The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
COOKIE MAKER TAKES BIG STEP
D is for Delicious opens in Chardon
Denise Hagan realized her home-based specialty cookie business in Chardon was heating up.
So, she began searching for a larger, commercial space where she could produce her confections.
Now, the new shop, D is for Delicious, is opening on July 13, at 602 South St., about two miles south of Chardon Square in a strip mall.
Prior to the move, the kitchen in Hagan’s Chardon house served as cookie central.
“Our house was like a cookie factory,” she said. “The whole kitchen was equipment. When we finally moved our table back in, my youngest daughter didn’t believe it. She never knew it belonged there.”
For several years the baker has been using a basic oven capable of cranking out a mere 24 cookies in 11 minutes, consuming lots of time and legwork for larger orders. Hagan happily said that her new equipment is a huge improvement, handling a batch of 120 cookies in eight minutes.
But Hagan hasn’t always had her hands in the cookie jar.
In 2011 the former teacher felt that her busy life with a full-time job and three young children was beginning to crumble. It was only after baking and decorating sweets for her daughter’s birthday party and later receiving multiple requests for them from friends, that she thought a switch to the cookie business could be beneficial.
“I did not grow up thinking I was going to be a cookie lady, but the community wrapped their arms around me,” she said.
Hagan claims that being elbow deep in dough is her happy place for more than one reason. Along with satisfaction gleaned from creating treats for her patrons, Hagan said she truly enjoys hearing the many stories that accompany their orders for special occasions.
“It serves me just as much as it serves them,” she said.
Before opening the shop Hagan offered cookie decorating classes in her basement which she’ ll now continue in the new 1,600-square-foot space.
Her husband, Paul, a teacher at Eastlake Middle School, helped with the modern design, including the construction of an interesting, multi-colored wooden wall that adds to the store’s upbeat ambiance.
Ladies’ nights, family events and other cookie-dec- orating sessions will be available. In time Hagan would like to offer delivery service for the Chardon area. Currently birthday party bookings are being accepted.
Those wishing to stop in for a coffee and cookie break are welcome to do so. D is for Delicious serves Fig Leaf Coffee from Chester Township as well as other locally sourced products.
Although much of the cookie art Hagan creates is for events such as birthdays, showers and weddings, she often asks that people give her some general information about the occasion which helps her with customizing the confections.
“I love it when people give me a few ideas and then say ‘play’,” she said.
Eventually Hagan plans to supplement her sugar cookies with oatmeal raisin, buttercream sandwiches and a chocolate specialty she calls “Dynamic Duo.”
To order cookies or for more information, visit www. d4dcookies.com or call 440478-7056.