Patrons lined up to purchase sweet treats at the grand opening of the Buttercup Bakehouse at 3933 Maynardville Highway on June 3. Emily Cooke, formerly of Sweet Treats by Emily is the proprietor. The bakery offers a variety of breakfast items, drinks and desserts. Baked goods include breakfast jam bars, cinnamon rolls, banana bread and cupcakes galore.
Emily has perfected her signature banana pudding cookie along with many cookies with a German heritage. Some are gluten free. She credits her mother Robin Cooke and her Aunt Ann Dyer with teaching her to bake. Her business acumen was handed down from her father who owns Cooke Builders. She honed her skills while working at the Lonesome Dove in Knoxville’s Old City where she was responsible for all of the baking and associated purchasing.
Emily said she first dreamed of owning her own bakery at the age of 16 and has seen her dream become reality before her 24th birthday. The bakery employs sister Ellie Cooke, cousin Leah Beeler, and friend Natalie Carr.
Emily began baking and selling her treats at the Union County Farmers Market. She expanded her reach by being a vendor at Thunder in the Park and the Union County Heritage Festival last fall. When Tasha Brown of The Bake Shop offered to sell her business this spring, Emily purchased the business in early May. The Buttercup Bakehouse menu is available on Facebook and Instagram. Stop by and have breakfast, eat a cupcake and take home cookies or a cake from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 865-745-2953 to place a special order.