Butter makes everything better—take the taste test

—The Brown Butter Cookie Company has brought sweet treats to the Central Coast since 2008; sisters Traci and Christa Hozie-Alderson started the business at their flagship Cayucos store, later opening in Paso Robles in 2013 and in San Luis Obispo in 2019.

From its humble beginnings as a local favorite, the company’s signature Original Brown Butter Sea Salt Shortbread Cookie quickly gained widespread acclaim, requiring the launch of an online store to meet national demand.

Step into the store at 897 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo and try one of the samples. Some of the cookie company’s delectable flavors change seasonally, including pistachio, coconut lime, and spice. Flavors always available for purchase include original, cocoa, and Made with Ghirardelli® Chocolate Chip, Dark Cocoa Chocolate Chip, and Espresso Chip.

“Our Original Brown Butter Sea Salt Shortbread Cookie remains the top-selling flavor due to the signature flavor profile of vanilla, brown butter, brown sugar, and sea salt. In 2024, they introduced the Made with Ghirardelli® Brown Butter Sea Salt Shortbread Cookie, which quickly became a fan favorite. Brown Butter’s classic-style cookies, known for their large size and satisfying texture with crispy edges and chewy centers, also have a dedicated following,” said Hartzell, noting that customer favorites include chocolate chunk, snickerdoodle, and lemon sugar.

There’s frozen custard, too!

Don’t leave without having a cup of the new Brown Butter Cookie Ice Cream (a frozen custard that includes their signature cookies), which is the perfect warm-weather treat. No artificial ingredients are used in the making, ensuring a high-quality custard.
The Brown Butter Cookie Ice Cream, available seasonally, represents the ongoing commitment to innovation while staying true to Brown Butter Cookie Company’s classic flavor profile and quality standards.

Be sure to pick up fabulous gift bags and boxes for loved ones, available in two-packs to double-dozen sizes.
All cookies are made on the Central Coast. The flagship Cayucos shop continues to be a hub of cookie-making activity, and the sisters have expanded with a new facility in Atascadero to meet the demand of the online shop and wholesale customers.

“We invite everyone, local or visitor, to indulge in the perfect blend of rich flavors and coastal charm. Whether you’re in Cayucos, Paso Robles, or San Luis Obispo, you’ll always find a warm welcome and a delicious treat waiting for you,” said Hartzell.

The Brown Butter Cookie Company is located at 897 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, 98 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, and 801 12th Street, Paso Robles. Open daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information, visit brownbuttercookies.com or call (805) 464-6636.

—Sadie Mae Mace