I love cookies. They are one of my favorite desserts. I married into a pie family, but I was born into a cookie one. I grew up celebrating both big and small milestones with cookies. And now I’m passing on my cookie-loving gene to my children. NYC is one of the best places for cookie lovers, here are some of my top 5 picks and where to find them in Manhattan.
1. Longest line in my neighborhood – The winner of this category goes to Lauduree (864 Madison Ave between 72 and 71 Sts) This Parisian-based shop recently opened a NY outpost and serve Macarons in 15 flavors, including tasty offerings like caramel, coffee, rose petal, strawberry, and vanilla, at $2.70 per cookie.
2. Biggest cookie – Hmmm, I get a sugar rush just thinking about them. Levain Bakery (167 West 76 St) makes four of my favorite cookies – chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, dark chocolate chocolate chip and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. These are huge (I’ve read reports of 6 ounces) and are meant to be shared. Four of these cookies have satisfied four adults and three children in our case. They are this incredible mix of crunchy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.
3. Most addictive chocolate chip cookies – City Bakery (3 West 18 St) makes the most delicious crispy chocolate chip cookies with the perfect amount of rich chocolate. Order in and pair them with an amazing mug of hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate and fresh, homemade marshmallows.
4. Adorable Cookies for Special Occasions – Eleni’s Cookies (Chelsea Market 75 Ninth Ave; 1266 Madison Ave or www.elenis.com) Eleni makes the most beautiful decorated, iced sugar cookies – all are mini masterpieces. When my best friend announced her engagement, I mailed her the wedding cookie gift box – 20 hand-iced sugar cookies including a bride, groom, mini tiered wedding cake, Tiffany gift boxes, champagne bottles, diamond rings and hearts. Looking for an original new baby present – look no further than the Noah’s Ark gift box – a parade of animal duos with amazing icing details. The prices are not cheap most starting around $70, but the quality of the artwork and cookie flavor is high.
5. Best Traditional Italian Cookies – You need to make the trip down to Little Italy – to my favorite bakery La Bella Ferrara (108 Mulberry Street) Just let the girls behind the counter put together a mix for you. Every cookie is a winner and super fresh. Almond flavors, chocolate filled, rainbow layered with marzipan, crumbly butter cookies with jam filling…the list just goes on and on. They also make amazing pastries and cannoli. Go on an empty stomach!
Happy cookie hunting! Bon appetit!
That’s IT Mommy, Jill
(Cookie photos courtesy of Levain Bakery)
