What you might not know about me is that I have a Saber-Toothed Tiger size sweet tooth. Therefore, I’m always wandering around my hometown of NYC, searching for the absolute best cookies in NYC.
After all, what’s not to love about the best cookies in New York? They’re sweet, they’re gooey, they’re warm, and they’re oh-so-delicious.
Plus, if you’re doing a self-guided food tour of the most famous cookies NYC has to offer then you’ll EASILY walk off all the calories you just inhaled from the most famous New York cookies EVER.
Yeah, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it as I low-key eat all the feels.
Anyway, with so many bakeries serving up top contenders for the best cookies in NYC, it can be hard to know which spots are awesome and which spots are overrated.
So, if you’re not 100% sure where to go to satisfy your craving for confectionary awesomeness then check out this guide to the best cookies in New York.
After all, I’ve lived here for over 30 years and know exactly which cookie spots are hot and which are absolutely not and a total waste of your time.
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Best Cookies in NYC – Manhattan
1. Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery has been famous for serving some of the best cookies in the USA since 1995.
After all, their original Upper West Side location is an iconic NYC bakery that still commands lines around the block.
And pretty much every New Yorker has tried the six-ounce Levain cookies at least once, and if they haven’t, well, they deffo should.
Because the name Levain is synonymous with high-quality, decadent cookies packed with flavor and well worth the wait.
And the Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie is their most famous offering, but the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookie is right up there with it as you look for the best cookies in NYC.
Local Tip: While there are multiple locations across the city, hit up the location on the Upper West Side since it has tons of charm and character.
Address: 1484 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 (although they have locations all across the city)
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: $4.00 per cookie (so worth it)
How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 to 86th Street station and walk to the bakery from there.
2. Best Damn Cookies
Best Damn Cookies was the brainchild of private chef Dave, who found himself out of a job during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Because baking was his solace during this dark time. However, when his friends tasted his chocolate chip cookies, they knew he had found something special and was serving up some of the best cookies in New York.
And Dave’s quest to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie means he only uses the highest quality fair trade and organic ingredients in his award-winning Lower East Side bakery.
So, all those months of trials and tribulations have helped to create some of the best cookies in New York City.
Therefore, must-try cookies here include the OG chocolate chip cookies that kickstarted Dave’s business, as well as the seasonal Best Damn Cookies treats.
Local Tip: This place is located right near the Tenement Museum so you could easily stop by either before or after enjoying some of the best cookies in NYC.
Address: 115 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Open Friday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: $5.00+ per cookie.
How to Get There: Take the J/Z to Bowery or the B/D to Grand Street and walk from there.
3. Gooey on the Inside Cookies
The perfect cookies should be crispy on the outside but soft and gooey inside – a challenging feat, that’s for sure but that is found amidst some of the best cookies in New York City.
Still, Gooey on the Inside owner Kafi has obviously found the secret because that’s precisely what her six-ounce cookies are all about.
So, in addition to being baked to perfection, Kafi’s cookies come in a range of inventive flavors, including Bueno Bueno (a Kinder Bueno-filled piece of heaven) or the sumptuous Dark Chocolate Caramel S’mores.
But, if you’re struggling to choose, you can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Chip Chunk. Could it be the best cookie in NYC? Possibly…
Local Tip: Visit the New Museum nearby and head to the roof for stellar views of the neighborhood.
Address: 163 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Price: $7.00 each (expensive but worth it)
How to Get There: Take the J/Z to Bowery or the B/D to Grand Street and walk from there.
4. Milk Bar
You might already know about Milk Bar because of their fantastic cakes. But, did you know they also create unique cookies in a range of fabulous flavors?
See, their pretty Confetti Cookies are full of rainbow sprinkles, with a taste that’s sure to remind you of your childhood birthday cake.
Alternatively, for a more grown-up treat, try the sweet and salty Compost Cookie, made from all sorts of good things like butterscotch and pretzels (so flippin’ good and my personal fave).
And while Milk Bar has locations all across New York City, for the best NYC cookie experience, head to the Milk Bar flagship store in NoMad.
There, you can “Build-A-Cookie” all of your own as you enjoy the best cookies in NYC.
Local Tip: Other delicious things to try at Milk Bar include the Crack Pie and the birthday cake truffles. A lot of people also swear by their cereal and milk soft serve but I wasn’t a fan.
Address: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 am and Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am.
Price: Cookies are $3.25 each.
How to Get There: Take the L train to 3rd Avenue and walk from there.
5. Maman
Maman is a must-visit New York cookie bakery with multiple locations all across New York City.
However, they only serve up three flavors of cookies: Oatmeal Vanilla Raisin, Nutty Chocolate Chip, and S’mores.
But, each one is sheer cookie perfection and a top contender for the best cookies in New York City.
Because each of their treats features the perfect mix of a crispy crunchy exterior with a soft, melty interior.
And with high-quality ingredients like sea salt, French chocolate, and crunchy nuts, it’s no wonder that Oprah named Maman’s cookies one of her favorite things.
However, which cookie to choose? Well, they’re all delicious, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Just don’t forget to grab a sumptuous hot chocolate to go with it while you visit one of the best cafes on the Upper East Side.
Address: 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Hours: Open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, except on weekends when they open at 8:00 am.
Price: Cookies are $3.75 each.
How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 train to 77th Street and walk from there.
6. Dominique Ansel Bakery
Cookies and milk are a classic, all-American pairing.
But, Dominique Ansel has put a new spin on this fan fave by pouring vanilla-infused milk into a shot glass-shaped cookie coated in chocolate.
Yup, this is a must-try treat for cookie-holics everywhere and for anyone looking for the best cookies in NYC.
See, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Shots have a chocolate layer on the inside, which stops them from breaking up as you drink your milk.
It’s an innovative idea from the New York bakery that also brought you the cronut, making it one of those places you must eat in NYC.
And yes, the lines to get into Dominique Ansel Bakery still go around the block. So, get here early. Like, right when they open early.
Local Tip: This is one of the best bakeries in NYC that is also famous for the Cronut, or croissant/donut. So, be sure to try one since they create a unique flavor every month that is never repeated.
Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Price: $5.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the A/C/E train to Spring Street and walk from there.
7. Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies started with a college dorm room craving for late-night cookies. But, it has quickly grown into one of the best cookie bakeries in New York City.
At first, you could only get hold of these heavenly treats from one of the company’s food trucks on the streets of NYC.
But, now, they have over 100 shops nationwide, including five different locations in NYC.
Plus, their range of cookies includes all sorts of deliciousness that you can buy in-store or order on their app for delivery up until 3 am.
However, be sure to try their Triple Chocolate Cream for a rich chocolate flavor, or sample their Red Velvet Cookies, which is also available as a vegan option too – making this one of the best vegan bakeries in NYC.
Address: 237 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Thursday/Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Price: About $1.60 per cookie.
How to Get There: Take the E/F/M train to 53rd/Lex and walk from there.
8. Culture Espresso
If you’re looking for the best chocolate chip cookies New York has to offer then you should pay a visit to one of Culture Espresso’s Midtown coffee shops.
After all, this is one of the best cafes in NYC that bakes batches of fresh cookies daily, with their Signature Chocolate Chip cookies being pure cookie perfection.
Yeah, they’re crisp on the outside, buttery/chewy on the inside, and have just the right amount of chocolate chips.
In fact, they’re so good Culture Espresso have even won awards for them.
Plus, these melt-in-the-mouth delicious chocolate chip cookies pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed Culture Espresso coffee.
Local Tip: These cookies have a weird dome shape but they’re hella good.
Address: 72 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Price: $3.50
How to Get There: Take the N/Q/R/W train to Times Square and walk from there.
9. Besfren NYC
Besfren is an innovative company founded in 2012. In fact, it’s inspired by the Korean folklore of the Moon Rabbits, who live on the moon and pound sweet rice to make the traditional chapssaltteok.
And at their 5th Avenue store, just a three-minute walk from the Empire State Building, you’ll find both a range of Korean Beauty products and a selection of hand-crafted treats.
After all, their menu includes a wide array of modern Korean pastries, French Canelé, Macarons, and delicious cookies.
However, don’t leave without sampling their soft Triple Chocolate Chip cookies. Just do yourself a favor and buy more than one since you’re sure to be left craving more!
Address: 315 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: Varies.
How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 to 33rd Street and walk from there.
10. CRUMBS Bake Shop
If you thought CRUMBS Bake Shop was gone forever when their iconic NYC bakery closed its doors a decade ago, think again!
Because they’re back on the national stage with classic cookies like Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin, as well as imaginative signature flavors like Cotton Candy and Sprinkle Sunday.
In fact, CRUMBS’ slogan is ‘Baked with Love’ and whether you’ve been a fan for years or just tried them for the first time, you’re sure to love every bite and consider them to have one of the best cookies in NYC.
Address: Varies since sold online and in supermarkets.
Hours: Varies since sold online and in supermarkets.
Price: About $9.00 per cookie.
How to Get There: Varies since sold online and in supermarkets.
11. Funny Face Bakery
When it comes to imaginative custom cookies, NYC locals know that Funny Face Bakery serves up some of the most fun pop-culture cookies in New York.
Of course, you’ll also find classic cookies at this quirky designer bakery, like their gooey Deluxe Chocolate Chip cookie.
But, the team at Funny Face Bakery is best known for their custom-designed pop-culture cookies.
So, whether you want to dig into your favorite emoji or a celebrity face in cookie form, there’s a massive variety of Insta-worthy designs to choose from.
These are some of the best cookies in NYC that are also ideal for birthday parties, wedding favors, or marking a special event.
Address: 6 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, except on Monday/Tuesday when they close at 5:00 pm.
Price: Cookies start at $5.50 each.
How to Get There: Take the 2/3 to Fulton Street and walk from there.
12. Crumbl
Crumbl Cookies are huge on TikTok. So, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen them there.
Or maybe you’ve already been to one of their 700+ locations nationwide to sample some of the best cookies in NYC.
However, if you haven’t tried them then you should definitely head to one of their New York bakeries to sample their massive range of over 200 varieties of cookies.
Don’t worry though because all those flavors aren’t available at once. So, you won’t have to think too hard when trying to decide which one of the best cookies in New York City to sample first.
Although, some of their most popular cookies are their Key Lime Pie, Caramel Popcorn, and S’mores.
But if you can pick only one, make it their award-winning Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie – you won’t regret it!
Address: 1195 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am.
Price: $4.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 68th Street and walk from there.
Best Cookies in NYC – Queens
13. Chip City
Chip City burst onto the New York cookie scene in 2017, and now this Queens bakery is turning out some of the best cookies NYC has to offer.
After all, confectionary titans here conjure up creative flavors and gooey textures that sell like hot cakes (or cookies) at various locations all across the country.
In fact, you can even get their cookie dough shipped to you. This way you can bake them at home and enjoy some of the best cookies in New York City warm and fresh out of the oven.
Now, Chip City’s core menu of favorite cookies is joined each week by a rotating selection of delicious varieties like salty-sweet PB&J with a grape jelly core, or Red Velvet with a hot chocolate interior.
They also do extra-indulgent specials for the holidays, so definitely pay Chip City a visit if you’re in New York for Christmas.
Address: 30-06 34th St, Queens, NY 11103, United States (flagship location)
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: $4.50 per cookie
How to Get There: Take the N/W train to 30th Avenue and walk from there.
Best Cookies in NYC – Brooklyn
14. Ovenly
Ovenly is one of the best vegan bakeries in New York City. So it’s no surprise that this award-winning Brooklyn-based bakery makes one of the best cookies in NYC, vegan or otherwise!
And their most famous variety is the Salted Peanut Butter cookie, which is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and totally delicious.
It also has a sumptuous creamy/cakey texture, a sweet and salty flavor, and just the right amount of toppings.
However, if that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, then their decadent Hot Chocolate Cookie will definitely hit the spot!
Address: 43 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: About $3.00 per cookie.
How to Get There: Take the L train to Bedford Avenue and walk from there.
15. Jacques Torres
French chef Jacques Torres, aka Mr. Chocolate, has spent years working as a pastry chef in high-end hotels.
He now uses all of that expertise (and overt culinary power) to create some of the best cookies in NYC and is renowned for his giant chocolate chip cookies.
Compared to the other cookies on this list, these giant cookies look drier and flatter on the outside.
However, inside, they are rich, chewy, and utterly delicious. As Jacque Torres himself explains, they’re basically “a lot of chocolate with a little cookie dough around it.”
And while there are other cookie flavors on offer, when you’re visiting the shop of a chocolate expert, you simply have to get Jacques’ Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies.
They’re definitely one of the best chocolate chip cookies in New York City.
Address: 66 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm with extended hours until 7:00 pm Saturday/Sunday.
Price: $4.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the F train to York Street and walk from there.
Map of the Best Cookies in NYC
Additional NYC Resources You’ll Love
There you have it! That wraps up this guide to the best cookies in NYC.
Tell me, did your picks for the best cookies in New York City make the list? If not then let me know now.
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