The very best cookies in the U.S. to satisfy all cravings

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A post shared by B. Patisserie (@bpatisserie)

What is it? A celebrated French bakery in San Francisco's Lower Pacific Heights, co-owned by pastry chef Belinda Leong and French baker Michel Suas. Since opening in 2013, it has become a city staple, winning a James Beard Award and drawing lines out the door for its meticulously crafted pastries. With chic marble counters, an open pastry kitchen and a steady hum of regulars, it feels like an authentic Parisian patisserie in the heart of San Francisco. 

Why we love it: The Kouign-amann may be the bakery's claim to fame, but the cookies hold their own. The classic chocolate chip cookie is chewy, balanced, and deeply satisfying, while the cherry oatmeal toffee cookie offers a slightly tart surprise that keeps you coming back for more. Each is crafted with the same finesse as the croissants, ensuring every bite feels special. The macarons here are also exceptional: delicate, jewel-toned shells filled with seasonal creams and ganaches that showcase the team's artistry. Whether you're indulging in a tartine for lunch or finishing with something sweet, B. Patisserie nails the details.

Time Out tip: Weekend exclusives, like chocolate chip banana bread, macarons and French tart flan, sell quickly, so be sure to arrive early.

Address: 2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat, Sun 8am–5pm

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What is it? A whimsical Midtown bakery from pastry chef Rebecca Masson, affectionately known around Houston as the city's "Sugar Fairy." Fluff Bake Bar is Masson's ode to nostalgia, reimagining childhood favorites as playful, over-the-top desserts—complete with a slightly elevated twist. It’s no wonder that she’s among the most beloved bakers in the South.

Why we love it: For a delicious dose of nostalgia, dig into the signature Fluffernutter cookie, an ooey-gooey, oh-so-decadent concoction that sandwiches marshmallow and peanut butter cream between two rich oatmeal–peanut butter cookies.. But the fun case doesn't stop there: The Couch Potato cookie folds potato chips, pretzels and chocolate into a salty-sweet masterpiece, while the Unicorn Bait cookies—bright, rainbow-sprinkled delights—are as fun to look at as they are to eat. There's also the aptly named Ginger Molasses cookie, which combines—you guessed it—molasses and ginger in a soft, spiced bite rolled in turbinado sugar for a crackly finish. Each treat feels indulgent yet playful, reminding you that desserts are supposed to spark joy.

Time Out tip: Fluff Bake Bar offers local delivery via its website—perfect for when the craving hits and you don't feel like schlepping into the bakery. 

Address: 1701 West 15th St, Houston, TX 77008

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun noon–6pm

What is it? Born on Manhattan's Upper West Side in 1995, Levain Bakery has grown from a neighborhood gem into a national phenomenon. Best known for its massive six-ounce cookies with gooey centers and crisp edges, Levain now operates multiple shops across New York City and has even expanded to Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. 

Why we love it: The chocolate chip walnut cookie remains the crown jewel: thick, melty and impossibly indulgent. But Levain's lineup proves it's no one-hit wonder—dark chocolate peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and double chocolate chip varieties are equally decadent, each balancing richness with the bakery's signature soft center. Whether you snag one warm from the oven in NYC or at one of the newer outposts nationwide, Levain delivers pure cookie bliss every time, hence their slogan, "New York City's Most Famous Cookie!"

Time Out tip: Can't make it to a bakery? Levain ships nationwide, so you can stock your freezer with bake-at-home versions of their famous cookies.

Address: Multiple locations incl: Upper West Side (NYC), Boston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia  

Opening hours: Varies by location

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What is it? A cult-favorite Orlando bakery with locations in East End Market and Disney Springs, where half-pound cookies draw lines that can stretch for hours. Owner Steve Lewis has turned his imaginative recipes into a phenomenon, with flavors as bold as the shop's gothic, storybook aesthetic.

Why we love it: Each cookie takes over 24 hours to prep—and it's easy to see why. These half-pound behemoths are coated edge-to-edge in chocolate chips, candied nuts and other toppings that form a crunchy shell around a gooey, decadent center. Signature flavors like Pistachio Toffee Chocolate, Banana Bread Chocolate Chip, and the cult-favorite Candied Walnut Chocolate Chip (a Wednesday-only exclusive at the East End Market location) are worth the wait. Rotating monthly specials—treated almost like collectibles by fans—add even more excitement, ensuring no two visits are quite the same. With demand so high, purchases are capped at seven cookies per person, though given their size, that's still more than enough to share (or not). Meanwhile, the setting is just as memorable: dark wood, flickering chandeliers and books that make the bakery feel like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook. 

Time Out tip: The Candied Walnut Chocolate Chip is available only on "Walnut Wednesdays" at the East End Market location—plan your visit accordingly.

Address: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803; 1600 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? Momofuku Milk Bar has become a household name. Founded by pastry chef Christina Tosi, the bakery has grown from a quirky offshoot of the Momofuku restaurant group into a full-blown dessert empire. At the Upper West Side outpost—the largest Milk Bar yet—you'll find all the cult classics, but it's the cookies that keep fans coming back.

Why we love it: The now-famous Compost Cookie is the ultimate sweet-and-salty mashup, packed with chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, graham crumbs, butterscotch, oats and —get this—coffee. While the ingredient list might sound chaotic, the result is perfectly balanced and completely addictive. There's also the Cornflake-Chocolate Chip-Marshmallow Cookie, which takes the humble chocolate chip to new heights with gooey marshmallow and a nostalgic cereal crunch. And if you prefer to keep it simple, Milk Bar's chewy, buttery classic chocolate chip cookie is just as delightful as its more extravagant counterparts. 

Time Out tip: Skip the line by ordering a dozen cookies ahead online, or grab a Cereal Milk Shake to sip while you stroll through the neighborhood.

Address: Multiple locations incl: East Village, West Village and Soho

Opening hours: Varies by locations

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What is it? Hello Robin has been serving inventive cookies since its founding in 2013. Founded by Robin Wehl Martin—with a nudge from the team behind local favorite Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream—the bakery has become a go-to for fun, flavor-packed treats that highlight both creativity and comfort. Today, it has three locations across the state (two in Seattle, one in Bellevue). 

Why we love it: The standout is the S'more cookie, a gooey tribute to campfire nights loaded with graham crackers, marshmallows and a chunk of locally made chocolate. Feeling fancy? Try the Whole Wheat Fancy Chocolate with Sea Salt for an elevated take on the classic. For spice lovers, the Orange Habanero Chocolate Chip strikes a balance between sweet citrus and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Other favorites include the Totes Oats (packed with wheat germ, oat bran and mini chocolate chips), the Brown Butter Snickerdoodle and the Birthday Cake cookie, complete with vibrant sprinkles. For the ultimate indulgence, pair a warm cookie with Molly Moon's ice cream—available in-store only—for one of Seattle's most beloved cookie sandwiches.

Time Out tip: Come summer, don't skip the custom ice cream sandwiches. They're only available in-store during warmer months and have earned cult status among locals.

Address: Multiple locations incl: Capitol Hill, U-Village and Bellevue

Opening hours: Varies by location

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What is it? The aptly named Famous 4th Street Cookie Company has been a fixture in Philadelphia's cookie scene for over 40 years, with its flagship stall inside the bustling Reading Terminal Market. (There's also an additional location on ​​Ridge Avenue.) The bakery is celebrated for its classic, oversized cookies that are chewy in texture and delicious in taste. 

Why we love it: With 20 varieties ranging from the classic chocolate chip to ruby chocolate cherry and lemon coconut, this bakery isn't afraid of bold flavors. The signature chocolate chip delivers everything you'd want—big, thick and studded with chips—while the creative lineup keeps customers coming back. White chocolate macadamia is buttery and rich, oatmeal raisin delivers on nostalgia and the blueberry muffin cookie, with its fruity bursts, offers something unique. Seasonal specials keep the selection fresh, while cookie cakes and chocolate-dipped cookies add extra indulgence. Whether you stick with a tried-and-true favorite or branch out, consistency and quality are what keep locals and tourists coming back decade after decade.

Time Out tip: The Reading Terminal Market location gets busy, especially on weekends. Order ahead or take advantage of their nationwide shipping to enjoy these Philly favorites at home.

Addresses: Multiple locations, incl: Reading Terminal Market

Opening hours: Vary by location

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What is it? At T-Rex Cookie, "supersized" is an understatement. Founded by baker Tina Rexing (hence the name, T-Rex), this Minnesota-based shop—which has two locations, a main storefront in Eagan and another in Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport—has garnered praise for its colossal half-pound cookies, each measuring an impressive eight inches across. The dough rests overnight in the freezer before being baked in a convection oven, a technique that ensures the ideal texture: crispy edges, chewy centers and a rich flavor.

Why we love it: Here, the cookies taste as good as they look. The signature chocolate chip is the standout. But the rotating flavors, ranging from classics to inventive seasonal specials, make each visit feel fresh. Among our favorites is the Monster, featuring oats, M&Ms, chocolate chips and peanut butter). Holding one of these plate-sized creations is an experience in itself, and biting into it proves it's more than just a gimmick.

Time Out tip: Plan on sharing with a group? Snag one of the outrageous 5lb cookies instead—it's a party centerpiece that doubles as dessert. 

Address: 525 Diffley Rd, Suite 2080, Eagan, MN 55123

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–6pm; Sun 11am–4pm

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What is it? Anthony's Cookies has been quietly perfecting the art of the cookie in San Francisco's Mission District for years. This small neighborhood mainstay turns out fresh batches daily, with a menu that balances tried-and-true classics like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, cookies and cream and more. The vibe is unfussy, yet the flavors are anything but. 

Why we love it: Anthony's Cookies has managed to do something rare: make cookies feel elevated without losing their comforting, homemade soul. Each is baked to golden-brown perfection—crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside. The peanut butter and chocolate peanut butter varieties feature housemade peanut butter to ensure optimal taste. Don't miss the chocolate-covered shortbread, either: The buttery, crumbly base and smooth, velvety chocolate make for the perfect combo, and it's available in a gluten-free version as well. Other favorites like whole wheat oatmeal raisin and toffee chip keep the lineup interesting without straying too far from tradition. All in all, Anthony's Cookies is the kind of place you'll return to again and again, knowing the cookie in your hand will consistently deliver.

Time Out tip: Take your treat to the next level with ice cream. Straus Family Creamery ice cream, sold in-store, can be sandwiched between any cookie for the ultimate indulgence.

Address: 1417 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8pm; Fri, Sat 11am–9pm; Sun noon–8pm

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What is it? Located in the heart of Georgetown, Baked & Wired has been a neighborhood staple since 2001, serving up small-batch baked goods and carefully sourced coffee from roasters across the country. While the lineup spans brownies, cakes and even savory bites, the cookies are a central draw—classic yet indulgent and baked fresh daily.

 Why we love it: Choosing just one treat here feels almost impossible, but the cookies alone are worth the trip. With chewy centers and crispy edges, they strike the right balance of comforting and decadent. Options abound, from chocolate chip and snickerdoodle to oatmeal raisin, flourless peanut butter, ginger molasses and gluten-free double chocolate espresso. Up the ante and order up the Lil Birtha sammie (the bakery's take on a Little Debbie; oatmeal cookies filled with cream cheese frosting) or the ginger lemon cookie sammie (ginger molasses cookies sandwiched with lemon frosting). Pair it with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee and you'll understand why locals and visitors alike keep coming back.

Time Out tip: Save room for other desserts: Baked & Wired is equally beloved for its cupcakes, which have their own cult following. If you can, grab both and make a proper Georgetown afternoon of it.

Address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–4pm; Fri, Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 8am–4pm