Celebrating 25 Years of Laura's Cookies | Go Behind the Cookie With Laura

Yes, there really is a Laura. Oftentimes when I am introduced by people who know me, the introduction goes something like this: "Do you shop at Dorothy Lane Market? Have you ever had a Laura’s Cookie? This is 'the Laura'!" I am not one to enjoy attention, however, it does make me happy to hear just how much people enjoy my cookies. Other than clarifying that there is a real Laura behind the cookies, I’m not all that intriguing. I’m your basic middle-aged woman who enjoys baking, cooking, reading, gardening, traveling, attending live theater, and taking photographs.

My evolution into "the Laura" started in 1999 when I left my 18-year career in hospital administration without a definite plan as to what my next career move would be. In search of a next step, I participated in a 10-week Small Business Administration course where I developed the business plan for a cookie business. Each week, I would bring a variety of cookies for fellow participants to sample; my “Comfort Cookies” (now known as “Laura’s Cookies”) were immediately a favorite.

To make the cookie business a reality, I needed a place to bake. A friend of mine set up a meeting with Scott Fox, DLM Vice President of Bakery. I brought him a sample and he took one look at them and exclaimed, "Those are going to move!" He thought they tasted good, too. He called the next day and asked me when I could start. On May 18, 2000, I produced the first Laura’s Cookie for Dorothy Lane Market.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I'm simply in awe that a single cookie recipe could become the basis of my business and carry it forward to such great success. I'm grateful for my family and friends who have provided constant support, encouragement, and counsel. I'm grateful for the unique business relationship that Laura’s Cookies has enjoyed with Dorothy Lane Market since day one. I am grateful for the employees and seasonal help who have stepped up to the cookie table and have helped me make millions of Laura’s Cookies. Finally, I am grateful to our very passionate customers. Through taste and word of mouth, they've shared their passion for Laura’s Cookies with others far and wide.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COOKIE?

A Laura’s Cookie is a hand-rolled and decorated soft sugar cookie with a delightful almond-flavored frosting. It's an irresistible cookie combo that's pretty to look at and delicious to eat. There's a happy memory in every bite

HAVE YOU EVER SWITCHED UP THE RECIPE? 

The recipe ingredients have remained the same. We did, however, transition to trans-fat-free ingredients as they became available.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS ABOUT THE COOKIE THAT HAS PEOPLE HOOKED? 

That is probably a question that should be asked of those who “crave and rave” about Laura’s Cookies. Personally, I think that the soft cookie and soft almond frosting complement one another so well ... in addition to the fact that they are so cute. It does seem that many fans only have to taste a Laura’s Cookie once and they are hooked.

CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A COOKIE CAN BE A LOVE LANGUAGE? 

Initially when Covid began, I thought for sure that nobody would be buying Laura’s Cookies during such unsettling and uncertain times. However, it quickly became clear that Laura’s Cookies were considered to be an “essential” food item by many DLM customers and a language of love for some. We received a note from a mother of two young children about how meaningful Laura’s Cookies became to them during that time. The children’s grandfather would always stop at the DLM Bakery prior to distanced visits and select two Laura’s Cookies. He was able to show his love to them through a Laura’s Cookie.

WHY ARE "BY HAND" TOUCHES SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO THIS COOKIE?

Simply put: A Laura’s Cookie is handmade. It’s homemade. It’s always fresh. It’s made just the way grandma used to make them. 

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR LAURA’S COOKIES?

Along with our DLM partners, we hope to see continued growth in the future! The staff and I are currently making plans to meet the expected increase in demand once the fourth Dorothy Lane Market opens in Mason, Ohio.