Kneads & Wants: Skokie's Family-Owned Bakery
8042 Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Skokie, IL
Kneads & Wants: Where Every Bite is Made with Passion
At Kneads & Wants, we're more than just a bakery—we’re a family-owned labor of love dedicated to baking fresh, handcrafted pastries daily in Skokie, Illinois. Our mission is simple: to cater to your kneads for delicious treats and satisfy your wants for high-quality, scratch-made goodness.
We specialize in small-batch baking, using only the finest ingredients to create a mouthwatering selection of croissants, scones, bars, cookies, and an ever-changing lineup of seasonal specialties. With a menu that constantly evolves, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a comforting classic or a fresh, innovative flavor.
What Sets Us Apart?
Quality You Can Taste – We use real butter, fresh ingredients, and zero artificial flavors or preservatives, ensuring every bite is rich, flavorful, and made with care.
Skilled Artisan Bakers – Our passionate team handcrafts every pastry from scratch, combining traditional techniques with creativity to produce both delicious and beautiful baked goods.
A Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere – Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast, meeting a friend for coffee, or treating yourself to something sweet, we want Kneads & Wants to feel like your neighborhood haven—a cozy spot to relax and indulge in simple pleasures.
Commitment to Community – We believe in supporting local and using seasonal ingredients whenever possible, ensuring freshness while celebrating the flavors of each season.
Come see what makes Kneads & Wants special. Whether you're here for a flaky croissant, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, or an irresistible seasonal treat, we’re ready to bake your day better!
Meet the Kneads & Wants Family:
Kneads & Wants: Skokie's Family-Owned Bakery Haven
The magic behind Kneads & Wants delicious creations extends beyond the kitchen. We're a close-knit family united by our love for baking and serving our community.
Maria Kozi, Executive Pastry Chef: Maria's passion and skills are evident in every pastry, especially in her love of viennoiserie.
Dylan (Maria's Stepson), Front of House Manager: Dylan keeps the front of the house running smoothly, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for every guest.
Madeleine (Maria's Wife), Marketing & Catering Manager: Madeleine uses her talents to spread the word about Kneads & Wants' delicious offerings and manages our catering services.
Olivia (Maria's Daughter), Cookie & Bar Specialist: Olivia brings her creativity and love for sweets to life in our delectable selection of cookies and bars.
Benji (Maria's Son), Pickle Pro: Benji's unique touch adds a delightful savory element to our menu with his homemade pickles.
Whether you're a regular stopping by for your morning coffee and croissant or you're looking for a special occasion treat, we're here to fulfill your cravings. Come visit us today and experience the Kneads & Wants difference - it's a family affair!
Meet Maria Kozi, Our Executive Pastry Chef:
The magic behind Kneads & Wants' delicious creations comes from the talented mind and hand of Maria Kozi, our Executive Pastry Chef. Maria's passion for baking began in her childhood, fueled by fond memories of baking with her father. After a successful career in finance, she realized her true calling and joined the prestigious Baking and Pastry Arts program at the College of DuPage, where she trained under talented and experienced faculty.
Maria specialized in bread and viennoiserie during her time at pastry school, where she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for these specialties. You can taste this passion in every croissant, scone, and pastry from our kitchen.
The opportunity to bring Kneads & Wants to life wasn't planned but rather a delicious twist of fate. In September 2019, when the bakery previously occupying this space decided to leave, Maria couldn't resist the opportunity. Steeped in a legacy of bakeries, the space presented a chance to continue that tradition and share her own brand of baked goodness with the Skokie community.
Maria's vision for Kneads & Wants is to create a bakery filled with these handcrafted delights, using only the finest ingredients. Her dedication and skills are a cornerstone of what makes Kneads & Wants unique.