Jake Hoffart played college and arena football and brother-in-law Mark Wright worked in low-voltage construction. Together, these regular guys are baking scrumptious cookies, pumpkin bars and banana bread in a brand new store, using recipes acquired from a family friend.
“We have around 14 cookie varieties a day that we stay pretty constant with right now,” Wright says, “and we rotate in a cookie of the day, or two cookies of the day, every day. We’re going to listen to our customers because we know without them we won’t survive.”
Among their best sellers are the frosted sugar cookie, the always popular chocolate chip and the decadent Mandy’s Marvelous Crackle (named for Hoffart’s mom, who encouraged them to start the business), a soft, cakelike chocolate cookie rolled in powdered sugar. Prices are $1.25 for one, $7 for 6 and $12 for a dozen cookies. And for gift giving, Hoffart can whip up a sweet gift basket ($16–$75) for any occasion.
3992 Douglas Blvd., Roseville (Renaissance Creek Center, corner of Sierra College and Douglas boulevards); (916) 789-7737; cookieconnectionweb.com; Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Some cookies may not be ready until 9 a.m. on the days the shop opens early. Phone orders are encouraged.

©2004 Sacramento Magazine