Meet Nicole Best | Cookie Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Best and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
My insistence on having only one flavor of cookie (our Salted, Brown Butter, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie) has provided the business freedom to expand by staying focused. My customers know what quality to expect and it’s given to them… every single time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My fiancé, John Yarbrough, plays professional football and I (still) work a full-time 100% remote job so that we can stay together when he has to change teams. His offensive line teammates loved the cookies I was making for them after wins and they encouraged me to just start selling cookies out of my home kitchen. So, Cole’s Cookies was born & it allows us to remain together during the football season & for me to continue growing my business with him at my side.

I travel to almost every single one of John’s games during the season so, with both of us working at our dreams it makes for a bit of a chaotic life. But – I enjoy what I do, even at the moments it feels like “work”. Baking is my hobby and building a business is my other hobby. I’d rather do my hobbies than almost anything else. Streamlining processes in the business has been essential for me to make sure I still have time to workout, support loved ones at weddings, cheer on John at every game, and host weekend visitors here in Texas. The point of working for myself is to create the life I want. If I don’t also prioritize my personal life, what would be the point of the business?

In terms of what I am most proud of: Browning butter for our Salted, Brown Butter, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies takes a TON of time and attention to detail. This is why you won’t see brown butter in many deserts, especially at the scale we make cookies. Browning butter makes it taste, nutty, caramel-y, and richer than regular butter so, it sets us apart in terms of quality and flavor and is totally worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still pretty new to DFW & exploring myself & I live in Fort Worth but here’s what we would do: Day 1: Stockyards in the afternoon evening for the cattle drive, some tender steaks & some line dancing!
Day 2: A walk on the Katy Trail & lunch at Katy Trail Ice House followed by some sand volleyball at Sandbar (which is now gone but…. A girl can dream!)
Day 3: A pool day with ranch waters on tap & dinner at Hudson House (with all the martinis, of course)
Day 4: A Trip to the Frisco Fresh Market during the day & Pie Tap for dinner (prosciutto pie, please!)
Day 5: A hot yoga class at Soul Sweat yoga followed by walk along Magnolia in Fort Worth & stops at all the good spots, Avoca Coffee, Shaws, Maggies R&R, Mexican Inn Cafe for the beef street tacos & everything else.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The support of my Mom, my Grandma Carol & my fiancé.

My mom & Grandma taught me to how to be in a kitchen, how to selflessly bake for and give to others, how to pay close attention to detail, and how to enjoy the process of making food. I think they both considered selling their creations when they were young but never had the chance. I feel as though I am carrying a torch for both of them with every cookie I make & sell.

And without a doubt, the support of my partner and fiancé has been paramount. Other than being tactically & operationally helpful, he gives me the freedom to fail forward and helps me find the humor in every situation.

Website: https://www.colescookies.online/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_colescookies?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@coles_cookies?_op=1&_r=1&_t=8d7KJ4BVpgx