City Cakes: Another go-to favorite

City Cakes' cookies definitely hit high on our list of the best in New York. If you're ever in Chelsea, you definitely have to stop by this hidden little gem. The store is in the basement on a sleepy side street, but you will be glad for the detour. Their half pound (I promise we split it with friends!) "Rich Chocolate Chip Cookie" lives up to its name! It has a very smooth, buttery flavor and is soft and chewy throughout (despite the trend for crunchy exteriors, I like this change of pace). The flavor of the cookie tastes just like that perfect batch of cookie dough that never saw the oven, yet somehow it isn't an undercooked cookie. The chocolate chips are sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and there is just the right amount of chocolate running through it to provide the perfect ratio. Don't try to eat too much in one sitting though. It is very rich and this isn't something you want to get sick of!

On subsequent trips, we also tried the Peanut Butter Reeses' Cup cookie, which was also incredible! The cookie had a rich peanut butter flavor without being too overwhelming. And it is perfect paired with Reeses' bits. Definitely a hit. The Spiced Triple Chocolate cookie wasn't as much of a success with the kids (we took a youth group). Maybe they just need to refine their palates, but truthfully, I'm not sure if I'd buy one again (especially when the chocolate chip and peanut butter are options!). The kids thought the spice mix was too powerful and overwhelmed the chocolate flavor. I thought it was an interesting flavor and the spices did cut down some of the sweetness of the chocolate.

It's also fun to stand in the tiny store and check out the amazing fondant work on the displayed cakes. Serious talent!