All about the scone: Coffee shop’s pastries attract a following

Though it is called Jupiter Coffee, the Freeland java shop is becoming more known for its scones.

Though it may be called Jupiter Coffee, the Freeland java shop is becoming more and more known for its scones.

A little over a year ago, owner Laura Wills moved into the former Mutiny Bay Distillery building on Cameron Road to expand her scone-making operation.

Early on, she discovered there was something special about the triangular baked pastry that had people turning out in droves on a daily basis.

“I never set out to do just scones,” Wills said. “But I think that there’s something nice about having that identity.”

Marionberry, s’more, Nutella raspberry swirl, blueberry lemon and Oreo are just a sampling of the stunning range of flavors that Wills bakes; she even attempted a rainbow scone a couple of weeks ago for Pride Month.

Other unconventional flavors cater to the “inner child,” such as Heath bar, birthday cake and Biscoff cookie. One variety is gluten-free.

“I would have 100 (flavors) if I could, but 20 or 30 is containing it for me,” Wills said.

Get them fresh from the case or buy a bag to take home and bake. Either way, Wills encourages showing up in the morning to have your pick before they run out.

As early as 4:30 a.m., Wills is putting scones into the oven, baking throughout the day. She preps the dough on Sundays and Mondays, the two days of the week Jupiter Coffee is closed.

“I’m very committed to the scone,” she said. “I’m so committed that I’m not doing anything else. For the last couple years, I barely let myself make cookies.”

Wills grew up on South Whidbey and moved back to the island a few years ago. She started Jupiter Coffee in 2020, a handful of weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses.

She drew on experience from her work in a past bakery to start her first in Freeland.

“I didn’t realize what a passion I had for it until I got into it,” she said. “And plus doing it during the pandemic, it was just a really therapeutic thing to do.”

Experimenting with concoctions provides a creative outlet for Wills.

“If I can own a Froot Loop scone, I can do anything,” she said with a laugh.

Her scones have grown so popular that a Seattle restaurant is considering selling them.

Wills is currently searching for one or two bakers to join her scone team as operations ramp up. She plans to hire candidates by the end of this month. For more information, email jupitercoffeebean@gmail.com.

Jupiter Coffee is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit jupitercoffee.square.site or the Jupiter Coffee Facebook page.

Photo by David Welton
Laura Wills stands outside of Jupiter Coffee, her java shop and bakery in Freeland.

Photo by David Welton Laura Wills stands outside of Jupiter Coffee, her java shop and bakery in Freeland.

Photo by David Welton
Laura Wills holds a tray of marionberry scones in Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by David Welton Laura Wills holds a tray of marionberry scones in Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by David Welton
Customers can find a variety of take and bake scones in Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by David Welton Customers can find a variety of take and bake scones in Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by David Welton
Laura Wills grabs a scone from the case.

Photo by David Welton Laura Wills grabs a scone from the case.

Photo by Caitlyn Anderson
Payton, left, and Stephanie Osborne pose for a picture with their recently purchased scones at Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by Caitlyn Anderson Payton, left, and Stephanie Osborne pose for a picture with their recently purchased scones at Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by Caitlyn Anderson
Karyna Hezel serves a customer a fresh scone at Jupiter Coffee.

Photo by Caitlyn Anderson Karyna Hezel serves a customer a fresh scone at Jupiter Coffee.