Shortbread cookies from the Park Cities are now available anywhere Williams-Sonoma ships.
Le Gourmet Baking’s cookies are sold through the retailer’s website and shipped from Dallas.
Owner Becky Nelson opened the bakery in 2012 and became known for shortbread cookies iced for special occasions.
The cookies were included in the 2015 Neiman Marcus epicure holiday catalog.
“To collaborate with a company with the prestige of Williams-Sonoma is a dream come true,” Nelson stated in a news release. “Their experience as a high-end specialty retailer, along with their marketing savvy, will go a long way in boosting sales for Le Gourmet Baking. I am truly grateful.”
From the release: “The recipe contains five premium ingredients with no preservatives and a lower sugar content than most cookies. Rolled out thick, the cookies are soft and cake-like instead of crisp like a traditional shortbread. They are then hand-glazed after baking and finally, decorated by hand with colorful, creative designs.”
Le Gourmet Baking’s Christmas cookie offering for Williams-Sonoma
Nelson has a business degree, but she wanted to use her creativity as an entrepreneur in the food business. Correspondence with Food Network host Ina Garten inspired her to gain broad experience in the food industry.
Becky Nelson
Her venture began at St. Michael’s Farmers Market, where she sold shortbread and spiced nuts, while running a predecessor to her business, Le Gourmet Valet.
She reports that the business now has five employees and sold $144,000 in shortbread last year, with sales projected to exceed $200,000 this year, accounting for the Williams-Sonoma deal.
Le Gourmet Baking recently moved to the former Central Christian Church at 4711 Westside Drive.
