Inside the stuffed-cookie shop winning over Williamson County with flavor, fun, and community spirit
Walk into Dirty Dough Franklin, and the aroma of warm, layered cookies hits you before you see the colorful display case. Each oversized cookie promises not just sweetness but an experience and a mission that Benton Cotter and his team take seriously as they bring this unique dessert concept to Williamson County.
“Franklin has always been a place that values community, charm, and quality and that’s exactly what Dirty Dough stands for,” said Cotter. “We were drawn to Franklin not just for its vibrant downtown or beautiful surroundings, but because of the people. This community is full of heart, and we knew that bringing Dirty Dough here meant we’d be serving more than just cookies, we’d be bringing smiles, shared moments, and something truly unique to the dessert scene.”
Cotter, along with his wife Brittany, friends Johnny and Stacy Reading, and Ryan and Alisha Niec, opened the shop after years of friendship and shared business ideas. Their vision extended beyond baked goods. “We’re a group of friends and family with a passion for delicious food and even better experiences,” Cotter said. “We had a shared desire to do something that brought happiness to others while bringing stability to our families. Dirty Dough caught our attention not just for the cookies, but for the mission behind them, reminding people that what’s on the inside is what really counts.”
That message resonates in Franklin, where community spirit runs deep. From opening day, residents welcomed the shop with long lines and eager taste buds. Cotter said the embrace has been mutual. Through its “Cookies that Care” initiative, the shop donates cookies, volunteers time, and partners with local organizations to support schools, businesses, and families. “The community here has welcomed us with open arms,” he said. “It’s not just about business, it’s about being part of something bigger.”
The menu is anchored by Dirty Dough’s signature stuffed and layered cookies, each one baked thick and brimming with flavors like fudge, peanut butter, marshmallow, or cheesecake. “It’s simple: Dirty Dough cookies are an experience, not just a treat,” Cotter said. “Each cookie is stuffed and layered with rich, bold ingredients so every bite delivers an explosion of flavor. They’re soft, thick, indulgent, and full of personality. It’s what sets us apart in a crowded dessert market.”
Local favorites range from Brookie and Cookies & Cream to seasonal sensations such as Pumpkin Cheesecake or Peppermint Bark. For Cotter and his team, developing these flavors is equal parts creativity and science. “Our team brainstorms fun, crave-worthy flavor combinations and layers of texture,” he said. “From there, we develop test batches to make sure the cookie delivers on taste, structure, and surprise. Once it’s approved, we bake each cookie fresh in-store, layer it, and finish with toppings.”
But cookies are only part of the story. The Franklin location has expanded into drinks and other desserts, offering flavored iced coffees, dirty sodas, milkshakes, and ice cream cookie sandwiches. Recent additions include waffles, bars, and cinnamon rolls loaded with toppings. For foodies, Cotter even suggests pairing tips. A rich chocolate cookie, for example, goes well with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, while fruity flavors match nicely with a Moscato.
Dirty Dough Franklin also caters events, builds custom gift boxes, and hosts cookie-making classes. The classes, Cotter said, are perfect for team-building, girls’ nights, or family fun. It’s all part of the shop’s effort to bring people together, one cookie at a time.
“People are looking for something different, something memorable,” Cotter said. “Dirty Dough delivers that by creating cookies that look amazing, taste even better, and feel indulgent without being pretentious.”
For Cotter and his partners, Dirty Dough is about more than dessert. It’s about connection. Each cookie, with its unexpected layers and surprises, mirrors the values the team hopes to share with Franklin. As Cotter put it: “What’s on the inside is what really counts.”
DirtyDoughCookies.com