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A tray of cream-filled cookie pies.
The oatmeal cookie pies at Loaf Lounge don’t disappoint.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Where to Find Scrumptious Cookies in Chicago

Find all types of sugary snacks to satisfy cravings

by Naomi Waxman and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new
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The oatmeal cookie pies at Loaf Lounge don’t disappoint.
| Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago
by Naomi Waxman 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.

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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

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Cookies & Carnitas/Cafe by Ruca

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As the name says, this Edgewater cafe specializes in cookies — seven varieties, including maple bacon, gluten-free double chocolate, and oatmeal cherry.

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

Also featured in:

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:

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, now available out of her Avondale storefront. Visitors can buy ready-made cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and dough to bake at home.

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

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Loaf Lounge

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FX’s smash hit The Bear made Marcus’s chocolate cake — created for the show by Loaf Lounge co-owner Sarah Mispagel — the must-have menu item at this Avondale bakery and cafe, but the team is putting out plenty of other screen-worthy baked goods. These include a selection of cookies, such as ruby sprinkles, chocolate crinkle, and oatmeal cream pie.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 904-7852
(773) 904-7852
Opened in September 2022, Loaf Lounge is a near-instant success.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

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

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:

Mindy’s Bakery

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Local baking queen Mindy Segal has rewarded Chicago for years of loyal patronage with a wonderland of sweet and savory baked goods in Wicker Park. Her rotating second-bake cookie assortment may include loaded chocolate chip, gingersnap, and hazelnut linzer with cherry kriek jam.

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-1747
(773) 489-1747

Also featured in:

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:

D'Amato's Bakery

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One of Chicago’s stories bakeries, more known for 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:

Good Ambler

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Good Ambler is a cafe that neighbors the headquarters of Mondelez International, the makers of Oreo and Chips Ahoy. While the cafe, run by 16” on Center (Dusek’s, Pizza Friendly Pizza) doesn’t carry the store versions of those sweets (special cheffed-up versions are available), the sweets case is stocked with alfajores, macaron, financier, and coconut almond florentine cookies.

216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 872-7165
(312) 872-7165

Also featured in:

Levain Bakery

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New York export Levain Bakery made a splash with its fall 2022 debut in the West Loop, where Chicagoans lined up in 16-degree weather for the brand’s famed cookies — mound-shaped baked creations available in five flavors. These include chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate-peanut butter chip.

840 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 300-0654
(312) 300-0654
These cookies have a cult following.
Barry Brechiesen/Eater Chicago

Twisted Cookie

Copy Link

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, and cookie sandwiches filled and covered with a tall cap of frosting.

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

Scafuri Bakery

Copy Link

This old-school Italian bakery’s offerings will bring you back to the 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

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

Also featured in:

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Tous Les Jours

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This Korean chain (which has locations in Chinatown, Wicker Park, and suburban Schaumburg and Vernon Hills) has a ridiculously large menu of French and Korean breads, croissants, cakes, and more. The macarons are of note and come in 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

Copy Link

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

Also featured in:

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 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
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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

Cookies & Carnitas/Cafe by Ruca

5940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

As the name says, this Edgewater cafe specializes in cookies — seven varieties, including maple bacon, gluten-free double chocolate, and oatmeal cherry.

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

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

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, now available out of her Avondale storefront. Visitors can buy ready-made cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and dough to bake at home.

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

Loaf Lounge

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618

FX’s smash hit The Bear made Marcus’s chocolate cake — created for the show by Loaf Lounge co-owner Sarah Mispagel — the must-have menu item at this Avondale bakery and cafe, but the team is putting out plenty of other screen-worthy baked goods. These include a selection of cookies, such as ruby sprinkles, chocolate crinkle, and oatmeal cream pie.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 904-7852
(773) 904-7852
Opened in September 2022, Loaf Lounge is a near-instant success.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

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

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

Mindy’s Bakery

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Local baking queen Mindy Segal has rewarded Chicago for years of loyal patronage with a wonderland of sweet and savory baked goods in Wicker Park. Her rotating second-bake cookie assortment may include loaded chocolate chip, gingersnap, and hazelnut linzer with cherry kriek jam.

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-1747
(773) 489-1747

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

D'Amato's Bakery

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

One of Chicago’s stories bakeries, more known for 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

Good Ambler

216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

Good Ambler is a cafe that neighbors the headquarters of Mondelez International, the makers of Oreo and Chips Ahoy. While the cafe, run by 16” on Center (Dusek’s, Pizza Friendly Pizza) doesn’t carry the store versions of those sweets (special cheffed-up versions are available), the sweets case is stocked with alfajores, macaron, financier, and coconut almond florentine cookies.

216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 872-7165
(312) 872-7165

Levain Bakery

840 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

New York export Levain Bakery made a splash with its fall 2022 debut in the West Loop, where Chicagoans lined up in 16-degree weather for the brand’s famed cookies — mound-shaped baked creations available in five flavors. These include chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate-peanut butter chip.

840 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 300-0654
(312) 300-0654
These cookies have a cult following.
Barry Brechiesen/Eater Chicago

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, and cookie sandwiches filled and covered with a tall cap of frosting.

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

Scafuri Bakery

1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

This old-school Italian bakery’s offerings will bring you back to the 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

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

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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 a ridiculously large menu of French and Korean breads, croissants, cakes, and more. The macarons are of note and come in 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

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 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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