The Cookie Jar

For generations of Mainers, especially those along the picturesque coast of Cape Elizabeth, The Cookie Jar isn't just a bakery; it's a cherished institution, a comforting landmark, and a go-to spot for that perfect sweet treat. Since the 1950s, this adorable little shop on Shore Road has been serving up an irresistible array of freshly baked goodies, becoming an integral part of countless morning routines, family celebrations, and casual indulgences. It's a place where the aroma of warm pastries beckons you in, and the friendly atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

The Cookie Jar has built its enduring reputation on a foundation of classic baking traditions and consistent quality. While the world around it has changed, the essence of The Cookie Jar has remained true: providing delicious, comforting baked goods that evoke a sense of nostalgia and simple pleasure. Owners Donna and Tom Piscopo have continued this legacy, ensuring that the bakery remains a vibrant and essential part of the Cape Elizabeth community. Their commitment to sticking to a lineup of classic glazed and frosted doughnuts, along with a variety of other beloved pastries, has cemented their status as a local favorite.

What makes The Cookie Jar so special to Maine locals is its ability to deliver that authentic, homemade taste without the fuss. It's the kind of place you stop at on your way to work, after a visit to Portland Head Light, or just because you need a moment of sugary bliss. Their dedication to baking the "bread portion" of their goods in-house, ensuring a fresh foundation for every pastry, speaks to their focus on quality. Despite external challenges, like recent community efforts to protect their essential parking, the overwhelming local support for The Cookie Jar highlights its deep-seated importance as a pillar of Cape Elizabeth's charm and daily life.

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Location and Accessibility

The Cookie Jar is idyllically situated at 554 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA. This prime location places it directly along a scenic coastal route, making it a convenient and delightful stop for both local residents and tourists exploring the beautiful Cape Elizabeth area. Shore Road is well-known, often traveled by those visiting iconic landmarks like Portland Head Light, which is just a short drive away.

One of the distinct advantages for locals is the bakery's early morning hours, allowing patrons to grab fresh baked goods and coffee to start their day. "Open super early!" is a common sentiment among satisfied customers, highlighting its suitability for commuters, early risers, or those embarking on morning adventures. The "adorable little shop" has a welcoming ambiance that invites customers in, providing a pleasant experience beyond just the transaction.

Parking, a crucial aspect for any local business, has been a topic of recent community support for The Cookie Jar. Despite past zoning disputes regarding their front parking spaces, the local community and Town Council have worked to ensure these "critical" spaces remain, demonstrating the bakery's importance and the commitment to accessibility for its customers. This community backing further enhances its suitability as a convenient and well-supported local destination for Mainers. Its charming location, combined with dedicated efforts to maintain accessibility, ensures it remains a beloved stop on the Maine coast.

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Services Offered

The Cookie Jar offers a tempting array of baked goods and complementary items, catering to various sweet cravings and breakfast needs:

• Wide Variety of Baked Goodies: Their selection includes an extensive range of pastries, donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and pies. Expect classic glazed and frosted donuts, huge and beautiful donuts, fresh Danish pastries, and assorted cookies galore.
• Signature Donuts and Pastries: Highly praised items include their light and fluffy maple glazed donuts, exceptionally delicious butter crunch donuts, and the classic glazed chocolate cake donuts (described as "fudgily decadent as brownie batter"). Their raspberry cream turnover and cinnamon rolls with old-fashioned icing are also noted as "drool-worthy."
• Jelly Donuts with Various Fillings: The Cookie Jar offers generously sized jelly donuts with several filling options, including cream, lemon, maple cream, and raspberry jam.
• Coffee Selection: For a complete breakfast or treat experience, they offer an impressive selection of coffee, including blueberry coffee from Coffee by Design, known to pair beautifully with their pastries.
• Bottled Drinks: Alongside their baked goods, they provide a selection of bottled drinks for convenient grab-and-go.
• Custom Cakes and Cupcakes: For special occasions, customers can order custom cakes and cupcakes. The team is known for excellent communication and quick turnaround times while producing beautiful and delicious desserts for celebrations like weddings and birthdays.
• Jars of Jelly to Go: Customers can purchase jars of jelly, likely the same delicious fillings used in their pastries, to enjoy at home.

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Features / Highlights

The Cookie Jar in Cape Elizabeth boasts several features and highlights that solidify its status as a beloved local bakery in Maine:

• Long-Standing Maine Tradition: In operation since the 1950s, The Cookie Jar is more than just a bakery; it's a piece of Cape Elizabeth history and a generational favorite. Its enduring presence speaks volumes about its quality and community connection.
• Early Morning Opening Hours: A significant draw for many locals, the bakery opens "super early," allowing residents to pick up fresh baked goods for breakfast or on their commute, providing a convenient and delicious start to the day.
• Delectable Donuts and Pastries: They are renowned for their wide variety of donuts, including highly praised maple glazed, butter crunch, and raspberry cream turnovers. The "drool-worthy" cinnamon rolls with old-fashioned icing are also a major highlight, consistently receiving rave reviews.
• Classic Homemade Quality: While some fillings might not be made in-house, the bakery focuses on making the "bread portion of the goods," ensuring that the foundation of their pastries is fresh and of high quality, contributing to that comforting, homemade taste.
• Charming Atmosphere: Described as an "adorable little shop" with an "inviting atmosphere" and "cozy vintage setting," The Cookie Jar offers a pleasant environment for customers to enjoy their treats, whether on the go or taking a moment inside.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently praise the friendly staff who contribute to the welcoming environment and ensure everyone feels at home, enhancing the overall positive experience.
• Strong Community Support: The recent public outcry and successful petition to "Save The Cookie Jar" and protect its parking spaces demonstrate the profound loyalty and affection the Cape Elizabeth community has for this local business. This community engagement is a testament to its value.
• Custom Cake Expertise: Their ability to produce "beautiful and delicious desserts" for custom orders, coupled with good communication and quick turnaround, makes them a reliable choice for special occasions in the area.

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Contact Information

For Maine locals looking to indulge in the delights of The Cookie Jar:

• Address: 554 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
• Phone: (207) 799-0671

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Maine, particularly those in the picturesque Cape Elizabeth area, The Cookie Jar is more than just a place to buy baked goods; it's a cherished local landmark that truly embodies the spirit of community and tradition. Its long-standing history, dating back to the 1950s, means that generations of Mainers have grown up with its comforting flavors, making it a nostalgic and reliable choice for sweet treats.

The bakery's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, from their "drool-worthy" cinnamon rolls to their famously light and fluffy donuts. The fact that they open "super early" is a huge advantage for busy locals, offering a convenient stop for a fresh breakfast or a quick pick-me-up on the way to work or school. This practicality, combined with the undeniable deliciousness of their products, makes it a go-to spot for daily indulgences.

Furthermore, the overwhelming community support, demonstrated by the recent efforts to protect their parking, highlights how deeply integrated The Cookie Jar is into the fabric of Cape Elizabeth. This isn't just a business; it's a piece of local heritage that fosters a sense of belonging and collective pride. For Mainers seeking authentic, homemade baked goods served with a smile in an adorable, welcoming setting, The Cookie Jar is an irreplaceable local gem that continues to deliver joy, one delicious pastry at a time.

The Cookie Jar

554 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA