If I’m being brutally honest, I am not a HUGE dessert person since I typically prefer salty snacks to sweet snacks. However, the exception to that rule is a classic chocolate chip cookie.
I just love when I can eat one right out of the oven. You know, when it is soft, warm, moist, and the chocolate is still gooey.
The cookie will also get brownie points from me if it has nuts, too. I just adore the combination of sweet chocolate with slightly salty nuts. #sorrynotsorry
Sadly, though the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC can be HARD to find, especially if you’re new to the city and have no idea where to start.
After all, there are a lot of bakeries in NYC. But, many of them serve mediocre, at best cookies that are just sad and that definitely don’t tingle your tastebuds.
Well, thankfully I’m here to do all this hard-hitting cookie research for you.
See, I have lived in NYC for 30+ years and have made it my mission to find all of the very best chocolate chip cookies in New York City.
So, use this handy local guide to enjoy a bit of dessert heaven as you plan the perfect NYC itinerary.
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Table of Contents
1. Levain Bakery
If you only have time to sample ONE chocolate chip cookie in New York City let the one from Levain Bakery be it.
Real talk? We stop by all time and always order the Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie since it is the GOAT of cookies.
It comes out warm and gooey and delicious and i find it impossible not to inhale the whole thing.
Right now expect to spend around $5.50 per cookie. I know that sounds steep but these cookies are AMAZING. Plus, they are BIG. So, you could deffo split one with someone else.
However, if nuts aren’t really your thing then you can try other varieties like:
- Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip
- Oatmeal Raisin
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip
- Two Chip Chocolate Chip,
- Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut
- Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip
- Fall Chocolate Chunk
And while they started out on the Upper West Side, Levain now has locations all across the city. So, you should easily be able to find an outpost near you.
FYI, the chocolate chip banana bread is ALSO really good. However, they give you a GIANT slice that feels like an entire cake. So, be prepared to share or save some for later.
2. Janie’s
I first stopped by Janie’s when we were living around Harlem. It was a bit of a schlep to East Harlem (they also have spots on the Upper West Side and in the West Village), but I heard these cookies were worth it.
So, I put on my coat and made the trek to this charming little bakery that serves crazy awesome, pie crust cookies.
Real Talk? These cookies are unlike anything I have ever tasted. Each bite of her amazing cookies includes caramelized streusel, a layer of filling, and a piece of flakey crust.
It’s a delectable cookie that is my fave combo of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It also comes in pecan, chocolate, triple berry, and apple flavors.
That being said, the one to get if you want a tradtional chocolate chip cookie is the half-baked chocolate chip.
It costs just $4.00 and is really yummy. Other flavors of cookies to try include the Coffee Toffee Butter Crunch, Apple Cobbler, Smores, PB & J, and Brown Butter Toffee Chip.
3. Maman
Maman is one of the best cafes in NYC that also serves up some killer chocolate chip cookies.
Basically, this place BLEW up back in the day when Oprah proclaimed that their chocolate chip cookie was one of her favorite things.
Fast forward a decade or so and Maman now has locations all across the city.
Overall, the decor is lovely, and they serve some awesome chocolate chip cookies made with macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds, and dark chocolate wafers.
Yeah, these cookies are an excellent combo of salty/sweet and are perfectly paired with one of their many lattes.
Just do yourself a favor and do NOT stop by on the weekend. This place is PACKED and you will have to wait in a really long line since they serve brunch in NYC too.
Local Tip: I ordered an everything croissant here and it was just okay. I would stick with the chocolate chip cookies instead.
4. Jean’s
auJean’s is a pretentious, two-floor restaurant in Noho that is fileld with people who really want to be famous.
In spite of this, they serve up delectable, super-refined chocolate chip cookies that are basically the size of a plate. It’s also served with sea salt on top and a side of bourbon vanilla milk.
So, you can cut up this giant cookie with your fork/knife and then dip the cookie into the ruch milk for a supremely nostalgic experience.
I also liked that the cookie had crispy edges but was super gooey on the inside. It also wasn’t too sweet and basically had everything I look for in a cookie.
However, if you want to try something else then go for the espresso creme brulle or the apple pie. All the desserts here are super delicious and not over-the-top expensive.
Local Tip: I haven’t been to Jean’s in a while and I know that they change the menu seasonally. So, if you are visiting purely for the chocolate chip cookie then make sure that it is still on the menu.
5. Chip City
TBH, we randomly stopped by Chip City on the Upper West Side on a cold and rainy night in January in NYC.
I didn’t have high hopes since it looked like a generic AF cookie spot that would leave me semi-disappointed.
But, I was craving a cookie and didn’t want to walk all over the city in the rain. Well, thank GOD we stopped by and ordered the cookies and cream cookie.
It was super well-baked and came out of the oven warm and gooey since it was this epic sugar cookie mixed with white chocolate and chocolate sandwich cookies.
Honestly, I have since come back many times for their chocolate chip cookies. They cost $4.50 and are made of this unique brown sugar cookie that is beautifully interwoven with dark chocolate chips.
But, other awesome varieties to choose from include:
- Blueberry cheesecake
- The Brookie
- Chocolate Chip
- Confetti
- Cookie Butter with Biscoff
- Nutella sea salt
- Milk Chocolate Chip
- Oatmeal Apple Pie
- Smores
- Red Velvet
- PB & J
- Triple Chocolate
- White Chocolate Macadamia
- Teddi-fetti Teddy Grahams Cookie
Overall, this is a great place to go since they specialize in cookies and change their menu frequently. So, if you’re an NYC local you will never get bored of this dessert place in NYC.
6. Seven Grams Caffe
With locations in Flatiron, Soho, and Chelsea, it has never been easier to get your fave chocolate chip cookie.
Personally, I love these epic chocolate chip cookies since the have a bit of crunch on the outside.
However, once you get inside they are dripping with beautiful dark chocolate that you just can’t get enough of.
They are also baked to order and this cafe is VERY generous with their portions. Yeah, you will have a hard time finishing this cookie on your own.
But, don’t take my word for it. After all, this cookie is SOO good that it has been featured in the New York Times, Grubstreet, Thrillst, Food52, Forbes, etc.
So, yeah, cleary the baking genius’ at Seven Grams Caffe are doing something right.
Overall, expect to spend around $6.00 on a cookie. You can also get other flavors like:
- Tahini Olive Oild Dark Chocolate Chip (Vegan)
- Dark Chocolate Chip (Vegan and GF)
- Holiday Funfetti (Limited Edition)
- Holiday Ginger Cookie (Limited Edition)
- Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookie (Limited Edition)
So, stop by today and enjoy a little bit of cookie nirvana while in NYC.
7. Dominique Ansel Bakery
If you’ve ever been to Dominique Ansel Bakery then you know that they are famous for their Cronuts, aka croissant/donut-inspired pastries.
Well, the very first time I stopped by I felt rather “MEH” about the cronut and absolutely loved the chocolate chip cookie shots.
They are easily one of the most unique chocolate chip cookies in the city since the cookie is shaped like a shot glass, coated in chocolate, and then filled with vanilla-infused milk.
It’s crazy delicious and I recommend getting one while you’re here. FYI, we also recently had the new Cronut and that was also quite good.
Additionally, they also have a semi-new outpost called the Dominique Ansel Workshop.
Just know that this branch has a different menu and doesn’t serve Cronuts. But, we did love the croissants and have returned many times for more.
8. La Mercerie
This viral cookie is a must-try. It’s received glowing reviews and is crafted with passion/precision by talented chef Marie-Aude Rose.
What sets this cookie apart is that it is super thick and will melt in your mouth after every bite you take.
But, the best part? There is a delicate sprinkle of sea salt on top that elevates the beautiful flavors of this cookie to the next level.
If you want, you can also dig into an amazing meal filled with French cuisine since this shop/eatery with sage green tiles and lush greenery serves food all day.
It’s an excellent place to relax as you enjoy this delicious, homemade cookie in style.
The downside? They only make like 20 a day and cookies cost around $7.60. So, you have to get here MAD early if you want to try one for yourself. Yeah, they are really hard to come by.
9. Funny Face Bakery
As the name suggests, Funny Face Bakery rose to fame because they started making these ultra-fun, super whimsical cookies that resembled the faces of everyone’s favorite celebrities.
So, if you’re imagining a sugar cookie with frosting that is designed to look like Drake’s face, then you understand exactly why this place is popular.
While these decorated cookies look good, they taste terrible. I bit into my unicorn cookie (which cost like $10.00+), and couldn’t finish it because it tasted like cardboard.
Thankfully, though, we got a deluxe chocolate chocolate chip cookie too. It only cost $6.00 and tasted WAY better than the decorated cookies.
Therefore, I 100% recommend stopping by for these delightful chocolate chip cookies as well as the oatmeal raisin, Crumbfetti, S’mores, and Crispy-Mallow Crunch varieties.
There’s also no place to sit here so deffo grab your cookies to go.
10. Gooey on the Inside
Located on the Lower East Side, Gooey on the Inside sells a wide variety of cookies that are, you guessed it, gooey on the inside.
Flavors include banana cream pies, smores, apple pie, Biscoff cream, red velvet, birthday cake, Bueno Bueno (hazelnut chocolate chip), and birthday cake.
However, whenever I stop I get the Chocolate Chip Chunk Cookie.
This perfectly baked, golden brown cookie is made with an awesome blend of dark and milk chocolate chips that are combined with dark chocolate chunks.
The result is a well-baked cookie that is ooey gooey on the inside but crispy on the outside.
If you can, stop by between 4:00 pm and ^;00 pm Tuesday through Friday since cookies are only $4.00 instead of $7.00!
11. Culture Espresso
I have a bunch of friends who LOVE these cookies and swear by them since they are well-priced ($5.25 each) and are possibly the best cookies in NYC.
Plus, this cool coffee shop is totally independent and has three locations, two on West 38th and one on West 36th.
However, I first learned about them from a TikTok video and made sure I stopped by to see what all the fuss was about.
The verdict? These cookies are basically heaven in my mouth and leave me always wanting more.
I also like that they are a reasonable size and that I don’t feel super bloated after I eat them.
So, definitely check this place out if you are looking for fresh, baked, heavenly-tasting chocolate chip cookies that combine ample chocolate chunks with a wonderful, chewy texture.
12. Jacques Torres
It’s no surprise that iconic French Chef Jacques Torres bakes some of the best chocolate chip cookies in New York City.
After all, his nickname is “Mr. Chocolate” and he has spent years perfecting his baking skills at some of the best hotels in the world.
And while Jacques makes A LOT of amazing cookies, his chocolate chip cookies are extra special. Not only are they HUGE, but they are rich, creamy, and totally delicious.
However, they are VERY chocolatey. So, only get them if you love a lot of chocolate and a little bit of cookies.
So, stop by one of his stores in DUMBO or Grand Central and pick up his famous chocolate chip cookies today.
13. Breads Bakery
Breads Bakery is an iconic NYC bakery that now has locations scattered all across the city.
The reason this place is so popular is simple – everything is good from the bread to the desserts to the sandwiches.
Typically, I come here for the chocolate babka (sweet braided bread) since it is hands down one of my fave desserts ever.
I get a slice from the kiosk in Bryant Park and my boyfriend basically has to beg me to give him a bite.
However, I recently found out that they sell chocolate chip cookies too. So, I decided to try one. And, as usual, they were excellent.
Part chewy and part crispy, these rather plain, flat-looking cookies are baked with equal parts milk, white, and dark chocolate. They are utter perfection if you are a chocoholic at heart.
Local Tip: They also serve an amazing black and white cookie made with croissant dough on the Upper East Side. It’s only found at that location and is SO good.
14. Ceremonia Bakeshop
Ceremonia Bakeshop is a wonderful artisanal bakery in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) that uses nothing but the highest-quality ingredients to whip up one of the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC.
With a delightful sprinkling of sea salt on top, these cookies are a perfect combination of expertly baked dough that is paired with the right amount of chocolate.
I also love that these cookies cost just $4.00 and that delicious Ceremonia cookies and lavender/earl gray cookies are available too.
Additionally, the staff are awesome and always go out of their way to make you feel warm and welcome. They also like to serve baked goods fresh from the oven so that they taste extra awesome.
15. From Lucie
From Lucie is an East Village cake shop that was made famous by the beautiful cakes that they showcased all over social media.
But, when I stop by I grab a seat at the counter and indulge in a chocolate chip cookie.
They are pretty huge (bigger than my hand), flat cookies that are made with a unique recipe that elevates the flavors of the four different types of chocolate inside.
So, expect to taste a beautiful mixture of three different dark chocolates as well as 35% milk chocolate.
Add a sprinkling of sea salt onto a cookie that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and you have one hell of an awesome cookie.
16. Gramercy Tavern
Real talk? I am not usually into fancy restaurants. I just don’t have the budget for it and generally find the food to be average, expensive, and small in terms of portions.
So, when one of my foodie friends told me to RUN to the Gramercy Tavern for one of the best cookies in the city, I was a bit skeptical.
Plus, no matter how good a cookie is, I have a hard time paying a small fortune for one. I mean, it’s a cookie, not a French pastry.
But, I know my friend well and decided to trust her judgment. Well, as you probably already guessed, Gramercy Tavern did NOT disappoint.
First of all, my cookie cost just $9.00. I thought that was very reasonable considering that this is definitely a nice restaurant.
I also loved that the cookie was served with some malted chocolate milk on the side. It complimented the cookie perfectly and made me feel like a kid again since the milk reminded me of Whoopers.
All in all, I recommend grabbing a table since this cookie is the perfect balance of a chewy interior with a crispy exterior.
It even comes with a generous amount of rich chocolate sauce on top that, thankfully, doesn’t make the cookie overwhelmingly sweet.
Map of the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in NYC
Conclusion
That wraps up this guide to the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC. I hope you found this guide useful and now know where to go for some of the best cookies in the city.
If I could only visit ONE of these popular hot spots, it would be Levain Bakery. There are tons of locations, the staff is super nice, the cookies are decently priced, and, most importantly the cookies taste amazing.
Literally, once I bite into a Levain Bakery cookie, I cannot stop eating it, even if I am super full. So, do yourself a solid and visit this bakery ASAP.
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