Devon Olner, Founder of Little Lion Cookie Co: Began in the Most Unexpected and Heartfelt Way
Devon Olner is the founder and creative force behind Little Lion Cookie Co., a Texas-based gluten-free cookie company known for its authenticity, memorable flavors, and uncompromising quality. What began as a personal quest for delicious gluten-free treats has grown into a beloved small-batch bakery with a loyal following across Texas. Devon’s mission is simple: make cookies that taste like joy—gluten-free or not. With a background in nutrition and a deep love of sharing good food, she’s building a brand that roars with personality and purpose. ”I feel deeply happy when I see my kids watch me build something from scratch. Knowing that I’m modeling courage, creativity, and care for them, especially as a mother and entrepreneur, means everything. And on a personal level, it brings me joy to craft food that aligns with my values: nourishing, inclusive, and made with integrity.”
Photo Credits: Tabatha O’Brien Photography
Little Lion Cookie Co. began in the most unexpected and heartfelt way. Take us back.
Little Lion started in my home kitchen. I had been gluten-free for several years, well into my 3rd trimester and couldn’t find any sweet treats that felt satisfying. Everything was either too dry, too complicated, or just didn’t give me the “yum” I was searching for. I missed the comfort and nostalgia of my mom’s classic chocolate chip cookie. So, I took her recipe and started experimenting with gluten free ingredients. Before I knew it, I had a growing list of people asking for cookies —and I realized this was something special.
Tell us about Mimi Lion.
Mimi Lion is my mom—my kids call her “Mimi.” She has this bold, loving, magnetic presence—equal parts fierce and tender. Growing up, everyone in our community knew her as an incredible cook. Her meals brought people together, and her desserts were, and still are, legendary. But more than that, her kitchen was a place where you felt safe, welcomed, and seen. That warmth—that open-door, open-heart kind of hospitality—stuck with me.
When she gave me her blessing to use one of her cookie recipes as the foundation for Little Lion, I knew it was more than just a good cookie. It was a way to pass on that feeling: of being at home, of being cared for, of sharing something made with love.
Little Lion Cookie Co. has a loyal following across Texas and is rapidly expanding across America. What makes your treats so special?
They’re simple, nostalgic, and just really good. There’s no overthinking—no elaborate gimmicks—just thoughtfully crafted, small-batch cookies that happen to be gluten-free. We focus on taste and texture first. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Take us through your delicious gluten-free treats.
Our lineup includes a s’mores cookie (our best seller) and classics like chocolate chip, brown butter pecan, and peanut butter chocolate chip—all with that soft, chewy, bakery-style texture people love. We also do seasonal flavors, wedding favors, and small-batch limited runs. Every cookie is handmade, gluten-free, and full of flavor—not filler.
Rave Reviews
“So excited to have found a gluten free cookie company near where I live! Their cookies are so good you can’t even tell they are gluten free. I’ve only tried the choc chip walnut and am excited to try all the other flavors I got.
The owner was also so sweet and is gluten free herself, so you know she poured her heart into creating a good gluten free cookie recipe.”
“The best gluten free chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted!”
“10/10, 100% a 1000xs over recommend these AMAZING cookies. eating gluten free usually is tasteless and has no spark. These cookies are full of spark! pure magic”
“I ordered a Baker’s dozen of the gluten free chocolate chip cookies, and they were so delicious! I don’t normally get gluten free because I don’t prefer the flavor, but I could not taste a difference at all in these! Definitely highly recommend!!”
What lessons have you learned as an entrepreneur?
Start small but start. You don’t need a perfect plan—you need momentum. I also learned that boundaries matter: saying yes to everything will burn you out. And most importantly, people connect with why you do what you do. Don’t hide your story—share it. People want connection and what better way to connect than over cookies.
Can you share some of the organizations that you work with?
Yes! I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a network of supportive, community-focused businesses—many of them women or family-owned.
One of the most meaningful connections has been with my cousin, who owns Noni’s Kitchen in Lafayette, Louisiana. She’s built a beautiful business of her own, and she’s quietly supported me behind the scenes as I’ve grown Little Lion—offering advice, encouragement, and a whole lot of perspective.
I’ve also loved working with Reeves Family Farm, a family-run business with a deep focus on quality, hospitality, and community. You feel the care they put into everything they grow and offer.
And Wylie Urban Farm + Market has created an incredible space that brings together local makers and small businesses. The sense of community there is unmatched, and it’s a joy to be part of that ecosystem of support.
It’s a beautiful network of people who believe in community over competition.
What have you enjoyed the most as an entrepreneur?
What I’ve enjoyed most is getting to build something that reflects my values and creativity—and then seeing it connect with others. There’s nothing better than watching someone take that first bite and light up. It’s a small moment, but it reminds me why I started. That kind of joy never really wears off.
https://www.littlelioncookieco.com
