How to Start a Sugar Cookie Business (Especially as a Busy Mom!)

Will people actually pay enough for cookies to make a sugar cookie business worth your time?

That’s the big question—one I asked myself when I first caught the cookie decorating bug and started dreaming about turning it into a real business.

Hi friend! I’m Sarah, and five years ago I started my own sugar cookie decorating business. It helped my husband and I pay off my car and create extra income while I was a brand-new mom staying home with my twin boys (who I now homeschool!). I had to figure out all the hard parts on my own… and now, I teach others how to start a flexible, profitable sugar cookie business from home—without the burnout.

Start Your Sugar Cookie Business With the Basics (Without the Overwhelm)

By now, you’ve probably heard about cottage food laws, business licenses, and all that good stuff. If not, I have tons of videos that explain this in more detail.

But even more importantly—if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed with the idea of starting a business, you've got to check out my FREE Cookie Business Masterclass.In this class, I’ll answer the most common questions like:

• What if I don’t have time?

• Are my skills good enough to sell?

• What do I need to do first?

It’s designed to help you get clarity on your next steps and feel confident moving forward.

Register for the Masterclass HERE!

What They Don’t Always Tell You About How to Start a Cookie Business

You’ve heard the legal side—but what about real life? You know, the how-do-I-do-this-while-still-making-dinner-and-changing-diapers kind of life.

Starting a sugar cookie business doesn’t mean pressing pause on your family life. So, how do you make it work?

Let’s talk strategy, time-saving systems, and working smarter (not harder).

A peek at the order dashboard I reffered to

Prioritizing Your Time as a Mompreneur Starting a Sugar Cookie Business

You have to make every decision in your business with time in mind.

For example, early on I was taking cookie orders through text, DMs, emails—you name it. It was chaotic. Eventually, I set up a simple order form that connected to a spreadsheet where I could track all my orders. I even set up automated messages to respond to customer inquiries with that booking info.

Game. Changer.

This kind of intentional time-saving setup can (and should!) apply to every part of your day—from meal planning to managing laundry to how you start your work day. I like to start each morning with a brain dump and ask:

What has the highest consequence if I don’t do it today?

Batch cook, wear the comfy clothes, and embrace "easy" wherever you can. You’re building a business and a life.

That’s exactly why I created the Cookie Career Academy—to help you skip the stress and start with systems that work.

Inside the CCA, you’ll find:

• A plug-and-play WIX website template with video setup tutorials

• A streamlined order dashboard system

• Tools to create a brand that books clients with confidence

• Done-for-you Canva templates for stickers, business cards, and more

• A printable planner to track progress, goals, and income

  
  

The best part? You can get started for just $58/month and own the full course after one year—or save a bit and pay in full.

Plus, if you join now, you’ll get access to a Special Bonus Spring Money Makers Coaching Workshop on May 22nd!

See Whats Inside Cookie Career Academy

Understanding Time + Profit in a Cookie Business

Most people talk about profit margin in terms of money—but as a mom, your time-to-profit ratio is just as important.

What brings the most profit for the time you invest?

I teach students to build a recognizable brand that allows them to charge a premium—without relying on constant social media posting. (A well-designed website and customer-friendly systems go a long way!)

Why Quality Over Quantity Wins Every Time

As my father-in-law (a cabinet maker!) says: “We’re not the cheapest, but we’re the best.” That mindset has served me well in the baking world too.

Trying to be the cheapest baker in town is a race to the bottom. Focusing on improving your product quality and brand experience instead? That’s how you become the go-to baker in your area.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Here’s something else I learned: your business can and should be seasonal.

There are busy cookie seasons (think Mother’s Day, Christmas, wedding season), and you get to decide when to go all in and when to slow down. I've had years where I skipped Christmas sales entirely to focus on family—and that’s the beauty of being your own boss.

Final Thoughts: You Can Start a Sugar Cookie Business on Your Terms

You don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out. You need a plan, some support, and the belief that your time and talent are so worth it.

Oh—and if you’re just getting started with cookie decorating itself, don’t miss my pay-what-you-can Cookie Classroom course! Learn to decorate like a pro no matter your budget!

I hope this helped you see how you really can start a sugar cookie business that fits your life—not the other way around. If you're ready to jump in, don’t forget to check out:

• The FREE Cookie Business Masterclass

• The Cookie Career Academy

• The Cookie Classroom 

Wishing you sweet success and simple systems!