We get it – sometimes you just need a special little sweet treat. And what is more enticing, more timeless, more delicious, than a perfectly crafted cookie? There are so many places to find excellent cookies in DC, and I’ve compiled a list of the very best. From classic chocolate chip to fantastically inventive flavors, the best cookies in DC cover all the bases.
First up, the local cookie spots!
1. Uncle Chips
The bright turquoise building on North Capitol Street (Eckington Neighborhood) is hard to miss! These goodies pack a punch and are easily amongst the best cookies in DC. Check out their holiday cookie offerings, too, with Christmas and Hanukkah options, as well as decorate-your-own kits.
2. Captain Cookie and the Milkman
I fell in love with Captain Cookie when I’d walk my daughters down to the Mall on Fridays and we’d pass their food truck. Now when we talk about getting cookies, Captain Cookie is our typical go-to. Their classic chocolate chip is our favorite but everything we’ve tried is delicious. Go big with an ice cream sandwich! Three locations in DC, one in Arlington, and a few food trucks around town.
3. Rose Ave Bakery
Going to the National Zoo? Hit up Rose Ave Bakery afterwards for some of the best cookies in DC afterwards! While this Asian-American, woman-owned bakery has received endless accolades for their inventive pastries, they also have some delicious cookies absolutely worth trying out! Black sesame swirl or Saigon cinnamon banana sound good to you? Give them a try!
4. Yellow
This Levantine-inspired cafe is one of my all time favorite places in DC. Whil you might not be able to score a table, a cookie to eat on the go is always a possibility! With flavor combinations like orange blossom oat toffee or rose apple ma’amoul, your tastebuds are sure to thank you. Locations in Georgetown and Union Market.
5. Baked and Wired
This Georgetown staple might be best known for their killer cupcakes, but their cookies are also incredible. I have it on good authority from a friend that their ginger lemon cookie sammie is “life altering.” Check out the selection including GF and flourless options, classic spritz cookies, and cookie sandwiches!
6. Seylou Bakery
Located in Mt. Vernon Square neighborhood (right by the Convention Center), Seylou gathered a lot of positive press when it opened, and for good reason! This bakery uses locally sourced grains and makes all things baked into a true art. Their cookies are no exception. Try treats such as the rye brown butter chocolate chip cookie, or the gluten free oat ginger molasses cookie, or double chocolate spelt.
7. Moltn Cookies
A local chain with two locations in DC (Takoma and downtown), Moltn cookies sets itself apart from being a baked-to-order operation. Choose from classic flavors (M&Ms, oatmeal raisin, sugar) or premium (red velvet, s’mores, Reeses peanut butter, etc). Also available in a few locations in Virginia.
8. Bread Furst
While most people come to this renowned bakery for the breads, the cookies are worth checking out, too! While the regular cookies are pretty typical flavors, don’t forget about their biscotti (definitely counting it as a cookie!), with excellent flavors like pistachio fennel or white chocolate pecan.
9. Colada Shop
While this Cuban eatery doesn’t have the biggest cookie selection, it is still notable! Try the guava oatmeal cookie here! You can also pair their cookies with a glass of warm milk for a few dollars extra. Locations in NW and SW.
10. Saku Sake Flakerie
When you mix French pastry with Japanese flavors, you get the amazing flavor combinations at Saku Saku Flakerie. The white miso chocolate chip cookie is a fantastic twist on an old classic. Need to stay gluten free? Try the GF matcha oatmeal.
11. Whisked
While this bakery doesn’t have a brick and morter location, you can find Whisked’s delicious goodies at various partner stores (ranging from Each Peach Market to Mom’s Organic to CAVA to Whole Foods).
Chains with amazing cookies:
12. Tatte
Locations all over DC make Tatte a great choice for reliably delicious food, including some of the best cookies in DC! Try the little Nutella cookies or Linzers, or my personal favorite, the Halva Chocolate Chunk.
13. Levain
This NYC original is known for their decadent, almost too-big-to-finish cookies with an ooey-gooey middle. Located in Georgetown (and also Bethesda), this place is always hopping with fellow cookie lovers!
14. Maman
Another NYC transplant with multiple locations throughout NW, NE, and SE DC. Check out baked good collabs with Martha Stewart (including her kitchen sink cookie) or Maman classics like vegan chai chocolate chip. Check out the boxes to order – they make great gifts!
Did we miss any of the best cookies in DC? Let us know your favorite spot in the comments below!
