Best cookies in Toronto

[kwass]

This thread is being carried over from a discussion that began in the Butter Tart thread.

Best cookie in Toronto: peanut butter from le gourmand

[magic]

FYI, A Toll House Cookies is now open in the PATH downtown, underneath Metro Hall (2 min walk from St. Andrew station). This is the first location I've ever seen outside the U.S.

Smells great. You can smell it 75 yards away. Products look really tasty. But I haven't tried anything yet.

It’s actually a full walk-in, sit down place. Not simply a kiosk, as I’ve always seen in the U.S.

[Ediblethoughts]

Tried them today (long walk!) but really not worth it. They are rather uninteresting. Nice consistency overall in terms of not too soft or hard (chewy and a tiny bit of crisp). But not enough chocolate per cookie and my friend who tried one thought the dough was tasteless. The turtle brownie was a little better in flavour (though not chewy really but oh well).

It is so hard to find a good chocolate chip cookie....

[kwass]

Do you like the chocolate chip cookies from le Gourmand? They get mixed reviews. People either love them or hate them.

[Ediblethoughts]

I do like them--or I did when I had a LG close to me. I found them a bit too soft but better than most.

[magic]

Appreciate the report Ediblethoughts, thanks :)

[kwass]

A new bakery is opening up called Chocolate Brunette Pastry Company @ Avenue and Davenport. The cookies look unbelievable (baci cookies, cashew cookies and heavenly bites)!! Here's the link:

http://chocolatebrunette.com/images/C...

[millygirl]

Looks interesting....

On another note, is a biscotti a cookie?

If yes, I've discovered the best biscotti EVER!!
Forno Cultura orange almond biscotti which I picked up at Pusateri's but they are made locally, somewhere near King St.
Can't remember exactly, but they are fantastic.

[justsayn]

It is this place - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898268

King and Portland. Lots and lots of good stuff.

[kwass]

That is the place she's talking about justsayn.

[kwass]

A biscotti is definitely a cookie millygirl :)

[millygirl]

Yes! That's the place justsayn. Sorry, I didn't even think to search first!!

Sounds like I need to check this place out.

As I said, their biscotti are excellent. Great flavour to them, you could actually taste the orange. Very fresh.

[Michael N]

Is it? I dunno, I'd say that's debatable. Is anything sweet, crunchy and baked a cookie? Is a macaron a cookie?

[jlunar]

I'd consider a macaron a cookie!

[millygirl]

Me too!

They are all different types of cookie to me.

[Googs]

If a biscuit is a cookie, then a biscotto is also a cookie

[KhaoSanRoad]

Cookies are my favorite sweet. For now my fav is chocolateria on Roncy

[Ediblethoughts]

What do you like there?

[KhaoSanRoad]

Had a cookie that maybe was like an "everything" cookie. It was quite sweet but not too much so, texture were excellent. Crispy exterior, chewy gooey interior, some crunchy bits inside. Nice butteriness too.

Also, maybe the best brownies in town too!

[Ediblethoughts]

Thanks for describing. Brownies are chewy or soft? (I am a chewy fan---and chewy is darn hard to find.)

[kwass]

Ediblethoughts, if you're a fan of chewy brownies, you might want to try Churchill's brownies, which are sold @ Pusateri's. They're unbelievably soft and chewy.

[Ediblethoughts]

Churchill's? I've never heard of that bakery. Are they a Toronto bakery? (Just did the basic google search and couldn't see anything obvious---unless they are from Manitoba?)

I don't get to Pusateris that often but might get there sooner now...

[kwass]

To be honest Ediblethoughts, I've never heard of Churchill's either, and I've never checked to see if Churchill's is in fact an actual bakery. All I know is that they're sold @ Pusateri's and I've bought them for friends (I'm not a big brownie eater myself), and they're ridiculously soft. They're actually called "Churchill's Heavenly Brownies", and they really do look heavenly :) Please let me know what you think when you finally try them.

[Ediblethoughts]

I don't like soft unless it's chewy (not to over-state an obsessive point but... yeah, I'm very picky about that point). I actually rather like (this will sound wrong I know), almost hardish and chewy. To a point.

Anyway, I will certainly try one if you think they're that great.

[kwass]

I think these are soft and chewy. But like I said in my earlier post, I haven't tried them myself, I bought them for friends. If you're a brownie fan, I'd say give them a try. Worse comes to worst, you've wasted $3.00

[Googs]

http://www.churchillsgourmetgifts.com/

[kwass]

Thanks Googs. Other than seeing the brownies @ Pusateri's, I had never heard of Churchill's.

[Googs]

Pusateri's is pretty much only a food broker. If the brownie is 3 bucks there, you can probably get it for half that if you buy direct. Good for Leaside residents.

[magic]

I'm pretty sure Pusateri's cooks and bakes quite a bit of food themselves, in addittion to selling from others around town.

Their "Ultimate Brownie" is incredible. As far as I've always understood, they bake that themselves.

[Googs]

I'd check under the hood.

[Ediblethoughts]

Where are they located? The site links seem to go nowhere.

[Googs]

882 Millwood Rd which is roughly in the Laird & Eglinton area. More info here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Churchills-Fine-Gourmet-Gifts/106228136076671?ref=hl

It looks very mom & pop, but you never know.
http://goo.gl/maps/Nb0ch

[Ediblethoughts]

Thanks, Googs.. The website looks so formal, hard to get a feel for them..

[KhaoSanRoad]

Totally agree with chewy. Unfortunately I have not personally found a good chewy one in toronto. These ones are soft. But what they do good is not very sweet. Quality coco flavor. And simple combo with great results

[Ediblethoughts]

I used to find chewy brownies way back but it seems very difficult these days.

[justxpete]

My fav brownies in the city are at Odile chocolate on Dundas, two doors west of Porchetta & Co. She uses fair trade chocolate with quality ingredients (they're priced accordingly). It is fairly chewy - and they're always delicious! By far my favourite of any being offered in the city currently.

Fair warning: She doesn't have them all the time (although she does *most* of the time), so call first if you're making a special trip.

[Ediblethoughts]

The site makes it look like just chocolates. Interesting that they have brownies...

[justsayn]

Tried the Toblerone shortbread at Poor John's for the first time. A real treat!

[kwass]

Check out this pic from Desmond and Beatrice. It's a Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie:

http://instagram.com/p/YQVT3My4bu/

[magic]

Jeez Louise that looks good. Thanks for sharing.

They went to town on their website. Incredible photos and great functionality. Well done.

[Googs]

I'd argue that isn't really a cookie at that point, but who am I kidding? I'd eat that so fast it'd look like a magic trick.

[kwass]

You're not alone ;)

[Ediblethoughts]

Was it chewy or soft?

[kwass]

Unfortunately, I haven't tried the cookie. I came across the pic on Twitter. But, boy does it look good!

[Ediblethoughts]

It does. But sometimes a cookie's taste isn't fully captured by its looks!

[kwass]

True

[callitasicit]

I've had it and its damn good!

[Ediblethoughts]

Is it chewy or soft?

[callitasicit]

It's more chewy than soft IMHO.

[Ediblethoughts]

Good to know! That is what I like. OK, it is on my list...

[callitasicit]

It's one of the best cookies I've ever tried:)

[kwass]

How awesome does this sound!! Banana chocolate chip cookie...yum-my!!

Description: It's cakey, puffy, and really freaking tasty: the new Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie!

http://twitpic.com/ch6tyv

[justsayn]

WOW

[kwass]

I know :)

[callitasicit]

Their cookies are good but their 7 layer dream bar is heaven!!

[kwass]

Tell us more about the 7-layer dream bar

[Googs]

For our next contender, a cookie from the east. Du Cafe on O'connor north of St Clair. Kill-ah cookies (and truffles too).

[friskypete]

Little Nicky's on John (just south of Queen) has a great cookie: chocolate chunk with an Oreo baked inside. Love it!

[kwass]

Little Nicky's changes their baked goods around. With the exception of the doughnuts, they don't usually have the same stuff every day. How often do they have those cookies? They sound yummy!!

[justxpete]

I had a cookie from a place called "Pretty Sweet" on King and... well, east of Bathurst on the weekend. She's a former pastry chef from Splendido, circa Yannick and David. While my favourite is still Le Gourmand, I would have to say that her chocolate chunk cookie was really, really good, and the flavours more complex and better seasoned than the Le Gourmand cookie.

Now, I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to chocolate chip cookies, so again, I prefer Le Gourmand - but, I could see where others might think this the best chocolate chip cookie in TO. If you're not a huge fan of LG, then this might be a top contender.

Website, still under contsruction: http://psbyprettysweet.com/

I might add, that her chocolate macaroons (not macaron), are probably the best I've ever had. Great dark chocolate, rich coconut, and some kind of soft meringue or marshmallow (not really sure). We (but mostly I) absolutely devoured them.

[justsayn]

We have discussed her on the board - Best milk chocolate mousse, awesome brownies. Since then, I have tried her chocolate chip cookie, and much prefer it to LG. I find LG too sweet, these are just as you described them. Other baked goods I have tried of hers have been nothing more than average. Haven't tried the macaroons.

[justxpete]

How odd - I had the chocolate mousse as well (my SO and I tried almost one of everything) and both found it sickly sweet - I couldn't even finish it. I'll have to give it another whirl.

Loved the brownies too.

[justsayn]

LOL - do try again!

[kwass]

When I went, I unfortunately didn't try the cookies, because I tried so much else. I got the mini apple crumble tart, the butter tart, the brownie, the blondie, and the mini carrot cake. And out of all of those things, the only thing that was good was the brownie. I wanted to love this place because it's so cute and the owner/baker is so incredibly nice, but I thought her stuff was really bad :(

[justxpete]

That's crazy. I don't think "really bad" is a term you can use to describe any of her goods. I think the chocolate mousse was too sweet - but everything else was good/great. And the macaroons - wow.

[kwass]

Sorry justxpete. But "really bad" is definitely the term I would use to describe her stuff. Sorry, but I stand by that.

[kwass]

I could say that her stuff is "not good at all". Is that better? :)

[justsayn]

: )

By Chow standards, most of her stuff is not worth talking about...how's that?

[kwass]

I'll go with that :)

[justsayn]

I agree (as we have pretty much already discussed)...except that the milk chocolate mousse is quite exceptional and I have to say I have shared it with more than a few people now. The chocolate chip cookies get high marks too. The rest is PTA bake sale quality but I wouldn't call it bad.

[kwass]

I haven't tried the cookies, and I certainly don't doubt that they're as good as you guys say.

[justsayn]

We had the milk chocolate mousse again and gave special consideration to the sweetness. We didn't find it over the top sweet at all. I much prefer dark chocolate over milk because of sweetness, so I know what you might be saying. If you find milk chocolate to be too sweet, you may find this sweet.

The rich chocolate flavour and smooth consistency overcomes the fact that it would probably be even better if bittersweet.

[kwass]

Has anyone tried the cheesecake in a mason jar? That's the one thing I regret not trying.

[justsayn]

That is one thing I have heard is very sweet. Haven't tried it.

[kwass]

And we know how you feel about things that are too sweet :)

[justsayn]

For me, sugar-sweet needs to be offset with other qualities for it to be balanced out and made tolerable : )

[kwass]

I'm like that too occasionally. After eating something really sweet, I sometimes need something salty or savoury to balance it out.

[Manybears]

I had the mason jar cheesecake (caramel, not sure if the topping changes) and I did find it too sweet. It was also pretty liquidy in the centre (not sure if that's how it's supposed to be).

I loooove the brownies and liked the cookie. I will give the macaroons and the mousse some time in my spotlight next (what can I say, I walk past there every day).

[kwass]

The mason jar cheesecake is the one thing I wanted to go back and try. Thanks for reporting back on it. Guess I won't be rushing back.

[vcm]

Another vote for Moo Milk Bar. Have never been disappointed. And I know this is only about cookies but Moo's Nutella ricotta pie is amazing too!

[julesrules]

Not Best Cookie... but pretty darn good cookie from unexpected source... the Yonge/Queen Bay basement revamp includes a counter that has stuff from Bobette & Belle and Soma. Not sure who makes the chocolate pecan cookies, but they are a quite tasty rich chocolate base cookie with chocolate chunks and worth the $2. I found today's a little underbaked but some people like that. They also stock Bobette macarons. I'm pretty disappointed with the O&B stuff in the Bay overall but this counter using other suppliers is good.

[autopi]

do you know if they stock other bobette & belle/soma items -- cupcakes, cakes, chocolates, marshmallows, etc.? or is it just cookies?

[julesrules]

Marshmallows by b&b yes
Soma chocolates yes, fairly wide selection
Some cupcakes today but only one kind, carrot ones decorated as bunnies and I've never noticed cupcakes before - they looked amateurish compared to B&B
No cakes
In the summer you can get Soma gelato with toppings including B&b macarons, but this turned out to be way too sweet of a combo - sounded better in theory!

[autopi]

thanks for the info -- it's great to know as this is much more convenient than trekking all the way out to leslieville!

[prima]

The O+B chocolate covered sponge toffee is really good. I've been happy with the O+B chocolates I've bought. Nice to get a few HBC points. I ask the Soma cashiers to pass along the O+B loyalty card idea every time I make a big purchase at Soma.

[Calam1ty]

Nookie cookies from Le Gourmand
Mary Brown's shortbread cookies with chocolate chunks
The cookie from Senators that has everything - nuts, chocolate and raisins in it - yum!
Fig and pistachio from Dark Horse, Spadina

[kwass]

What are the nookie cookies?

[pearl3]

Not the biggest fan of bought cookies, but Mercurio's amaretti are excellent--softish, with a big flavour.

[luckbamboo]

Elm Hill Cookies in Oakville.

[kwass]

Hey justsayn, did you see this?

http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2013/...

[justsayn]

I recognize the topic!! : )

If you read the comments you will see all the votes for Moo Milk Bar.

Time to get there!!

Thanks

[kwass]

I didn't read the comments, but I will. And yes, I've been wanting to try Moo Milk Bar for a while now :)

[kwass]

Wow! Just read the comments. I've never heard so many positive responses about one place. It's definitely on the list now!

[justsayn]

Same!

[pakmode]

Though I've been to Arz Fine Foods many times (1909 Lawrence East) - I never tried their cookies until last week.
Wow, were they ever good. They literally have 20 different kinds, the majority being a variation of a shortbread with different fillings, frostings, nuts, sprinkles, toppings etc.

Highly recommended if you're in the area.

[Full tummy]

They are delicious! Hard to stop eating them!

[pakmode]

So true. I picked up some more the other day too!

[meatnveg]

FWIW, my vote goes to the in house baked cookie at Pusateris' Yorkville location.

Not only are the cookie very tasty, they get bonus points for the flavours like Bitter Chocolate & Valencia Oranges, White Chocolate Pistachio.

Each tray is only about 3.50 for 8 little cookies.

[justsayn]

Wagamma has great buttery mini cookies. Green Tea, Chocolate Almond, Sesame and cinnamon. Their peanut butter cookie is really great too.

It'z a Wrap for their double chocolate cookies which seem like a brownie cookie with a meringue crust. Similar to the amazing chocolate walnut cookies at Harbord Bakery.

[kwass]

Wagamama is definitely on my list!

[justsayn]

The mini chocolate almond is made from top quality cocoa and butter. They are so rich for what they are. The other minis are like flavoured shortbreads. I know people who swear by their chocolate chip cookies as well, but they are not my style.

[kwass]

What don't you like about the chocolate chip?

[justsayn]

They are too soft - especially in the centre portion. Very sugary. Chocolate chips seem to be average.

[kwass]

With Le Gourmand so close (well close enough) it doesn't make sense to get chocolate chip cookies from anywhere else. Especially when they're hot out of the oven!

[kwass]

Have you ever tried poppyseed cookies? Apparently, Center Street Deli makes a really good version

[justsayn]

CSD is the only place to buy poppyseed cookies. I dare you to stop eating them! Don't get the sugar free...if that was a risk ; )

[kwass]

My mom used to make them when I was a kid, and I've never been able to find any that come close to hers. So, I'll definitely make a trip to CSD.

[kwass]

And no...wasn't planning on getting the sugar free...lol.

[barneyvernon]

I was at CSD this week and the waitress (she was fantastic) gave us a complimentary plate of them, piled high!. It was the first time I've had them and indeed, they were fantastic. I could have eaten the whole plate myself. Definitely worth the trip, and you might as well get a corned beef on rye while you're there!

[kwass]

Will do :)

Glad to hear they're so good!

[justsayn]

Medium Smoked Meat ; )

[kwass]

You're too funny!!

[magic]

The Mohn cookies (aka poppyseed) at CSD are H.E.A.V.E.N. Just incredible. Best I’ve ever had.

For gingerbread I LOVE Phipps' version. Deeelish!

For chocolate chip, it's Miss Cora's Kitchen all the way. When Le Gourmand bakes them correctly their chocolate chip walnut are incredible. But in my experience at least they fudge the baking more than they get it right. So I don't waste my time with them anymore. Miss Cora's Kitchen's version is similar and honestly just as good, anyways.

For rugelach, I love Phipps. I used to love Open Window's version but we all know what happened to them....

The chocolate brownie cookie at Harbord Bakery is stupid good. As are their sprinkle cookies.

Elite Bakery on Kennedy Rd in Scarborough also makes great Greek style sprinkle cookies with tasty preserve fillings.

Two Moms makes a mean lemon cookie! Mmm!

[justsayn]

I really need to get to Phipps!!

I think the HB chocolate brownie cookie may be what I have refered to as the chocolate walnut cookie? If nearby, try It'z a Wrap double chocolate!

[magic]

For me, Phipps does some things extremely well. Other things not so much.

I DO NOT care for most of their cookies. I stay away from their chocolate chip.

What I do love there: rugelach (both cinnamon and chocolate!), gingerbread cookie, and (haha) their butter tarts.

It's a great place to sit and enjoy some treats and a coffee. So pretty.

[kwass]

So you like their butter tarts? Ediblethoughts has been recommending them, but I've been reluctant since they don't have a plain butter tart...the closest thing to it being caramel.

I do love rugelach though, so I definitely want to give theirs' a try

[magic]

I love all manner of good butter tarts, including Phipps'. I haven't had them in a while but I believe I recall them having a chocolate crust version with pecans. Drool.

[justsayn]

And I still have Phipps pecan pie on my list from ediblethoughts

[kwass]

And I agree, it really is a pretty space.

[Ediblethoughts]

And no bakery has a more lovely buttery cookie smell...

[kwass]

I grew up calling them mohn cookies as well. I just didn't know how to spell "mohn", so I called them poppyseed. I definitely have to try CSD's version after such high praise from you and justsayn.

Bagel World (if that's the one @ Bathurst and Sheppard) makes really good rugelach too, as does Sonny Langer's, and Leah's

[magic]

As if decadent, lovely fatty smoked meat wasn't enough, that dessert is killer.

Will try your recs, kwass. Excellent!

[kwass]

:)

[kwass]

So I went to CSD this morning to buy a package of Mohn cookies, and I must say, they do a fantastic version. So delish! Crispy, yet they melt in your mouth...and so addictive!!

Unfortunately, I went really early this morning, so I didn't get a sandwich, but I've been regretting it since. In fact, I'm still kicking myself...how many hours later?

[magic]

At least you got to try the Mohn cookies. Glad you enjoyed. Go back soon for smoked meat :)

[kwass]

I'm planning to :)

[justsayn]

Just so you know....I am kicking you too! Glad you loved the cookies.

[kwass]

I deserve it justsayn. But, I'm going back for a sandwich...pinky swear!

[justsayn]

Give the buckwheat knishe a try as well. : )

[kwass]

You're too funny justsayn!!

[magic]

Oh, and the chocolate chunk cookies from Yitz's!!!

[kwass]

Hmmm...haven't been to yitz's in years.

[magic]

That's a whole other thread entirely. In fact, there is one!

I love Yitz's. I still think it's fantastic, even after all these years.

[kwass]

Good to know, since it was awesome back in the day.

[magic]

And a 2 minute walk from Phipps :)

[kwass]

True!

[Ediblethoughts]

How do you find them fresh? Whenever I've been there they always look dry.

[magic]

The Yitz's cookies?

Luck! When they're old they're like any older cookie - not great. When fresh, amazing.

Usually I guess I just get lucky. Sorry, I'm sure that isn't helpful.

[Ediblethoughts]

I guess it means I have to go there more frequently.. I used to haunt the Kitchen Table in the Atrium looking for fresh chocolate chunk cookies---when they were good they were awesome. But they don't do there own cookies that often now and so I've lost interest in checking.

[magic]

Yeah, trust me, they are often fresh. And if you've found them fresh you're in for a real treat.

As an aside I am a huge fan of the Kitchen Table in the Atrium. Great deals on some wicked products.

[justsayn]

This thread may start wars! : )
Can't wait to learn about the great cookies hidden around the city!

[kwass]

Me neither. And you have to tell me more about Mad Batter Bakers

[justsayn]

They have been selling gingerbreads at the One of a Kind Show for years! They bake right there through the day, so you can often get them fresh out of the oven. They also experiment with other flavoured cookies and sometimes sample them. As well they offer a sugar free chocolate chip.

[kwass]

Can they only be purchased @ the One of a Kind Show?

[justsayn]

No they have a retail front and bake in the back!

[kwass]

Hmmm...interesting. I'm going to google them, because there's nothing better than a good gingerbread cookie!

[justsayn]

Gingerbread cookie types are all over the map differing in textures, molasses, thickness. sweetness, spices. I hope you like them at MBB! I prefer St Johns' version for the spicing and the real ginger pieces!

[kwass]

As soon as I try them, I'll report back.

[kwass]

I just went on Mad Batter Bakers' website, and I recognized the packaging. I've tried them, and they truly are delicious!

[kwass]

Also, has anyone tried the cookies from Moo Milk Bar?