City Bakery: Good for so many reasons, except the CC cookie

Just an avenue and a half from City Cakes is City Bakery (name alert), which is another great stop in Chelsea. I love so many things about City Bakery: their incredible selection of farm fresh vegetables, pastas, and entrees; amazing hot chocolate; mini tables and a toy kitchen for the kids; and convenient location (near the F train and our church). However, I have been sadly disappointed on several occasions by their chocolate chip cookie. It looks perfect (on the same line as Jacques Torres: gigantic, crispy exterior, lots of dark chocolate). But it's all downhill from there. In my opinion, they use too much brown sugar, and it over caramelizes. So it has almost a burnt flavor, though it's not burnt but actually very chewy (actually almost too chewy to the point where it's a little airy). I've given it several chances and just can't make myself like it.

But, don't worry because there are some other great treat options at City Bakery!
1. The vegan chocolate chip cookie. I have no clue how you make a vegan CC cookie, but whatever magical ingredients they use to replace the eggs, butter and chocolate make this cookie amazing! And because it's missing dairy, I had dreams of it being healthy...it's probably best I don't know what's in it.
2. Hot chocolate. I'd even drink this when it's 100 degrees outside...it's that good. It is so creamy and thick (I'm guessing whole milk and real chocolate - no powder here). And to top it off (literally) is the best homemade marshmallow I've ever had - springy, soft, melt-in-your-mouth. Awesome. For the best adventure, hit up their hot chocolate month in February when they have a new flavor each day (in addition to the classic). Amazing!

FYI: These cookie reviews hold true for Birdbath Neighborhood Bakery (14 St and 1st Ave) since City Bakery supplies their baked goods, but don't worry, I tried the cookies there too just to make sure!

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!