When you’re craving something sweet, a chocolate chip cookie will always hit the spot. New York City is packed with famous bakeries and cafes, and subsequently, it’s the place to find a scrumptious, chocolatey treat during any day of the year. While you could spend an entire week trying out the cookies of New York City, these seven spots are where you should start, because they truly are the best of the best.
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Birdbath (SoHo)
Birdbath gets its cookies from City Bakery (so you can also find them at the beloved Flatiron bakery), but this special shop specializes in the sweet stuff. The cookie texture here is on point, with a doughy middle and crispy edges — you won’t be able to have just one. Additional locations in Nolita, Tribeca, Midtown, and the Upper West Side. 160 Prince St., 646-556-7720, thecitybakery.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Insomnia Cookies (Greenwich Village)
When you want a warm cookie that will literally melt in your mouth, Insomnia Cookies should be your first stop. You’ll never get a cold cookie from these guys. They also use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips, so the chocolate-cookie ratio is just right. Additional locations in Financial District, Lower East Side, East Village, Midtown East, Chelsea, and Midtown East. 116 MacDougal St., 877-632-6654, insomniacookies.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Schmackary’s (Hell’s Kitchen)
Schmackary’s has over 65 cookie flavors (from Key Lime to Glazed Pistachio), so you can bet their Chocolate Chip cookies are absolute perfection. Schmackary’s cookies are flat in appearance and their flavors pack in the punch, making it a New York staple. Additional location in Brooklyn. 362 W. 45th St., 646-801-9866, schmackarys.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Jacques Torres Chocolate (South Village)
Jacque Torres might be known for their chocolate, but you can believe us when we say their cookies are just as good. Using their famous chocolate, their cookies are decadently rich and ginormous. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookie. Additional locations in NoHo, Midtown West, Upper East Side, Midtown East, and Brooklyn. 350 Hudson St., 212-414-2462, mrchocolate.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Maman (Little Italy)
Maman’s Chef Armand Arnal uses sea salt in his chocolate chip cookies, as well as macadamias and almonds for an additional crunch. They undercook the batter (purposely), and it makes for a soft, sweet cookie that is worth raving about. Additional location Tribeca and Brooklyn. 239 Centre St., 212-266-0700, mamannyc.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Levain Bakery (Upper West Side)
Big, chewy, and filled with that raw cookie dough effect no one can get enough of. Levain’s chocolate chip cookies are the stuff baking dreams are made of. They’re cake-like and gooey on the inside, and they’re the size of a giant fist. Get one, it will be the best $4 dollars you’ve ever spent. Additional location in Harlem. 167 W. 74th St., 212-874-6080, levainbakery.com
Best of NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies: Untitled at the Whitney (West Village)
Museum cafes aren’t normally topping the lists for best food and bakes, but Untitled at the Whitney is an exception. Their chocolate chip cookies are gluten-free, but that doesn’t stop them from being noteworthy. The key ingredient in these yummy treats? Clarified butter and Guittard milk, dark, and white chocolate. 99 Gansevoort St., 212-570-3670, untitledatthewhitney.com
