Updated Sep. 24, 2024
The best mail day? When the box from your cookie of the month club arrives! Find our top picks for decorated cookies, seasonal cookies and even cookie dough.
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We can’t think of an occasion that isn’t made better with a cookie. A bad day? A great one? A memorable event? A quiet night? Pass the cookies. Cookie of the month clubs take things to another level. Eagerly await the mail person’s arrival with one of these subscriptions, which include cozy classics and creative takes from the country’s best bakeries. Enjoy cookies with a cult following or specially paired with the perfect cup of coffee.
According to self-taught baker, pastry chef and best-selling author Matt Adlard, cookie clubs give you a huge variety and let you try cookies you might otherwise skip. “A chocolate chip cookie is great, but trying new flavors can give you great ideas to take back into your own kitchen,” he says.
Each pick on this list was evaluated and enjoyed by our editors. Not to brag, but we consider ourselves bonafide cookie connoisseurs who take their cookie testing very seriously. One of our favorite things about these clubs? They make the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays or even just because. They’ll delight foodies, sweet tooths and people who seem to have everything. Trust us—you can never have too many cookies.
Treating someone to monthly boxes full of fresh-baked gourmet cookies is our favorite way to brighten the day. Psst! Don’t forget to snag yourself a subscription too.
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What if you could try some of the best cookies in the country without having to travel and line up outside bakeries? Goldbelly’s cookie subscription takes you on a sugary tour of some of the most beloved and imaginative bakeries. This cookie of the month club earned our overall best pick thanks to the sheer variety of options. Each month (for six, nine or 12 months), expect a new batch of bakery-made bites from around the states, including those from shops with cult followings.
I tested four of the different boxes. My boxes included the famous black and white cookies from William Greenberg Desserts, a tin of Brooklyn Blackout Cookies, a box of Chip City cookies and two boxes of Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies. Overall, I was impressed not only with the packaging (no errant crumbs or broken bits to speak of) but also with the flavor and freshness of the cookies. Although I’ve never been to New York, the black and white cookies and Brooklyn Blackout cookies offered a freshly baked flavor. I felt like I had just walked away from NYC with a haul of goodies.
Each box included enough cookies to feed anywhere from six to eight folks. Some of the larger cookies (like those from Chip City) easily split up to feed even more people. I brought each month’s box to my sister’s home in order to gather a variety of opinions. The black and white cookies were a crowd favorite, and my niece and nephew kindly let me know they were even better than my cookies. The Brooklyn Blackout cookies, Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies (my personal favorite) and Chip City cookies were also a big hit.
Expect to be delighted and surprised and to find some new obsessions along the way. Nibbles of chocolate chip cookies, whoopie pies and Hawaiian delicacies await. Want to know more? Read our review of other Goldbelly subscriptions.
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If you’re craving the cookies grandma used to make, sign up for David’s Cookies monthly club. Orders from this cookie club contain either a singular flavor or an assortment, with beloved varieties such as oatmeal raisin, butterscotch pecan and double chocolate chunk. Send a loved one (or yourself!) sweet joy for three, six, nine or 12 months. Selections range from assortments to single flavors to tins featuring flavor duos like double chocolate chunk and classic sugar.
Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home associate culinary producer, took one for the team and tested a box for us—a noble sacrifice. Ellie found these cookies flavor-packed and sans any artificial or cloying sweetness. The peanut butter cookie was her favorite, but this particular assortment contains peanut butter cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, double chocolate chunk cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies. It’s a good range of flavors for small families, coworkers or couples.
“It would be great to gift as is,” she says. Most of this is due to the sleek and enticing packaging—and the tin is reusable!
Also, check these best plant of the month clubs for budding plant parents to pair it up with.
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My favorite aspect of sampling food of the month clubs is finding smaller operations that still offer incredible quality. While delicious in their own right, many of the cookies on this list boast big sizes and sensational flavors. Those looking for a cookie subscription box that reminds them of home-baked goodies aren’t out of luck, though. That’s exactly what My Cookie Box feels like—a trip back in time to a place where cookies are small, soft and baked with an abundance of love.
In addition to the familiar flavors and fresh-baked taste, the price is also right. My box arrived in February and offered a cute Valentine’s theme that made for a fun unboxing experience. Inside was a card that detailed each flavor: Red velvet crinkle, strawberry jam, sprinkle and strawberry cake. Additionally, the box included a few fun stickers—a nice touch for gifting.
Overall, I was most impressed with the thoughtful touches that accompany the small business feel. Each cookie arrives individually wrapped, and a few handfuls of colorful packing material ensure nothing fractures in transit. This was by far my husband’s favorite box that we tested. He even commented that it was exactly like getting a box of home-baked cookies from his mom—and I agree (just don’t tell my mother-in-law).
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If you’re on Instagram, you’ve probably seen Levain Bakery and its gigantic, extra-gooey cookies. As part of the Levain cookie club, you’ll receive a bite of the good life each month (i.e., eight of the company’s famous cookies). Our favorite part: Try some new flavors before they’re shared with the public.
We really appreciate the ability to pick the assortment, at least partially. When you begin your subscription, choose from a surprise assortment or your favorite flavors. One week before the monthly shipment, subscribers get an email with the assortment they’ll receive. At that time, subscribers can switch to a different pick if they choose.
Editor Katie Bandurski enjoyed her package, which included the iconic chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, oatmeal raisin, and their caramel coconut chocolate chip cookies.
“I preheated the oven to 350 degrees and plopped the cookies on a baking sheet. They weren’t kidding about the size! Each one barely fit in the palm of my hand and was incredibly thick. I baked for about 8 minutes (Levain recommends 5-10) until warm and gooey in the center,” she notes. “I can confirm that Levain cookies are the real deal. I’ll certainly be ordering again, both for myself and my loved ones. The signature cookie assortment makes a delightful gift for any occasion—even ‘just because.'”
Read exactly what we thought of these cookies in our review.
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We love gifts that give back. This cookie of the month club from Feed Your Soul Bakery is no exception. For three, six or 12 months, you can indulge in a dozen fresh, flavorful cookies. Enjoy classics, such as snickerdoodle and chocolate chunk, and more unique varieties, such as lemon-berry and “Show Me the Honey.” Plus, every purchase provides meals (and cookies!) to those in need.
My box included several familiar flavors—snickerdoodle, chocolate chip and triple chocolate chip—but also a few curveballs. One of my favorite inclusions was the “Berry Best” cookie bar. I let my husband enjoy one and hoarded the rest for myself. They were really that good. The cookies themselves were delicious, tender and individually packaged.
I could definitely see myself giving this as a gift, especially if I’m not as familiar with the recipient and their tolerance of off-the-wall flavors. Each inclusion in the cookie of the month club box was tasty, but also fairly mild in the flavor department. The packaging is sleek and all the cookies are carefully arranged inside for safe shipping.
It is worth noting that a portion of each purchase is donated to Feeding America. Plus, Feed Your Soul maintains a monthly shipping program with the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City to gift cookies to those celebrating birthdays and other occasions. While we don’t need a reason to enjoy a sweet treat, it sure is nice to know that each purchase goes towards a good cause.
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Grab a spoon! You’ll want to eat Doughp’s amazing (and safe!) cookie dough right out of the container. Choose to receive a two-pint delivery every month, then indulge in flavors like chocolate chip, sprinkles, frosting or chocolate brownie—no oven needed. Of course, the dough is also ready to turn into ooey-gooey cookies, assuming it lasts that long!
The Secret Dough Club offers two surprise pints every month, each containing one of their irresistible flavors. Some of the flavors included are unreleased, which means club members get to taste them before they’re available on the website. Already have a favorite flavor? There’s also an option to build your own subscription box. Editor Caroline Lubinsky lives in North Carolina, and her box arrived fully insulated and with a few ice packs surrounding her pints.
“Each eight-ounce cup is said to bake 15 cookies or supply 27 spoonfuls,” says Caroline of this fun snack subscription. “I thought they tasted excellent. When they bake in the oven, the dough comes out pretty flat. This results in a crispy, buttery cookie (and I couldn’t even tell that they were eggless). The dough was just as good to snack on. For $15, I don’t think it’s a bad deal, especially if you like to snack on cookie dough. And hey, who doesn’t need a nice sweet treat that you don’t have to bake in the oven?”
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Cheryl’s is best loved for their soft and tender buttercream cutout cookies. However, they also have a world of other flavors worth exploring. With this flavor of the month cookie club, receive a new seasonal flavor, such as cinnamon pumpkin in October to go with your PSL or frosted lemon to usher in April. Each cookie comes individually wrapped for freshness—a nice touch when it comes to sharing. Sending as a gift? Consider pairing with a flower subscription for a little extra fun.
“I was so impressed by how pronounced and true-to-life the flavors were, especially in the maple, butter pecan and candy cane cookies,” says Editor Annamarie Higley. “The candy cane cookie reminded me of Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s from Trader Joe’s—a holiday staple in my household. And the butter pecan cookie was reminiscent of the iconic ice cream flavor in the very best way. I’d have to say this nutty cookie was my top pick. I would’ve never guessed!”
“Cheryl’s most famous cookies are cutout sugar cookies with buttercream frosting of various flavors,” she says. “Some examples: s’mores, maple, cookie dough, cinnamon roll, triple chocolate and Key lime. Additionally, Cheryl’s also sells unfrosted favorites such as oatmeal raisin, red velvet, snickerdoodle and classic chocolate chip. Not to mention the non-cookie offerings, such as cupcakes, crumb bars and brownies.”
Want to know more? Get the full scoop in our Cheryl’s review.
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For those that appreciate big flavors in a big package—and I do mean big—let me introduce you to your new BFF. Taylor Chip Cookies was born after Sara and Doug Taylor tried to make a copycat cookie of one of Doug’s faves. From there, they’ve developed an impressive catalogue of cookie flavors that range from traditional to wacky and everything in between. A commitment to natural ingredients (including real butter) make this a standout among other cookie subs. That, and the absolutely behemoth size of their sweets.
With the cookie club, enjoy a dozen cookies each month in your choice of flavors. Take your time deciding—there’s over 25 flavors to choose from! Some notable picks include pink velvet cheesecake, brownie peanut butter chip, cinnamon bun, peanut butter and jelly and brookie. Some are frosted, some are glazed, some are naked—all are absolutely delectable. We recommend this gift of the month club for both gifting and enjoying for yourself—just be sure to freeze any leftovers to preserve freshness!
“These supersized cookies are made for sharing with your sweetheart,” says Katie. “They offer the best of both worlds for cookie lovers—crispy edges and a thick, gooey center. In our testing, we loved the forward flavors of quality butter and vanilla, as well as the wide diversity of cookie flavors. Classic snickerdoodle was our favorite—the nostalgic cinnamon-sugar notes tasted like childhood. Sweet!”
We knew we’d have our work cut out for us. There are dozens of cookie of the month clubs out there, many of which feature cult followings and rave reviews. Before writing this article, we narrowed down our list to the top 20 boxes. From dairy-free chocolate chip to strawberry jam to oatmeal apple pie, we tested over 50 flavors of cookies from 17 different cookie of the month clubs.
We don’t let the chocolate go to our heads, either. Our editors vetted for quality, quantity, cost and packaging. Only the best of the best cookie subscription boxes made it out on top. Each pick is one we’d feel ecstatic gifting and receiving, whether it’s for a holiday, birthday, or a “just because” gesture for someone you love.
According to Matt, one of the best aspects of a cookie club is that they’re so versatile. “It could be great for family members who live far apart as a way to connect—monthly chats about cookies sounds pretty fun,” he says. “It’s important to know who you’re buying for and if they’ve got any preference or dietary requirements. Also, take into consideration how many cookies you get each month—if it’s a big family, then make sure you’re ordering enough to go around! No one wants to share a cookie.”
Like baking subscription boxes, choosing a cookie of the month club is a subjective experience. When searching, keep the following in mind: The recipient, your budget and any dietary preferences or desired flavors. Those gifting a cookie subscription box should opt for a box that looks great, offers secure packaging and matches the recipient’s flavor preferences.
If you’re looking for yourself, think about whether you’ll have to store any leftovers. Some cookies can be easily frozen for freshness, while others must be consumed within a certain timeframe. No matter what, pick a box that has high ratings and reviews from previous customers.
Growing up with a mom who scratch-made cookies for every occasion—birthdays, school bake sales, Christmas, the list goes on—cookies always held a special place in life’s celebrations. Now, as Taste of Home‘s resident expert in all things food and drink, I consider myself something of a cookie connoisseur. While it sounds a lot better than “cookie monster,” the general idea is the same: I see a cookie, I eat it. Because of this, I have a pretty good grasp on what elements make for a tasty cookie.
I have no bias towards commercially made cookies or those that boast eccentric flavors or oversized borders, either. To me, a good cookie is a cookie that tastes good and gives you the same cozy feeling as enjoying one straight from grandma’s oven. Chasing that euphoric experience led me to test over a dozen cookie boxes so you don’t have to experience the profound disappointment of a subpar cookie.
For this piece, we also consulted Matt Adlard, a self-taught baker, pastry chef and best-selling author who has risen to become one of the UK’s most-followed food personalities. Matt takes a humorous & honest approach to baking, showing the trials and tribulations of his baking journey with his audience. Matt’s debut cookbook, Bake It Better, was an instant U.S. best seller.
Originally Published: April 25, 2022
