How to Start and Grow a Successful Cookie Business from Home

Thinking of turning your cookie hobby into a real business? Whether you’re dreaming of your first sale or looking to grow what you’ve already started, this guide will help you lay the foundation for a profitable and sustainable cookie business from the comfort of your kitchen.

We’re covering everything from tools and setup to pricing, marketing, and where to find the best resources. Plus, you’ll find links to our favorite supplies, classes, and free tools to help you skip the overwhelm and start strong.

Step 1: Get the Right Tools (Without Breaking the Bank)

Starting a cookie business doesn’t mean buying everything at once. Begin with the basics that actually make a difference in your decorating workflow.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true Amazon favorites:

• Tipless Piping Bags

• Wooden Rolling Pin with Adjustable Thickness Guides

• Paintbrushes for Detail Work

• Edible Gold Dust & Mixing Trays

• Stackable Drying Racks

Want a full list of recommended supplies? Download our Cookie Tool Checklist. It walks you through the essentials to start your business for around $100.

Step 2: Set Up the Back End (Before You Get Busy)

 Before the orders start rolling in, you’ll want to have your systems and policies ready. Start with:

• Clear refund, pickup, and reschedule policies (Grab our free editable policy templates)

• Organized supply storage (Check out our favorite organizing solutions)

• A plan for answering customer FAQs (our customer service script freebie makes this easy)

Want step-by-step help? These topics are covered in more depth inside Baker’s Society, our monthly business membership for home bakers.

Step 3: Price for Profit (and Confidence)

If you’re undercharging, you’re not alone but it’s time to fix that. Use our:

• Pricing Your Products Class for a full walk-through

• Pricing Spreadsheet to calculate exact costs, profit margins, and more

Don’t guess. Run the numbers and price with confidence.

Step 4: Start Selling (Online and In Person)

You don’t have to choose one over the other. The best cookie businesses diversify their sales channels. Here’s how to prep for both:

Selling on Social Media:

• Plan your content with our Social Media Planner or take the full Social Media Marketing Class 

• Batch post, use Reels, and tell your story

Selling at Markets & Events:

• Take our Markets & Events Class for tips on booth setup, inventory planning, and what sells best

• Bring these must-haves:

  • Tabletop Sign Holders

  • Tiered Cookie Display Trays

  • Square Reader for Payments or an app through your phone/tablet - most of the apps accept tap payment through your phone, so no need for an additional pricey device

Step 5: Grab These Freebies to Jumpstart Your Biz

 We’ve made it easy to get started with our most popular public freebies:

• Royal Icing Video Guide – Consistency made simple

• Freezing Guide – Learn what and how to freeze

• DIY Kit Prep Bundle – For selling fun kits during holidays

• Cookie Tool Checklist – Start your biz with just $100

• Cookie Business Policies Templates – Done-for-you policies to customize

Each one is linked directly to a downloadable opt-in page so you can get exactly what you need, fast.

You Don’t Have to Build This Alone

 Running a cookie business is so much easier when you have support. That’s why we created Baker’s Society, our monthly membership that gives you classes, templates, tools, and a like-minded community of bakers building better businesses.

Learn more or join here.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases but we only recommend tools we actually use and love.