It’s noon on a Saturday and customers have lined up inside the pretty little cottage that houses Jane & John Dough Bakery, 208 North Elm in Tomball. (Actually, all of the places in this quaint business district are in pretty little cottages.) Some are here for a late breakfast. Others just want their morning lattes. Some, like us, feasted on barbecue at Tejas Chocolate Craftory next door and are ready for a pick-me-up of coffee and cookies.
The area leading to the register also houses a glass case full of beautifully-decorated cakes, baked goods and pastries. Patrons pay for their treats and then crowd around the espresso counter. It’s cramped and difficult to stay out of each other’s way, but everyone seems pretty congenial.
Jane & John Dough isn’t fooling around with quality when it comes to coffee. They’re using beans from Stumptown Roasters. Based in Portland, Oregon, it is regarded as one of the best roasters in the nation.
Once everyone has secured their beverages, some sit at little tables while others choose the sofas. A few kids sprawl on the floor and quietly play with toys or read books.
We choose a brown butter cookie, an “ultimate” peanut butter cookie and the interesting-sounding “Honey Pie.” The big, crunch butter cookie is an excellent companion for black coffee thanks to it not being overly sweet.
The peanut butter cookie has a slather of peanut butter on one side that’s also coated with dark chocolate. It’s kind of like having a big, sloppy, homemade peanut butter cup attached and as enjoyable as it is indulgent.
Ultimately, though, it’s the honey pie that turns out to be the group favorite, even though the exterior crust is a little thick and tough. The bottom layer is similar to the caramel base of a pecan pie, except with honey. The top layer is an interesting, dark, buttery crumble that adds just the right touch of intrigue.
The menu is always changing, but there are always light, savory items for lunch, like egg salad sandwiches and caramelized onion tarts
In the evenings, it’s time for the “Dough family dinner.” The meals offered are wholesome items that often feature ingredients from the local farmer’s market. One evening might feature skillet sausage and peppers on quinoa and the next, chicken soup with a side salad. Friday is pizza night.
Jane & John Dough Bakery is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. By the way, while the digs are quietly colonial, the owners do love their heavy metal, so don’t be shocked if strains of Black Sabbath accompany the meal. It’s good to see some appreciation for the classics.
This article appears in Jun 9-15, 2016.