Selling Homemade Baked Goods in Texas: What I’ve Learned

When I first started selling homemade treats from my kitchen in Rosenberg, I had no idea how much goes into running a small cottage food business. I went from making pies during the holidays to running a year‑round operation that includes gift baskets, cookies, brownies, popcorn, and special orders.

Understanding Texas Cottage Food Law

Texas makes it fairly friendly to sell certain homemade foods, but there are rules. You can sell shelf‑stable items like cookies, brownies, popcorn, brittles, and many candies. Items that require refrigeration have extra rules and should be clearly labeled. Delivery is typically direct to the customer (no wholesale to stores). Always double‑check the latest guidance for your city/county and the state.

Labels That Help

Clear labels make life easier for customers. On my packages I include my name, business name, a way to contact me, the product name, ingredient list (by weight), and common allergens (like wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy). I also add the date made or a best‑by window for freshness.

What Sells Best For Me

• Classic flavors (Chocolate Chip cookies, fudgy brownies) are always steady.
• Seasonal mixes and Holiday Gift Baskets are huge for December.
• Small, giftable add‑ons like chocolate‑dipped pretzels and cocoa mix move fast at pop‑ups.

Pricing & Packaging Tips

• Price for your time, ingredients, packaging, and a profit margin—even for small items.
• Use sturdy, clear packaging so customers can see the treats; add a cute bow or sticker.
• Offer bundles (like a sampler box) to increase average order size.

Where I Take Orders

I accept online orders through my website and take local holiday orders for Rosenberg and nearby areas. For shipped orders around the U.S., I use my Order Online page with a simple checkout.

Final Thoughts

Start simple, be consistent, and listen to what your customers love. If you’re thinking about selling your baked goods, I hope this helps! This post reflects my personal experience—please review official Texas cottage food guidance for the most current rules.