Your ultimate guide to the USA

They may not be the fanciest of sweets, but a good cookie can easily outshine the mash-up dessert du jour. Like other all-American favorites (see: America’s best donuts and best pies), the humble cookie has the power to both comfort and delight. Luckily for sweet tooths in search of the country’s best cookie, bakeries and coffee shops from coast to coast are answering our sugar-fueled requests for high-quality rounds by elevating the childhood favorite. Grab a big glass of milk—you’re going to need it to wash down the best cookies in America.

Want to stuff your shelves with the most essential cocktail books around? To master the classics, here’s where to start.