From the classics like oatmeal raisin to newfangled varieties like Central Market's blueberry white chocolate chip, the Bayou City knows how to bake a mean cookie.
Here's a quick rundown of our favorites in no particular order.
While our list isn't really ranked, Pondicheri still deserves top mention for cookie flavors that are as innovative as they are delicious. The cookie names speak for themselves really — Double Chocolate Hazelnut Basil, Pistachio Cardamom, Chocolate Almond Coconut Fresh Mint, Chocolate Oatmeal Chili, to note but a few.
Sinfull Bakery makes cookies for the 21st century, adding a healthy and socially-responsible edge to a classic guilty pleasure. But just because Sinfull's goods are organic and totally vegan, doesn't mean these cookies won't rock your world.
Go for the oatmeal raisin with its maple syrup-infused dough and rum-soaked raisins.
Cordon Bleu-trained Rebecca Masson put Houston cookies on the map in 2011 with her drama-filled performance on the second season of Top Chef: Just Desserts. Do not miss her fluffernutter sandwich cookies.
Serving up baked goods since 1949, Three Brothers is a Bayou City institution offering more than 30 varieties of non-dairy and kosher cookies.
Known for one of the best black and white cookie this side of Manhattan, the Three Brothers Cookie Chocolate Chewie is an unforgettable hybrid of cookie and brownie . . . complete with chopped walnuts sprinkled on top.
Nothing beats sitting in the garden on a mild sunny day at Tiny Boxwoods, especially if you're sporting a latte and one of the cafe's beloved buttery cookies. The chocolate chip is a Houston must.
Paulie's has some amazing dessert options, but the Italian bistro's chocolate chip cookie is outstanding. Not only is it perfectly chewy, but there's additional chocolate dripped onto the top. Genius.
In eight short years, Michael Savino has become a cookie legend — a man who, according to his website, "couples the nostalgia of our collective childhood memories with the dedication and skill of a trained pastry chef."
The surprise is it's almost all true. Try the chocolate chunk or a classic sugar cookie.
Knowing full well that we've only just scratched the surface of Houston cookie culture, feel free to chime in with your favorites in the comments section below.
Paulie's chocolate chip cookies with drizzles of chocolate on top
