Cookie Chains Ranked From Worst To Best, According To Customers

Life has its savory satisfactions, but the sweet side of existence? Now that's where things get deliciously divine, and quite competitive. Few pleasures are as simple, or as decadently transcendent, as a fresh-baked cookie. The crisped-to-golden edges, oh-so-gooey soft center, rich, melty chocolate chips oozing everywhere. And that very first bite? A full-on flavor explosion.

Let's just say cookies are a near universal love, and with cookie chains multiplying across America, the race to win customer hearts, and hard-earned dollars in dessert spending, has become pretty intense. And things are getting crunchy, with customers fiercely defending their favorite cookie chains as the absolute best. We get the enthusiasm. A cookie, after all, is one of life's tiny luxuries. From wild and whimsical flavors and fillings to marvelous mix-ins and more, these handheld marvels have a sweet magic that sweeps us away from the daily hubbub.

As to which cookie chains earn devotion? Well, one cookie chain might win hearts with warm, homestyle classics, while another may go all-in on outrageous flavors that feel cater-made for dazzling social media debuts. Then there are the contenders whose cookies look irresistible in the glass case, but leave customers feeling the hype is far sweeter than the actual taste. So which cookie chains deserve the crown, and which ones crumble? Read on as we rank them from worst to best.

Did you know that the masterminds behind Great American Cookies were also the first in history to conceive the original idea of The Cookie Cake? It's true. And while that origin story gives the cookie chain a sweet place in dessert history, customer experiences suggest the present-day cookie offerings are a mixed bag. Let's just say the cookies in this cookie jar have been found to be quite jarring in customers' opinions.

Some buyers describe odd flavors and unusual textures in the cookie chain's bakes, while others protest their purchases drying out faster than they remember (pointing to a possible decline in this cookie chain's quality over time). Still others reported cookies that were hard and seemed stale. Some customers even noticed an unpleasant, almost chemical tone to the icing, and others feel the sweetness trespassed into sugar-shock territory.

One reviewer was especially unimpressed with a snickerdoodle and peanut butter cookie, describing both as so unpleasant that the experience earned the lowest possible score in their personal snack rankings. Although one alleged employee offered a possible explanation for changing results (something to do with ingredient suppliers having shifted, shortages, and rising commodity costs that are possibly affecting how the dough bakes and tastes), the fact remains that many customers are finding Great American Cookies, well, anything but great.

Cookie Plug certainly knows how to make a name stick, with online reactions suggesting the branding choice alone has baked up a storm of controversy among the cookie-loving crowd. Regardless of whose feathers got ruffled by the somewhat rebellious moniker, customer opinions of the actual cookies are what we're really after. For some customers, the cookies themselves have done little to rescue a possibly rough first impression sparked by the controversial cookie chain name.

One disappointed buyer said the treats looked tempting but turned out extremely dry, and should-be flavor varieties tasted almost identical. That's not the flavor adventure Cookie Plug promises, leaving fans feeling like it isn't worth the price (particularly when said cookies leave you desperately seeking milk to wash down dastardly dry morsels). Customers also become a bit annoyed over how they felt swayed by social media promos and glossy photos to try the chain, only for the real-life results to fall short.

Some describe the concept as more gimmick than substance, while others feel the flavor has declined since the stores first opened. A food reviewer described some cookies as nearly flavorless, specifically criticizing the Dubai-style version for having a dense, brick-like texture. Cookie Plug's bold branding and eye-catching cookies may get curious consumers through the door, but it appears many customers wouldn't mind pulling the plug on this cookie chain.

The cookie chain Crumbl has turned customer cookie runs into weekly events, with rotating menus showcasing oversized treats and elaborately inventive flavors cater-made to look spectacular on any social media screen. The novelty and wow factor of it all is undeniably appealing, but customers wonder whether each week's lineup is more hit, or half-baked bust.

Some critics of this cookie chain rank Crumbl among the worst, claiming the cookies don't resemble the polished versions shown online. Complaints include underbaked centers, overly floury textures, bland dough, and frosting so sweet it overwhelms everything else. Others feel the cookies are too sugary and large to enjoy beyond a single bite or few, with different menu offerings blurring together instead of delivering distinct flavor profiles. The rotating menu can frustrate regulars, too. Some longtime customers say recent selections have become too strange or gimmicky, with unusual themed flavors placing shock-value and novelty ahead of great taste.

Others miss seeing old favorites return more often. Add complaints about inconsistent quality, rising prices, and cookies that some buyers feel have shrunk, and the initial Crumbl cheer section has clearly lost its team pep. Still, the chain has some devoted fans left, and some Crumbl customer favorites fare better than others when reviewed. So, with all this info given, should you find yourself among those determined to still frequent Crumbl, at least go in with a little insight, like how each Crumbl cookie flavor ranks from worst to best.

To say we've had Milk Bar on our radar for some time would be an understatement. In fact, Milk Bar's Compost Cookies once made it on our Takeout fantasy food draft best cookies lists. Everything and the kitchen sink coded, this blissful bite featured chocolate, butterscotch bites, chips, pretzels, even graham crackers and coffee grounds. Fast forward to now, and according to customers, Milk Bar has still got it. Many fans of this cookie chain praise the cookies for hitting that sweet spot between a crisp exterior and soft, chewy middle. The edges offer a welcome bit of crunch, while the center stays tender without seeming raw or falling apart.

Milk Bar's offerings include mouthwatering creations like Chocolate Chip 'N Chunk, Triple Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Cream, and more. Peanut butter fans are especially pleased with the Triple Peanut Butter cookie, while the Oatmeal Cream has its own admirers as well. And for customers who want a cookie haul that feels like an occasion, the variety and packaging are also points to praise.

Online commenters gush in reviews about the cookies, while attesting that choosing a single favorite among the fab finds is nearly impossible. In Milk Bar's case, it seems not every cookie chain's rep is built on hype alone. Sometimes, the cookie backs up the buzz, so if your ideal cookie is chewy, flavorful, and generously sweet without sacrificing texture, this chain appears to give customers treats that completely raise the bar.

Cookie chain customers will often share a big temperature preference when it comes to their handheld desserts. Many will share their strong opinion that cookies are best eaten warm, when the edges are set and the middle stays soft. And it's that exact fresh-baked feeling that's a big part of Tiff's Treats' appeal, at least judging by the enthusiastic customer chatter surrounding the cookie chain. Specifically, Tiff's Treats fans praise the cookies' cushy textures, right out of the oven warmth (when you're lucky to get them as such), and their homespun-style flavor.

For many, ordering a cookie-filled Tiff's Treats box delivers more than a simple sugar fix. For these folks, it's a sweet way to surprise the kiddos post-school, turn a loved one's ordinary afternoon into a small celebration, and even take a sliver of decadent to indulge in a treat yourself moment. The menu gives customers plenty of reasons to return. Social media tasters praise the Butter Brew seasonal cookie and a Dubai chocolate version featuring pistachios and chocolate chips. The M&M's sugar cookie inspires similarly enthusiastic raves, while peanut butter varieties and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies also bring big smiles. 

One customer even highlighted the cookies' staying power, claiming theirs stayed enjoyable for several days when stored and later thawed. Fans are quite vocal about putting Tiff's Treats ahead of its competitors, describing the cookies as closer to a good homemade batch than the oversized, heavily decorated styles popular elsewhere.

When customers talk about where the cookie chain Eileen's Colossal Cookies ranks from the worst to the best, subtlety goes straight out the window. Fans practically fawn over the festive sugar cookies, especially the frosted, sprinkle-splattered varieties. They also heap praise upon the flavor lineup, which showcases all sorts of selections specifically catered to indulge the inner sweet tooth in us all. Think everything from classics like chocolate chip to really out-of-the-box bites like cherry Kool-Aid. For some, Eileen's cookies are considered must-haves for everything from birthdays to holidays, and beyond.

And while the aforementioned Kool-Aid-featuring morsel generates tons of buzz, fan enthusiasm stretches beyond one single click-inviting flavor. For example, customers of the cookie chain also call out the lemon cookie as reason enough to make a special trip. And perhaps the most impressive bit of info gleaned? Apparently, even people who normally dislike sugar cookies can be won over by Eileen's version. Some fans report driving nearly an hour for their Eileen's fix, while still others make no bones about how they largely prefer this cookie chain to others, including Crumbl.

Social media mirrors these opinions, with posts showing fans even attempting to recreate Eileen's cookies at home, (talk about one of the sweetest forms of flattery). Reviewers describe devouring the soft, sweet cookies in minutes, and one customer even deemed them among the best cookies they had ever tried. The verdict? This colossal cookie chain ranks among the best, with a big fanbase.

Dirty Dough has clearly built its entire identity around the belief that the best part of any cookie is what's hidden within. The cookie chain specializes in packed-to-the-gills-with-sweet-goodness cookies. We're talking layers stuffed to the seams with every kind of filling and mix-in imaginable. In fact, the "dirty" part of the cookie chain moniker refers to exactly that, highlighting all the glorious, gooey ingredients in the middle of it all (literally). Call it a maximalist cookie aesthetic that customers have deemed deliciously in style.

And the best part about all that palate-pleasing cookie pageantry? Fans attest these fillings aren't simply for show. Even actual bakers have great things to say, pointing to the cookies' soft, creamy centers, crunchy add-ins, and flavors that genuinely resemble the desserts their name on the menu promises. The Biscoff cookie has earned particularly ecstatic praise, while the apple pie version reportedly evokes the real thing. Peanut butter, Oreo cream, yellow cake, churro-inspired treats, and more also have vocal admirers. A constantly rotating menu keeps the cookie choices fresh, with reviewers describing crave-worthy and imaginative combos, such as caramel apple cinnamon roll and Mississippi mud bar, as being both tasty and memorable.

Some customers find the cookies rich without falling into the too-sugary category plaguing other cookie chains. Speaking of other cookie chains, fans who find other oversized cookies overwhelming deem Dirty Dough's soft, doughy texture a delicious exception to that rule.

When sweet snack cravings demand something beyond the boring cookie-cutter mold, Schmackary's is a cookie chain that turns its kitchen into a pastry chef's playground. And the customers? They get to benefit from all of that mouthwatering messing around. Alongside familiar favorites, the cookie chain keeps fans guessing with a lively menu filled with rotating and seasonal creations. Halloween can bring themed fun with options like Cookies and Scream, or delights like Poisoned Apple Crisp, which combines notes of Granny Smiths with decadent tones of caramel, white chocolate, and a dusting of streusel.

Customers are impressed by the sheer range of choices, but variety isn't the only reason this cookie chain ranks among the best in their hearts. Some reviewers point to Schmackary's cookies being less aggressively sweet than those from competing cookie chains, making them a good fit for people who want maximum flavor without feeling like they've just swallowed a fistful of frosting. The popular Confetti cookie gets a star for tasting just like the kind your mom might make at home, while the Funfetti version has fans especially smitten with its icing.

Other favorites include Blueberry Cobbler and Key Lime, with one cookie enthusiast noting the Key Lime's chewy graham-cracker base and tart lime topping as winning features. Local fans? They'll let you know this cookie chain has the absolute best chocolate chip cookies around. Even the vegan cookie options gracing the menu give customers another reason to reach for a Schmackary's snack.

Since Insomnia Cookies hit the scene, ever growing its cookie locations, competitors like Crumbl have been shaking in their boots. And with good reason. Customers often point to this cookie chain's warm, soft cookies as the ideal late-night treat, pointing out the tender in the middle, fresh-baked deliciousness that somehow manages to be utterly satisfying without falling into the familiar cookie trap of cloying sweetness. Some reviewers who prefer a softer cookie say Insomnia gets the texture just right, unlike selections from cookie chain rivals they admit finding atrociously underwhelming.

Others feel the cookies taste more natural and less artificially sweet, giving the Insomnia a loyal following among those who want a classic cookie rather than an overly frosted fiasco of a dessert merely posing as one. The menu has plenty of fan favorites, including S'mores, peanut butter, salted caramel, double chocolate and more. Reviewers also praise other options by name, such as Double Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Toaster Strudel, Cherry Limeade, Cookies and Cream, and Ube. Some describe the cookie centers as gooey and the chocolate-packed varieties as super generous, while one reviewer crowned the sugar cookie their new go-to.

Delivery gives the chain another advantage when a craving strikes after hours, whether the plan is a night snack or a box to share. And while not every flavor will win over every customer, the repeated praise from fans helps explain the chain's staying power, and high ranking among the best cookie chains.

Crave Cookies is making a case for that old familiar saying, "go big or go home," with super-stuffed cookies boasting crisped-to-golden edges, warm, pinchably soft middles, and plenty of space for a fantasia of fillings. For customers seeking a handheld dessert that makes every bite feel like a special occasion rather than a humdrum nibble, Crave Cookies' over-the-top approach is something you'll absolutely ... well ... crave. Fans flock to online forums, voicing Crave Cookies appreciation while attesting the cookie chain deserves way more attention.

Its rotating gourmet flavors give cookie lovers reason after delicious reason to keep returning to try new morsels. The Dubai chocolate cookie has earned enthusiastic praise since its arrival, while anything including Biscoff is another set of flavors reviewers rate highly. Strawberry selections also have admirers, with some customers wishing they could order an entire Crave Cookies lineup at once. Reviewers can't help but compare Crave with other cookie chains, classifying this hotspot as a far more luxurious spin on Crumbl.

Among the winning features that placed Crave Cookies near the top of the best cookie chain rankings? The bold flavors and sheer variety of the cookie spread were definitely among them (but that list goes on). Customers laud the cookies as flavorful, well-textured, and properly baked, with some arriving still warm. And while some customers consider Crave a pricier treat than some cookie chain competitors, the special flavors and satisfying textures justify the extra pennies.

Coming in hot at the top spot on our best cookie chains list is Levain Bakery. And let's just say customers are loud when it comes to expressing their love for the mouthwatering bakes being cranked out by this cookie chain. In fact, folks love Levain Bakery so much, they are even creating their own renditions, like the popular Giant Levain-style M&M's cookies recipe.

Fans particularly rave about the chocolate chip walnut original, as well as Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Some describe the middle as almost bread-like, with a soft, barely-baked quality they consider part of the magic. The fan following extends far and wide, with customers not only making a point to visit the cookie chain when they are in the area, but also admitting to taking actual flights in order to get an in-person taste of the Levain cookies they crave.

And while Levain may not be the choice for anyone seeking a small, crisp-centric cookie with a mild sweetness, those who dream of a warm cookie with a substantial center and chocolate filling every mouthful, this cookie chain will rank best in your heart as well.

We threw a bit of a curveball with this list, where rather than relying on professional critics, whose job is to assess food for a living, we took our worst to best cookie chain quest straight to the people doing the actual eating: customers. We scoured social media discussions, reviews, and customer reactions to discover which chains inspire devotion, which leave people disappointed, and which cookies have fans ready to shout their praises from the rooftops.