You wouldn’t immediately associate baking with folk art, but both disciplines are part of the regional excellence that dignifies the American South.

The Immaculate Baking Co.’s Leapin’ Lemon cookies tout those traditions, both in and outside their post-office-box-shaped packages. Outside, the box is adorned with a bright, Howard Finster–ish portrait of children at play by self-taught Alabama artist Bernice Sims, as well as folk-art iconography such as a strumming guitar and faces with words painted into their mouths.

Inside, the sour-sweet taste of these bite-size lemon-white chocolate-chip cookies brings you to the treats table at a church supper. The creamy-white chocolate helps take the edge off the citrus-rich dough; shot with sugar and butter, two of these little guys are the satisfying equal of any larger treat.

The nine-year-old Immaculate Baking Company, based in western North Carolina, contributes to the Folk Artist’s Foundation, a group that helps support the work of self-taught artists like Sims. In return, you get some tasty cookies in a homey box that’s nearly as enjoyable to look at as its contents are to eat.

Available for $3.95 for a seven-ounce package at local Bread & Circus stores.