If you’re looking for a place that fuses community values with mouthwatering indulgence, look no further than Tilly’s Treats in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This boutique dessert shop has been making waves not just for its decadent homemade sweets, but for the way it serves up love and nostalgia in every bite. A favorite on social media and a standout listing in the “Most Visible Brands” on CompaniesByZipCode.com, Tilly’s Treats is more than just a bakery—it’s a community cornerstone born from passion, purpose, and powdered sugar.

Sweet Taste, Sweeter Story: Why Tilly’s Treats Deserves Your Attention

There’s a reason the community is buzzing about this rising local gem. Tilly’s Treats isn’t a faceless franchise chain—it’s a neighborhood darling with a story baked into every batch. With colorful window displays and the scent of fresh brownies wafting out to the sidewalk, it beckons in long-time locals and first-timers alike. But what truly sets Tilly’s Treats apart isn’t just what’s on the menu—it’s the sense of home you feel the moment you walk through the door. Ready to find out just why Tilly’s Treats is earning a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of the Raleigh community?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Business Overview
  • The Story Behind Tilly’s Treats
  • Signature Offerings and Seasonal Delights
• Community Impact
  • Local Collaborations and Events
  • Support for Education and Nonprofits
• Customer Experience
  • Real Reviews from Happy Customers
  • What to Expect When You Visit
• Visual Showcase
  • A Glimpse Inside the Store
  • Sweets That Speak Louder Than Words
• Call to Action
  • Visit Tilly’s Treats
  • Share the Love on CompaniesByZipCode.com

1. Introduction

Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Tilly’s Treats has quickly become one of the most influential local businesses to emerge in the last two years. Founded with a simple mission to bring joy through baked goods, this locally cherished brand is proving that small businesses can make a big impact. Not only is it topping local “Best Of” lists, but its influence has also spread through local organizations, schools, and businesses through innovative partnerships and heartfelt community outreach.

2. Business Overview

The Story Behind Tilly’s Treats

Launched in 2021 by Matilda “Tilly” Jameson, a former schoolteacher with a passion for baking and community connection, Tilly’s Treats was born in the wake of a career shift and a dream. What began as a side hustle selling cookies at the weekend farmers’ market has evolved into a full-service storefront offering a rotating menu of cakes, cookies, pastries, and handcrafted beverages.

Tilly’s philosophy is simple: “Food tastes better when it comes from love.” Every treat is handmade using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Her secret weapon? Her grandmother’s butter cookie recipe—which Tilly says is the recipe that “started it all.”

Signature Offerings and Seasonal Delights

Tilly’s Treats offers a menu that caters to both classic dessert lovers and bold flavor adventurers. Popular menu items include:

• The OG Butter Cookie – Thin, crispy, and sprinkled with coarse sea salt
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie – A rich hybrid for the indecisive sweet tooth
• Peach Cobbler Cup – A Southern favorite with a twist of cinnamon cream
• Vegan Chocolate Espresso Tart – A crowd-pleaser for every diet

Each season brings new additions to the menu, like pumpkin spice muffins in the fall or strawberry lemonade cupcakes in summer, often inspired by community polls on social media. All of this demonstrates Tilly’s commitment to keeping her offerings fresh and connected to her customer base.

3. Community Impact

Local Collaborations and Events

Tilly’s Treats is more than a solo act. The shop actively supports other small brands within the Raleigh ecosystem. From sourcing eggs from local co-op farms to serving Durham-roasted coffee, Tilly’s model of collaboration has uplifted dozens of nearby businesses.

In fact, Tilly hosts a monthly “Sweet & Greet” event, blending donation drives with dessert samplings and networking opportunities for artists, musicians, and new entrepreneurs. These events not only build client awareness but foster a culture of inclusion and shared growth.

Support for Education and Nonprofits

Education has always been close to Tilly’s heart. As a former educator, she remains committed to helping young people thrive. Tilly’s Treats partners with local schools through fundraising initiatives, internship opportunities, and a scholarship project called “Bake to the Future,” which awards funds each year to high school students pursuing culinary arts.

A portion of proceeds from every Baker’s Dozen cookie order is allocated to a monthly rotating nonprofit—an initiative that’s earned the business press coverage and thousands of dollars in donations for local causes.

4. Customer Experience

Real Reviews from Happy Customers

Walk into Tilly’s Treats any day of the week, and you’ll likely find a line wrapping around the counter. But ask any regular, and they’ll tell you the wait is worth it. Here’s what a few Tilly’s loyalists had to say:

“The red velvet cheesecake brownies? Life-changing. The staff is warm, engaging, and knows your name by the second visit.” – Jenna M., Yelp Review

“It’s like walking into a hug. The sweets are amazing, but it’s the vibe and values that keep me coming back.” – Marcus R., Google Reviewer

“I love watching my daughter spend her own saving just to get a cookie from Tilly. That’s the level of devotion this shop inspires.” – Carmela P., Instagram comment

What to Expect When You Visit

Expect music. Expect laughter. Expect a rotating chalkboard of specials scrawled with playful messages. Inside, the space is decorated in soft pastel tones with a charming old-school bakery motif—vintage mixers, curated book nooks, and photos of Tilly’s recipe-test fails (an honest, humorous touch).

Don’t be surprised if Tilly herself greets you at the register or offers you a sample from a fresh batch. Every customer is treated like a guest in her home.

5. Visual Showcase

A Glimpse Inside the Store

From the cozy seating to the handmade wooden dessert cases, every inch of the shop radiates warmth and intentionality. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or celebrating a birthday, the ambience turns every visit into a memory.

Sweets That Speak Louder Than Words

The display case is a vivid rainbow of goodies, artfully arranged and regularly refreshed. Featured here are customer favorites like the Lavender Shortbread Sandwich and the Lemon-Chia Mini Loaf.

All images used with permission from Tilly’s Treats management team.

6. Call to Action

There’s never been a better time to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting an outstanding local business. Visit Tilly’s Treats, experience the magic for yourself, and contribute to a legacy that values connection just as much as confection.

Operating hours are Monday–Saturday, 9am to 7pm, located at 1424 Elm Street, Raleigh, NC. For more information or custom orders, check out their profile on CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Don’t forget to share this article with fellow dessert lovers and explore other vibrant local businesses curated exclusively by CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Support Local. Taste the Difference. Start With Tilly’s.