Top Eight: Cookies in Paris!
A true cookie monster at heart; this is a dream list to curate for myself (and y’all, dearest readers!) I love a cookie in various forms, but lean toward ones that are not ultra-gooey or giant/puffy. It has been a great joy to discover how the French interpret cookies differently than what many may be used to in the US and the little cultural touches I have discovered at various coffee shops and boulangeries. I tend to shy away, actually, from places that sell ONLY cookies (Puffy and Crumbl, for example) as sometimes they are fine but I haven’t been super impressed. As usual, in no particular order, here are some of my favorites I have tried and loved!
Fika
I love the Swedish concept of “Fika” which is the word for not just “getting a coffee” but more the ritual of meeting up for a warm drink, a snack, and a catch-up. Nestled in the Swedish Institute in the Marais is this café and it shines anytime of the year. I loved the homemade brownie-like cookie that is unique and delicious. The coffee and the other little bites are also excellent!
Cookie is excellent, but in general, everything here is lovely!
Téléscope
This is (perhaps formerly, ha!) an insider’s coffee shop on a little side street in the 2nd off of Richelieu - it’s always bustling with locals and serve a truly excellent coffee. BUT - we are here for the equally excellent cookie! Perfect amount of chocolate and a pinch of sea salt; a real home-baked quality.
Truly a delightful cookie!
Leonie
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the newer Left Bank location of this popular boulangerie, known for the excellent pastries and a great baguette tradition. The cookies here are so good and come in several flavors on any given day - this white chocolate and hazlenut was the perfect blend of flavors in a lovely, buttery, not-too-crunchy, not-too-chewy texture. Neither white chocolate or hazelnut are my favorites, but together in a cookie is a nice break from my usual chocolate.
Sipp
I was walking down this smaller street in the 14th, Rue Bréa, and discovered this newer coffee shop that has an excellent cookie. Buttery and the perfect density - I loved this one and will definitely be a “re-purchase.”
An imperfect form but a perfect tasting buddy!
Kun
This is a cool coffee shop in the 9th on busy Rue La Fayette - I people watched here one rainy AM late this spring and had a cookie for breakfast, because, you know R&D is important….! The cookie was lovely, a little cake-like and soft with great density; and she gave me one fresh out of the oven - always a plus.
The cutest plates, also!
Ronnie
I love this bakery in the Notre-Dames-des-Lorette/Saint-Georges area of the 9th - solid pastries and baked goods and this cookie is no exception. If you are sensing a theme, there is one with the chocolate/possible nuts/sea salt - it is just the best way to judge a place’s cookie with their most classic! This one has high butter content and a bit of a “done” underside that is excellent.
perfect amount of everything in this one!
Juni
I loved this coffee shop and Armenian bakery in the Saint-Paul quartier of the Marais, almost to Bastille on Rue Saint-Antoine. The coffee was so good, but the cookie was so yummy - a little on the crunchier side with walnuts and a great texture. The pastries here and chill vibe is worth it no matter what!
so so good!
Jozi
This coffee and breakfast spot in the 5th (two locations, the bigger original one on Valette and the smaller one on Quai de la Tournelle) have excellent pastries and when I tried the cookie I was so happy to discover yet another great one. On the thicker side, I enjoyed the softer texture but lovely flavor. Perfect with one of their coffees to-go!
loved the texture and size of this one!
