What if you forget something?
What if nobody shows up?
What if you say the wrong thing?
If that sounds like your inner monologue the night before a cookie class, hi friend—you are so not alone. I’ve had all of those thoughts (more than once). The jitters are real, even for people who’ve been teaching for years.
I still remember my very first class. I’d triple-checked the supply bins, set up every workstation just so, and then… didn’t sleep. My brain ran laps: What if I forget the scribes? What if I mix up my words? What if literally no one comes? I could picture the worst-case scenario so vividly. And then the next day happened—and none of those fears came true. People showed up. I stumbled over a couple of words (I once said “honey” instead of my trusty “maple syrup” to describe flood icing), but nobody flinched. They laughed, decorated, and had a great time. That’s when it clicked: students aren’t there for perfection; they’re there for the experience.
Today, I want to talk you through the three “what ifs” that love to spiral and how to walk right past them with your head high.
“What if I forget something?”
You will—eventually. Even pros forget a thing or two. The fix isn’t superhuman memory; it’s a simple system.
I teach with a checklist every single time. It keeps me from spiraling and keeps the setup calm. I also pack a tiny safety net: an extra scribe or two, spare cookies, a little extra icing, and a couple of extra bags. If a piping bag pops or a cookie breaks, you’re covered. And honestly? Students notice way less than we think. No scribe? A toothpick works. One bag short? Two people can share for a round. The goal isn’t a flawless performance—it’s a warm, welcoming experience.
“What if nobody shows up?”
This one feels personal, I know. I once ran a class with two people. I didn’t cancel. We had the best time—almost like a private session. Those two came back… and then brought friends… and then told coworkers. Momentum is built one class at a time. Instead of staring at empty chairs, pour into the people who did show up. Serve them so well they can’t wait to return.
“What if I say the wrong thing?”
You will—because you’re human. And that’s a good thing. When students see you smudge a cookie or restart a line, they exhale. It gives them permission to learn without pressure. One of my favorite moments in class is the do-over: we scrape, smooth, and try again. It’s not a failure; it’s the lesson. Your students didn’t sign up for a robot—they came for a real person who can guide them with kindness and humor.
Here’s the truth: mistakes don’t ruin a cookie class. They make it memorable. What makes the difference is showing up with a calm setup, a simple plan, and the willingness to laugh, reset, and keep going. The more you teach, the more it snowballs. Your confidence grows, your flow gets smoother, and those seats start filling up.
Still waiting for everything to be “perfect” before you teach your first class?
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