Bay Area's Best Cookies
White Chocolate Cookies (credit: Thinkstock)
An American classic and one of the simplest treats known to man, there is something comforting about a cookie. From gingersnaps to chocolate chips, we've found the best in the Bay.
Sweet Adeline's Bake Shop
3350 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 985-7381
sweetadelinebakeshop.com
Everything is sweet at Adeline's, from the adorable storefront to the amazing selection of fresh-baked goodies. Carrot bread, cornmeal scones, something called a "fruit buckle"? Yes please! But the sweetest reason to swing by Sweet Adeline's is their spectacular selection of cookies. From the classics to clever creations, every bite is sheer sweet joy. Try the Peppermint Patty, Peanut Brittle or Oatmeal Raisin. Actually, try them all.
Specialtys
Multiple Bay Area locations (thankfully)
Specialtys.com
The gigantic Specialtys cookie, a massive crumbling hunk of glory, is a treat I save for the most special of occasions, mainly because the company includes nutritional information on their website. The deliciousness of these cookies comes with a hefty caloric price-tag. That said, the Milk Chocolate Chip is worth it. So is the Black & White Cookie. And the sugar-dusted Tea Cookies? Yeah, get one of those too.
Anthony's Cookies
1417 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 655-9834
anthonyscookies.com
Anthony is a San Francisco legend, baking his famous cookies since 1997. You won't find scones or cakes or bread at Anthony's. Just cookies. Perfect cookies. Not only can you swing by the Mission District cookie shop for a sweet treat including daily and seasonal specials, but Anthony's cookies are available at cool coffee shops and better grocery stores. And get this: they deliver.
La Farine
6323 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618-1331
(510) 654-0338
&
3411 Fruitvale Ave.
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 531-7750
&
4094 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 420-1777
lafarine.com
La Farine offers classic cookies, little morsels that perk up your day when the energy is flagging. The famed Oatmeal Lemon cookie with lemon frosting is an everyday favorite with adults, while kids go nuts for pretty Madeleines. With three East Bay locations, it's easy to find an excuse to pop your head in and pick out a Triple-Ginger Cookie. You know, just because it's Thursday. Or raining. Maybe because it's good hair day? You'll figure it out.
Pacific Cookie Company
1203 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 429-9709
&
2309 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 649-6905
pacificcookie.com
Pacific Cookie Company, a Santa Cruz institution since the 70's, is one of the most popular spots in the South Bay to cure a serious cookie craving. With a booming mail order business, you don't have to leave home for a PCC cookie. But you should. The fantastic fragrance of baking cookies draws folks from all over the Bay to the retail shop.
Whatever your troubles, you'll find a fix fresh out of the oven. Try the Dr. Midnight. It's as fun to eat as it is to order.
- Beth Spotswood, CBS San Francisco