Our Story

Welcome to A Cookie Habit!

I'm Dakota, the baker behind A Cookie Habit, a small home-based bakery proudly located in Mount Dora, Florida. What started as a love of baking has grown into something much more meaningful—a way for me to support my family while spending precious time with my children and doing something I genuinely enjoy every day.

My baking journey began years ago while growing up on a farm in Tyner, North Carolina. Some of my earliest memories are standing in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, learning family recipes and flipping through my mother's Amish cookbook. Those moments taught me that baking isn't just about making desserts, it's about creating memories, sharing traditions, and bringing people together.

Fast forward to today, and life looks a little different. As a single mother of three children, including an infant born 13 years after my middle child, I knew I wanted a way to build a future while still being present for the moments that matter most. Like many parents, I realized how difficult it can be to balance traditional work schedules with the realities of childcare. A Cookie Habit was born from the desire to stay home with my youngest child while pursuing something I truly love.

At A Cookie Habit, every product is made in small batches right here in Mount Dora under the Florida Cottage Food Law. While I do most of the baking and business operations myself, my mother helps whenever needed, and my brother is always willing to lend a hand. Their support means the world to me, and A Cookie Habit truly feels like a family effort.

When I'm not baking, you'll usually find me planning menus for upcoming markets and events, designing social media content, updating the website, or brainstorming new recipes. I wear a lot of hats around here, and I genuinely enjoy every part of growing this business.

One thing that makes A Cookie Habit different is my commitment to creating unique and nostalgic flavors. While I occasionally offer trending treats, I'm always searching for new ideas and flavor combinations that aren't readily available in our area. My goal is to create desserts that feel both familiar and exciting, something that reminds you of home while still giving you a reason to come back for another bite.

Our most popular flavors include the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie and the Blueberry Streusel Cookie, but if you ask me for a personal favorite, I'd have to recommend the Heritage Reserve White Chocolate Amaretto. If you haven't tried it yet, you absolutely should!

The name A Cookie Habit came from a simple idea: once you have one, you'll keep coming back for more. Whether it's a cookie, brownie, muffin, cakesicle, or another sweet treat, I want every bite to be something worth craving.

I've called Mount Dora home for more than 28 years, and one of the things I love most about this area is its small-town charm. The downtown area is filled with creativity, local businesses, and a strong sense of community. Supporting local events and customers isn't just important to my business—it's important to preserving the character and spirit that make our town special. Every purchase supports a small family business, and I'm incredibly grateful for every customer who chooses to shop local.

Looking ahead, my dream is to continue growing A Cookie Habit into a recognizable brand that can eventually reach customers across the country. More than anything, I hope each person who tries one of my baked goods can taste the care, love, and attention that goes into every batch.

Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to share my passion with you. Your support helps me continue doing what I love while creating a life that allows me to be present for the people who matter most.

From my family to yours, thank you for making A Cookie Habit part of your day.