Be prepared to wait in line for cookies at Gideon's Bakehouse, where the hype is very real. With locations at East End Market and Disney Springs, this Orlando original has become a destination for its massive half-pound cookies (which take over 24 hours to prepare!) and theatrical-like atmosphere. What's more, owner Steve Lewis has crafted a bakery that feels as much like an immersive experience as a place to buy dessert, drawing sweet-tooths of all ages.
Inside, the aesthetic is as distinct as the desserts: Dark wood, flickering chandeliers, walls lined with antique books and hand-drawn portraits of eccentric, almost storybook characters. This makes standing in line feel like you're waiting to enter a theme park attraction, rather than a standard bakery. The mood fits perfectly with the cookies themselves, which are oversized, dramatic and a little decadent.
Each cookie is coated edge-to-edge in toppings, creating a crunchy shell around a gooey, brownie-like center. Popular flavors include Pistachio Toffee Chocolate and Banana Bread Chocolate Chip, alongside other equally over-the-top picks and rotating monthly specials that have become collector's items for regulars. With demand so high, purchases are limited to seven cookies per person, but considering each one weighs half a pound, it's still plenty to share—or not.
The vibe: A gothic fantasy meets old-world curiosity shop: dim lighting, shelves of oddities, and whimsical portraits that make the bakery feel like it belongs in a dark fairytale.
The food: Half-pound cookies with maximalist toppings in signature flavors like Pistachio Toffee Chocolate and Banana Bread Chocolate Chip, plus limited-edition monthly releases.
The drink: Specialty cold brews in creative flavors (peanut butter, cookies & cream) designed to complement the richness of the cookies.
Time Out tip: A true labor of love, the Candied Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie is only available on Wednesdays—and only at the East End Market location. Plan your visit accordingly if you want to try this exclusive flavor.