assume would be bland and forgettable quickly became a rich, indulgent, crowd-pleasing hit, proving gluten-free and dairy-free could still deliver bold, unforgettable flavor.

“I’ve reached out to the community and more into farmers’ markets,” said Anwar. “Even working my way up into coffee shops.”

 Omar Anwar pours his heart into O’z Cookiez, crafting every cookie with precision while navigating the challenge of convincing businesses to embrace new menu items—even trekking to ten locations for a single account when timing doesn’t line up. Despite the hurdles, he stays relentless, perfecting labels, addressing allergies, and fine-tuning every detail of his operation with unwavering consistency. From handing out batches at Fort Lauderdale meet-ups, markets, and events to connecting personally with fans, he turns every sweet bite into a story of dedication, creativity, and flavor-forward innovation.

Fresh, handcrafted, and ready to go—Omar Anwar’s O’z Cookiez are baked with love and packed for every sweet craving.

“We featured O’z Cookiez as a Buzz Club event giveaway,” said Nicol Jenkins of The Buzz Club Fort Lauderdale. “They were a total hit, and everyone loved them. They’re incredibly delicious and such a unique treat.”

O’z Cookiez has quickly become a standout, turning simple ingredients into crave-worthy creations where every batch feels like a warm, indulgent escape into dessert perfection. His sweet treat lineup delivers rich, gooey textures and bold, comforting flavors that keep customers coming back for “just one more.”

“I call them the O.G. Cookie,” said Anwar. “But I’m also thinking about doing a Christmas M&M cookie, but still gluten-free and dairy-free, and sell them at farmers’ markets.”

Rooted in those early days baking alongside his grandmother, Omar Anwar is now carrying that same warmth and tradition into an ever-expanding future for O’z Cookiez. With eyes on local farmers markets, coffee shops, and new community spaces, he’s determined to bring his fresh-from-the-oven magic to even more people across Fort Lauderdale and beyond. Also, as the brand grows, each cookie still feels like a full-circle moment that’s crafted with the same heart that first sparked it all.

“I’m meeting all kinds of people and making good relationships because of this,” said Anwar. “Those memories [of] being in the kitchen made me who I am with this business, and like Nike said, ‘Just Do It’ and take that leap.”