Frequently Asked Questions
About our Products
Q: What makes your product special?
A: We use only the highest quality ingredients such as Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, imported Belgian chocolates, and butter (never hydrogenated oils or shortenings). We source many of our ingredients, such as eggs and dairy products, from local farms for the freshest possible ingredients.
We bake in small batches to keep product quality high. Our products are hand-crafted from scratch, the old-fashioned way, and we scoop each dough and batter by hand. Each of our baked goods is hand-decorated and hand-frosted.
We provide unique twists on traditional recipes and offer new ones to try as well, such as Key Lime Ginger, Apricot Almond and Chai Latte. We use a high ratio of “add-ins” to dough in our cookies resulting in higher amounts of chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts per cookie. Our cookies have chocolate chunks made with real cocoa butter instead of “chips” which contain hydrogenated oils and are higher in sugar.
Q: Do your baked goods contain nuts?
A: We do use peanuts and other nuts (including pistachios, almonds and pecans) in some of our recipes. Although we do not include nuts in every recipe, there is a possibility that any of our products could contain trace amounts of nut oils. We ask that individuals with allergies to nuts refrain from eating our baked goods.
Q: Are your products wheat/gluten and/or dairy free?
A: No, our products are not wheat or gluten free and do contain dairy, eggs, and nuts. We ask that individuals who are allergic to wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs and nuts refrain from eating our products.
Q: Do you use preservatives?
A: No, we do not use any preservatives in our baked goods. All of our baked goods are made from scratch with fresh, all-natural ingredients.
Q: What ingredients do you use?
A: We use fresh, all-natural ingredients such as unbleached flour, eggs, butter, vanilla, salt, baking soda and/or baking powder. We do not use any preservatives, shortening or hydrogenated fats/oils, or trans fats. Depending on your selection, our baked goods may also contain: Dutch cocoa, semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, toffee, nuts (almonds, pecans, honey-roasted peanuts, pistachios, hazelnuts), angelflake coconut, lemon zest, peanut butter, spices (cloves, cinnamon, allspice, cream of tartar), dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, blueberries, cherries, candied orange rind, apricots), ground espresso beans, natural oils (lemon, orange, almond).
Q: How do I keep your baked goods fresh?
A: Our baked goods are made with natural ingredients and we do not use any preservatives. For the best flavor, we recommend eating them within a few days after delivery. However, here are some tips on how to keep them fresh and delicious for longer periods of time.
Cookies and brownies: Our cookies and brownies taste best when enjoyed within a week of delivery. The best way to keep cookies and brownies soft is to keep them in an air-tight zipper bag or container with a piece of bread inside to keep them moist. To refresh the cookies or brownies, you may place them in a microwave oven for a few seconds or in a conventional oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes. You may also freeze the cookies or brownies in an air-tight zipper bag or container for up to 6 months.
Shortbread: Our shortbread tastes best when enjoyed within a month of delivery. The best way to keep shortbread fresh is to keep them in an air-tight zipper bag or container. You may also freeze the shortbread in an air-tight zipper bag or container for up to 6 months.
Cupcakes: Our cupcakes taste best consumed at room temperature and do not need to be refrigerated upon arrival. They are best enjoyed within 2 days of arrival. If cupcakes will not be consumed right away, they may be kept in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 5 days and brought to room temperature before eating. You may also freeze the cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Once thawed, you may place cupcakes in a microwave oven for a few seconds for a freshly-baked experience.
Q: How big are your cookies?
A: Our traditional soft and chewy cookies are generously sized and are approximately 4" - 4 1/2" in width and weigh approximately 3 oz each. A dozen cookies weigh approximately 2 ¼ lbs.
Q: How big are your cupcakes?
A: Our cupcakes are generously sized and are approximately 2” tall and 2.5” in width. They each weigh about 3.5 oz each. Nine cupcakes weigh approximately 2 lbs.
About Your Order
Q: Where does my product ship from?
A: We bake and ship everything from our commercial bakery located in Oakland, CA.
Q: Who do I contact for help or questions regarding my orders?
A: Please feel free to email us at orders@teacakebakeshop.com or call us at 510-655-0865.
About Shipping
Q: Who will deliver my order?
A: We use UPS (United Parcel Service) for all of our shipping due to their reliability and order tracking capabilities.
Q: When will my order be delivered?
A: Orders will usually be processed within one business day. The majority of our products require UPS 2nd Day Air or UPS Next Day Air shipping due to the fresh-baked quality of our products. Since we use natural ingredients and do not use any preservative it is important that your product arrives quickly and is optiomal in taste and quality.
For more shipping information, please visit our Shipping page.
Q: How can I track my shipment?
A: After your order is shipped, you will be provided with a UPS tracking number for each delivery via email. This will allow you to view detailed delivery information for your order.
General
Q: Are you franchising your retail bake shops?
A: No, we are a privately-owned company and do not plan on franchising our retail stores at this current time. However, we are expanding via company-owned retail stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please sign up for our email newsletter for the latest updates.
Q: Are you hiring?
A: We are always looking for interesting, fun, and motivated people to join our team! Please email your resume at jobs@teacakebakeshop.com if you would like to be a part of our team.
Q: Do you cater or provide products for special events?
A: We do cater many special occasions and events such as showers, weddings, and birthdays. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, please contact our retail bake shop at 510-655-0865 or email us at emeryville@teacakebakeshop.com for more information. You may also visit our Retail Store page for more details.
Q: Do you fulfill wholesale orders or provide corporate gifting?
A: We welcome large orders and are happy to assist you with your needs! Please visit our Corporate Gifts page or our Wholesale page for more details.