The Cookie Jar was inspired by my mom. She loved to bake and cook for those she loved. And she taught me that food is the one thing that makes everyone happy!

I started off my baking career after I received an easy bake oven for Christmas (and started making cakes with a lightbulb)! But my real-life bakery experience began after my mom opened her bake shops—first in our garage, and then in her own retail space. We were all expected to help, and I lent my hand as a cake decorator. 

Mom sold Maw B’s bakery in late 1991, and it was then that I knew I would follow in her footsteps to do cakes & cookies at home, while I stayed home for with my two boys (three, if you include my husband!). 

After having (and then leaving) a corporate job, I took the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneurship class and decided to “go for it”—opening my first Cookie Jar Bakery location in downtown Lee’s Summit, using secret family recipes from my mom.

And the rest is (very sweet) history.

I hope you enjoy eating our homemade yummy treats as much as we enjoy baking them for you.