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Three star-shaped sugar cookies with sprinkles from sugargoat on a marble table, one partially eaten
Cookies make the best snacks.
Garrett Sweet

Where to Find Scrumptious Cookies in Chicago

Find all types of sugary snacks to satisfy cravings

by aimee.levitt and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new
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Cookies make the best snacks.
| Garrett Sweet
by aimee.levitt and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new

At bakeries, cakes and pies and pastries get all the glory, but sometimes it’s important to show some appreciation for the humble cookie, a treat that can be grabbed and enjoyed on the go, or an afternoon snack that won’t spoil dinner, even if it’s accompanied by a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Here’s some of the best cookies in the city, a list that includes kosher, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as Mexican, Chinese, and Italian varieties, because the best thing about cookies is that they’re for everybody.

As of August 20, the city has mandated that everyone wear facial coverings while indoors. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Twisted Cookie

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The bakers at Twisted Cookie have somehow figured out how to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures into one: the cookie pie. These have the flaky crust and filling everyone loves about pie, but they are cookie-sized. Twisted Cookie also has cookie cupcakes, cookie sandwiches filled and covered with a tall cap of frosting.

7401 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 689-8029
(708) 689-8029

Sugar Moon

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Customers line up early for a crack at baker Dina Cimarusti’s chocolate chip cookies, which have a savory edge thanks to tahini in the batter and a sprinkle of smoked salt on top. Sugar Moon’s offerings vary by the day, but the cookie is always on the menu.

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 945-6813
(312) 945-6813

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North Shore Kosher Bakery

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All the way up north in West Rogers Park, this bakery produces an assortment of kosher treats. Brighten up the day with fun cookies in the shape of flowers and smiley faces, or embrace duality with a black-and-white cookie.  

2919 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 262-0600
(773) 262-0600
Yelp

Also featured in:

You're a Cookie!

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Pastry chef Angela Diaz spent several years perfecting her gluten-free cookie recipe, which also has a vegan variation, and another preparing to open her Avondale storefront, where visitors can buy ready-made cookies and ice cream sandwiches or dough to bake at home.

3053 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 961-7091
(773) 961-7091

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Alliance Bakery

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This trusty Wicker Park bakery serves Dark Matter coffee inside a tiny storefront (there’s an expansion next door, but customers will have to exit and enter the other space from the sidewalk). Inside, find a solid selection of macarons, chocolate chip cookies, and other delights.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Also featured in:

Dinkel's Bakery

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With nearly a century’s worth of satisfied customers under its belt, Dinkel’s continues to be a standout institution for all your sweet desires. Visitor s are treated to a host of specialties, such as chocolate chip butter cookies, ginger snaps, and German pfeffernuesse. They’re available in boxes and make for tasty stocking stuffers.

3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-7300
(773) 281-7300
Facebook

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defloured: A Gluten Free Bakery

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This Edgewater bakery provides one of the broadest cookie selections in the city, including traditional round cookies, bars, and sandwiches. Flavors and decorations rotate in and out of the lineup depending on the season, but no matter what, everything is always gluten free.

1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 234-5733
(773) 234-5733

Also featured in:

Panaderia Nuevo Leon

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The authentic Mexican panaderia has been providing sugar highs since 1973. Grab a pair of tongs when you walk through the door (it’s self-serve) and go to town on sugar cookies, butter cookies, shortbreads, and much more. The shop's low prices also mean you’ll be able to try everything without breaking the bank.

1634 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 243-5977
(312) 243-5977
Facebook

Also featured in:

Scafuri Bakery

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This old-school Italian bakery’s offerings will bring you back to days of yesteryear with the family. Nosh on classic treats like biscotti, pignoli, cuccidati, lemon knots, butter cookies, and more. All that’s missing is a glass of milk and a pinch on the cheek from nonna.

1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-8881
(312) 733-8881
Facebook

Also featured in:

Cookies & Carnitas/Cafe by Ruca

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As the name says, this Edgewater cafe specializes in cookies — seven varieties, including one gluten-free, made fresh every day from organic ingredients.

5940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-2900
(773) 769-2900

Also featured in:

D'Amato's Bakery

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One of Chicago’s stories bakeries, more known of its bread and a sibling rivalry with next-door deli Bari, D’Amato’s is a truly iconic spot for Italian Americans. The selection rotates, but find Amaretto cookies and other treats by the pound.

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 733-5456
(312) 733-5456

Also featured in:

Summer House Santa Monica

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As one of the approximately 371 Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurants in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica tries to channel California vibes inside a bustling dining room. But no one needs to spend more time inside than they need to thanks to the to-go cookie counter in the front, one of the most delightful places in Chicago. Find giant chocolate chip, s’mores, and sprinkle-topped cookies that will allow anyone to feel like a kid again. They also take special orders for events.

1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 634-4100
(773) 634-4100

Also featured in:

sugargoat

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The regular cookie lineup at sugargoat is surprisingly conservative for a Stephanie Izard project — there’s a basic chocolate chip and a plain old peanut butter — but for those who want a little variety, the spiced brown-butter pecan cookies contain a drizzle of soy, and the raisins in the oatmeal raisin are pickled.

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 667-0108
(312) 667-0108

Also featured in:

Tous Les Jours

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This Korean chain (which has locations in Chinatown, Wicker Park, and suburban Schaumburg and Vernon Hills) has an ridiculously large menu of French and Korean breads, croissants, cakes, and more. The macarons are of note and come in a unique flavors like rose, Earl Grey, and grapefruit. They come by the piece or in gift sets.

2144 S Archer Ave unit a, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-8488
(312) 225-8488

Also featured in:

Chiu Quon Bakery

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The dizzying array of cakes, buns, and tarts will likely catch your eye first but don’t sleep on the cookies at this Chinese bakery. The flakey butterfly cookies are always a great choice, while other options include coconut, peanut, almond, and sesame cookies.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
Chiu Quon

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Eméché Cakery & Cafe

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This stylish Bronzeville cafe specializes in cake, but it offers a respectable selection of freshly baked cookies as well, including vegan chocolate chip and shortbread.

3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 265-1249
(312) 265-1249

Also featured in:

Give Me Some Sugah

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This South Shore bakery specializes in the elusive potato chip cookie, a delicious combination of sweet and salty and crispy, but it offers a selection of other flavors, including the classics like oatmeal and chocolate chip, and wild cards like peanut butter chocolate chip and lemon sandwich.

2234 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 363-9330
(773) 363-9330

Also featured in:

Bot Bakery

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Founder Betty Alper, who previously sold her goods at farmers markets around town, opened her South Shore bakery in 2017, where she offers a plenty of options for those with dairy and gluten sensitivities. Snickerdoodles, shortbreads, cashew, and graham cracker cookies are among the items that everyone can enjoy without worry.

7100 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 495-4615
(773) 495-4615
Facebook

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Twisted Cookie

7401 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130

The bakers at Twisted Cookie have somehow figured out how to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures into one: the cookie pie. These have the flaky crust and filling everyone loves about pie, but they are cookie-sized. Twisted Cookie also has cookie cupcakes, cookie sandwiches filled and covered with a tall cap of frosting.

7401 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 689-8029
(708) 689-8029

Sugar Moon

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Customers line up early for a crack at baker Dina Cimarusti’s chocolate chip cookies, which have a savory edge thanks to tahini in the batter and a sprinkle of smoked salt on top. Sugar Moon’s offerings vary by the day, but the cookie is always on the menu.

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 945-6813
(312) 945-6813

North Shore Kosher Bakery

2919 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

All the way up north in West Rogers Park, this bakery produces an assortment of kosher treats. Brighten up the day with fun cookies in the shape of flowers and smiley faces, or embrace duality with a black-and-white cookie.  

2919 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 262-0600
(773) 262-0600
Yelp

You're a Cookie!

3053 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Pastry chef Angela Diaz spent several years perfecting her gluten-free cookie recipe, which also has a vegan variation, and another preparing to open her Avondale storefront, where visitors can buy ready-made cookies and ice cream sandwiches or dough to bake at home.

3053 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 961-7091
(773) 961-7091

Alliance Bakery

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

This trusty Wicker Park bakery serves Dark Matter coffee inside a tiny storefront (there’s an expansion next door, but customers will have to exit and enter the other space from the sidewalk). Inside, find a solid selection of macarons, chocolate chip cookies, and other delights.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Dinkel's Bakery

3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

With nearly a century’s worth of satisfied customers under its belt, Dinkel’s continues to be a standout institution for all your sweet desires. Visitor s are treated to a host of specialties, such as chocolate chip butter cookies, ginger snaps, and German pfeffernuesse. They’re available in boxes and make for tasty stocking stuffers.

3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-7300
(773) 281-7300
Facebook

defloured: A Gluten Free Bakery

1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

This Edgewater bakery provides one of the broadest cookie selections in the city, including traditional round cookies, bars, and sandwiches. Flavors and decorations rotate in and out of the lineup depending on the season, but no matter what, everything is always gluten free.

1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 234-5733
(773) 234-5733

Panaderia Nuevo Leon

1634 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

The authentic Mexican panaderia has been providing sugar highs since 1973. Grab a pair of tongs when you walk through the door (it’s self-serve) and go to town on sugar cookies, butter cookies, shortbreads, and much more. The shop's low prices also mean you’ll be able to try everything without breaking the bank.

1634 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 243-5977
(312) 243-5977
Facebook

Scafuri Bakery

1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

This old-school Italian bakery’s offerings will bring you back to days of yesteryear with the family. Nosh on classic treats like biscotti, pignoli, cuccidati, lemon knots, butter cookies, and more. All that’s missing is a glass of milk and a pinch on the cheek from nonna.

1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-8881
(312) 733-8881
Facebook

Cookies & Carnitas/Cafe by Ruca

5940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

As the name says, this Edgewater cafe specializes in cookies — seven varieties, including one gluten-free, made fresh every day from organic ingredients.

5940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-2900
(773) 769-2900

D'Amato's Bakery

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

One of Chicago’s stories bakeries, more known of its bread and a sibling rivalry with next-door deli Bari, D’Amato’s is a truly iconic spot for Italian Americans. The selection rotates, but find Amaretto cookies and other treats by the pound.

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 733-5456
(312) 733-5456

Summer House Santa Monica

1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

As one of the approximately 371 Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurants in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica tries to channel California vibes inside a bustling dining room. But no one needs to spend more time inside than they need to thanks to the to-go cookie counter in the front, one of the most delightful places in Chicago. Find giant chocolate chip, s’mores, and sprinkle-topped cookies that will allow anyone to feel like a kid again. They also take special orders for events.

1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 634-4100
(773) 634-4100

sugargoat

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

The regular cookie lineup at sugargoat is surprisingly conservative for a Stephanie Izard project — there’s a basic chocolate chip and a plain old peanut butter — but for those who want a little variety, the spiced brown-butter pecan cookies contain a drizzle of soy, and the raisins in the oatmeal raisin are pickled.

820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 667-0108
(312) 667-0108

Tous Les Jours

2144 S Archer Ave unit a, Chicago, IL 60616

This Korean chain (which has locations in Chinatown, Wicker Park, and suburban Schaumburg and Vernon Hills) has an ridiculously large menu of French and Korean breads, croissants, cakes, and more. The macarons are of note and come in a unique flavors like rose, Earl Grey, and grapefruit. They come by the piece or in gift sets.

2144 S Archer Ave unit a, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-8488
(312) 225-8488

Chiu Quon Bakery

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

The dizzying array of cakes, buns, and tarts will likely catch your eye first but don’t sleep on the cookies at this Chinese bakery. The flakey butterfly cookies are always a great choice, while other options include coconut, peanut, almond, and sesame cookies.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
Chiu Quon

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Eméché Cakery & Cafe

3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

This stylish Bronzeville cafe specializes in cake, but it offers a respectable selection of freshly baked cookies as well, including vegan chocolate chip and shortbread.

3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 265-1249
(312) 265-1249

Give Me Some Sugah

2234 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649

This South Shore bakery specializes in the elusive potato chip cookie, a delicious combination of sweet and salty and crispy, but it offers a selection of other flavors, including the classics like oatmeal and chocolate chip, and wild cards like peanut butter chocolate chip and lemon sandwich.

2234 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 363-9330
(773) 363-9330

Bot Bakery

7100 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649

Founder Betty Alper, who previously sold her goods at farmers markets around town, opened her South Shore bakery in 2017, where she offers a plenty of options for those with dairy and gluten sensitivities. Snickerdoodles, shortbreads, cashew, and graham cracker cookies are among the items that everyone can enjoy without worry.

7100 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 495-4615
(773) 495-4615
Facebook

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