Right now, at this particular juncture, we are living in a moment rich with talented bakers in Central Oregon. People who understand butter and flour, time and patience. It is impressive and honestly a little thrilling if you’re a lover of baked goods (and who isn’t?). One of those bakers is Heather Goss, the owner and baker behind Kook’i, a new bakery and coffee shop that has just opened its doors on SW Sixth Street in Redmond.
Kook’i did not arrive overnight. Goss started three years ago selling her baked goods at local farmers markets. She remembers selling out at her very first market and realizing she might be on to something. That spark turned into a food truck and now into a bright new brick and mortar space that feels like a well-earned graduation. It is a family affair, too. Goss runs the bakery with help from her husband and her 18-year-old son, who are currently her only employees.
Goss is a Louisiana transplant who came to Central Oregon with a deep love of baking shaped by time spent in the kitchen with her Mamaw. That influence shows up not just in her recipes but in her warmth. She has an open, welcoming personality and an easy southern charm with plenty of ya’lls sprinkled into conversation. You feel genuinely glad to be there and she seems genuinely glad you came.
Before branching out on her own, Goss spent time working at the iconic Sparrow Bakery in Bend. Much like Deschutes Brewery did for the craft beer scene in Bend, Sparrow has become a foundational place for bakers in the region. Several local bakeshops have now been founded by people who once worked in that kitchen. Kook’i fits right into that lineage while still very much being its own thing.
Beautifully decorated shortbread cookies are Goss’ specialty. They’re seasonal and charming and detailed, the kind of cookies people order for celebrations and milestones. But beyond being pretty, they are simply excellent cookies. Plenty of butter and vanilla give them real depth of flavor. The texture hits that sweet spot, not too hard and not too soft, just right. There is also a candied pecan shortbread that is rich and nutty and deeply satisfying. Special orders are one of the foundations of the business. If you can imagine it, Goss can likely bring it to life. Orders can be placed online or by email with a consultation to make sure everything is just right.
While the shortbread may be the headliner, the supporting cast at Kook’i is strong. Cinnamon rolls are a standout. They are big and beautifully domed with just enough glaze. The texture is spot on and the cinnamon comes through clearly without overwhelming. They taste as good as they look, which is not always a given. There are also flavored versions and an indulgent cinnamon roll sandwich filled with eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon. If you really want to lean in, there is the Cinnamon Roll Latte, a creamy espresso drink with steamed milk that somehow captures all the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll in a cup.
Croissants are another place where Kook’i shines. I love croissants and am always on the hunt for one that can rival the best I have eaten in Paris. Kook’i’s croissant delivers with a flaky exterior and tender interior. The Cherry Bomb Croissant takes things even further with a cherry filling that puts it squarely in the bonus round of deliciousness for anyone who loves cherries. There is also a very popular Ham and Swiss Croissant filled with Swiss cheese and off the bone ham that makes for a perfect savory option.
Another specialty is the kolache, something Goss grew up eating in Louisiana. The Beef and Cheddar Kolache features an all-beef bratwurst and Tillamook cheddar cheese wrapped in a slightly sweet dough and baked to perfection. I tried the version with jalapeños and loved it. It felt like an amped up pig in the blanket with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
When I visited Kook’i’s new brick and mortar, it was late afternoon, yet there was still a good variety of baked goods available and everything looked and tasted fresh. The space itself is simple yet inviting. A large wooden community table anchors the room and feels like an open invitation to linger. It’s perfect for meeting a friend, reading the paper or just sitting with a nice espresso drink and a pastry. The decor is sparse for now, but the natural light and welcoming vibe do a lot of the work.
The full espresso bar offers all the usual suspects along with a few specialty drinks. One that stands out is the Ghost Chili Mocha, a classic mocha with the intense heat of ghost peppers for those who like their sweetness with a serious kick.
Goss says she hopes to have a grand opening sometime in the next couple of months once things settle down a bit. The holidays were awesome but wildly busy, she explains. When asked why she does what she does, her answer is simple and sincere. “It makes me happy at the end of the day to bake for people. And it’s a fun and interesting ride!”
With Kook’i, Redmond has gained not just a bakery but a place shaped by skill, family and genuine joy. In a region already rich with baking talent, Heather Goss has carved out a space that feels both special and deeply comforting. And that is something worth celebrating…with a cookie of course!
Kook’i
235 SW 6th St, Redmond
Tues-Sat 7am – 2pm
kookicompany.com/
This article appears in the Source January 15, 2026.
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At a time when things feel so incredibly hard, the photos of these cookies brought inexplicable joy to my heart. I can’t wait to visit. Thank you and thank you, Heather!