In a storefront at 533 Troy Plaza, in Troy. Nicole Tedder has continued her late mother’s Kathy Hansel dream, transforming a beloved at-home bakery into a thriving family business rooted in tradition, artistry, and a passion for custom treats. This bakery doesn’t just bake; it celebrates the legacy of a family of bakers, crafting delightful cookies, cakes, and pastries from recipes passed down through generations. Here, each treat carries the warmth of home and the joy of celebrating life’s sweetest moments.
A Family Affair, Built on Generations of Baking
Nicole’s journey into baking started as a family ritual. “The bakery was actually my mom’s,” she shares, remembering her mother’s early days of baking at home. Nicole’s extended family, including her aunts and grandmother, were also talented bakers, creating an environment where baking was both a skill and a cherished family pastime. “Our cookie recipe,” Nicole explains, “is a mix of my mom’s, grandma’s, and aunts’—it’s a family creation that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Nicole grew up helping her mom, especially around the holidays when family recipes came to life in the form of meticulously decorated cookies and custom pastries. After moving back to Illinois in 2019, Nicole stepped in to help her mom full-time, joining the family business to manage its then-location in Maryville. In May 2021, the bakery moved to its current spot, and when her mother passed away just a few months later, Nicole decided to carry forward her mother’s dream, honoring her memory with every cookie, cake, and custom order.
Custom Cake & Pastry Maker Troy, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon
The bakery specializes in custom orders, from intricately designed sugar cookies to themed cakes that capture the essence of special occasions. Each item is handcrafted with care, and Nicole’s bakery is known for its unique approach to sugar cookies. “We base dip our cookies,” she explains, a technique that balances the sweetness of royal icing and gives each cookie a softer texture, distinct from other bakeries.
One of Nicole’s most popular creations is the “Smash Cake” for first birthdays, which she offers free with the purchase of a birthday cake. The bakery’s commitment to personalizing orders makes each creation unique, while its holiday packaging and corporate gift baskets provide options for everyone from families to businesses.
Supporting Community, Schools, and Celebrations
More than just a bakery, this family business has become a staple in the local community, deeply involved in supporting schools, sports teams, and fundraising efforts. Nicole recalls her mother’s dedication to the Triad School District and how she has continued that legacy, baking athletic-themed cakes and cookies for various local schools. The bakery also works with Edwardsville, Collinsville, and other nearby districts, donating treats for events and offering special fundraiser items to support local causes.
Nicole’s connection to the community is reinforced through her social media presence. While the bakery doesn’t yet accept online orders due to the custom nature of their products, Nicole frequently shares updates, photos, and availability for extra items on Facebook, making it easy for locals to stay connected and place their orders.
The Future of the Family Bakery
Running the bakery is a labor of love, especially around the holidays when demand skyrockets. Nicole has two employees who handle much of the day-to-day cookie decorating, and she has also brought her daughter into the business. Although her current day job as an operations manager at a machine shop is vastly different from the creative world of baking, Nicole remains committed to her family’s legacy, putting in long hours to make sure each treat lives up to her mother’s high standards.
As Nicole looks to the future, she hopes her younger family members will eventually take an interest in the bakery, just as her mother once envisioned. For now, she continues to bake with heart, creating cherished memories for her customers and weaving her family’s story into every delicious creation.
Experience the Heart of the Bakery
For those in Troy and surrounding areas, Silly Grandma’s Sweet Creations offers more than just sweets. It’s a place where tradition, family, and community come together. Whether you’re looking for a custom birthday cake, beautifully packaged holiday cookies, or a little taste of nostalgia, this bakery delivers—quite literally—with treats that feel like they’re made just for you.
If you want to know more or are ready to order a personalized treat, visit the bakery at 533 Troy Plaza or follow Silly Grandma’s Sweet Creations on Facebook for updates, specials, and the heartwarming story of a bakery that continues to thrive thanks to the love of family and the strength of community.
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