Should I Sell My Cookie Recipe?

Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong is a writer and public health dietitian focused on food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Originally from Los Angeles, she has taught English in rural Japan, worked as a private chef in Malibu, and led an innovative city-funded corner store program in New Orleans that increased fresh food access in low-income neighborhoods. She was previously a contributing editor for The Kitchn, and currently lives in Denver with her husband and two kids.
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updated Jun 5, 2019
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Q: A pastry chef at a popular French bistro tried one of my home-baked cookies and offered to buy the recipe from me. I am willing to sell it to her, but I have no idea what a reasonable price would be. What does it mean to me if I sell my recipe? Can I not bake it anymore, ever?

I assume that I can’t sell it for commercial purposes. Does that include bake sales for schools and churches?

Sent by Mary

Editor: Mary, if you decide to sell the cookie recipe, you can still bake the cookies and even sell them at bake sales. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, the explanation of steps accompanying a recipe is protected under copyright law, but the list of ingredients for a recipe cannot be copyrighted, so no one “owns” that particular combination of ingredients. As for what you should charge, hopefully our readers will have some experience or good advice.

Readers, do you have any advice for selling a recipe? What is a reasonable price to charge for a cookie recipe?

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Related: Do You Have Any Secret Recipes?

(Image: Megan Gordon)

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