Located in Los Angeles (Westside or central LA are preferred, but open to all areas)
Must be known for cookies (not just a bakery with good cookies on the side)
Either classic perfected OR unique flavors worth trying
Freshly baked (ideally warm)
Extra Details:
I’m on the hunt for the absolute best cookie shop in LA. Looking for cookies that are worth driving across the city for—whether it’s classic chocolate chip done perfectly, giant gooey ones, or creative flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
If I have to pick one cookie shop in LA, it’s Diddy Riese and it’s honestly not even close.
Yeah, it’s basic. Yeah, it’s right by UCLA and always packed. But the price-to-happiness ratio is undefeated. Warm, freshly baked cookies, zero frills, and flavors that just hit — the oatmeal chocolate chip and peanut butter are forever GOATed. The ice cream sandwich situation is iconic for a reason.
I’ve tried the fancier spots with $6–$8 “elevated” cookies, but when I actually want a cookie — not a dessert concept, not a brand moment — Diddy Riese is where I go. It’s nostalgic, consistent, and still feels like LA.
If you haven’t tried Levain Bakery (Larchmont), run, don’t walk. Their chocolate chip walnut is basically cookie heaven—thick, gooey in the center, and crisp on the edges. They’re definitely on the pricier side ($5+ a cookie), but one cookie is massive and honestly feels like a whole dessert. My personal favorite is the dark chocolate chocolate chip - so decadent. You will LOVE it if you love chocolatey cookies. Totally worth the hype.
The Best Cookie Shops in Los Angeles?
someone who's looking for indulge-worthy cookies
$-$$$
Located in Los Angeles (Westside or central LA are preferred, but open to all areas)
Must be known for cookies (not just a bakery with good cookies on the side)
Either classic perfected OR unique flavors worth trying
Freshly baked (ideally warm)
I’m on the hunt for the absolute best cookie shop in LA. Looking for cookies that are worth driving across the city for—whether it’s classic chocolate chip done perfectly, giant gooey ones, or creative flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
Vote: Diddy Riese 🍪
If I have to pick one cookie shop in LA, it’s Diddy Riese and it’s honestly not even close.
Yeah, it’s basic. Yeah, it’s right by UCLA and always packed. But the price-to-happiness ratio is undefeated. Warm, freshly baked cookies, zero frills, and flavors that just hit — the oatmeal chocolate chip and peanut butter are forever GOATed. The ice cream sandwich situation is iconic for a reason.
I’ve tried the fancier spots with $6–$8 “elevated” cookies, but when I actually want a cookie — not a dessert concept, not a brand moment — Diddy Riese is where I go. It’s nostalgic, consistent, and still feels like LA.
Cheap, chaotic, delicious. That’s my vote.
If you haven’t tried Levain Bakery (Larchmont), run, don’t walk. Their chocolate chip walnut is basically cookie heaven—thick, gooey in the center, and crisp on the edges. They’re definitely on the pricier side ($5+ a cookie), but one cookie is massive and honestly feels like a whole dessert. My personal favorite is the dark chocolate chocolate chip - so decadent. You will LOVE it if you love chocolatey cookies. Totally worth the hype.