My favorite thing about cookies is that there’s an endless array of flavors. You want a small, delicious baked good that tastes like a pancake? There’s a cookie for that. And don’t even get me started on the multitude of Oreo flavors out there. With all of this variety in the world of cookies, imagine limiting yourself to chocolate chip. Personally, I don’t hate chocolate chip cookies, but I’ll readily admit that they’re just fine. There are a plethora of reasons to not love chocolate chip cookies, though. Maybe you think they’re too simple. Or maybe they’re just too ubiquitous and you crave something new. Or, hey, maybe you just don’t like chocolate (no shame). For everyone who wants an alternative to chocolate chip cookies, whatever the reason may be, I’ve delved into Sporked‘s rankings to find the best alternatives to chocolate chip cookies. (Oh and if you ended up here accidentally, we’ve ranked the best chocolate chip cookies, too.)
- Simple Truth Thin & Crispy Lemon Cookies
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If you’re a sucker for texture like me, Simple Truth Thin & Crispy Lemon Cookies are a godsend. They’re kind of like Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, but chipless and with a big ol’ burst of citrus. When you take a bite of one of these bad boys, the first thing you’ll notice is its deep, buttery flavor, but the lemon creeps in at the end to serve up a light and fresh cookie right out of the package. These are my go-to lemon cookies when Girl Scout cookies aren’t in season.
Read the full ranking of the best lemon cookies
- Christie Cookie Co. Oatmeal Raisin Gourmet Cookies
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Oatmeal raisin cookies can scratch the same itch as chocolate chip cookies, but they’re perfect for people who don’t want or like chocolate. With these, you get bursts of sweetness from raisins rather than chips—brilliant. Christie Cookie Co. makes some of the best oatmeal raisin cookies at the grocery store. They’re as soft as homemade cookies and they don’t have the weird preservative flavor that other soft-batch store bought cookies have. Reach for these when you want a buttery, rich alternative to a chocolate chip cookie.
Read the full ranking of the best oatmeal cookies
- Back to Nature Peanut Butter Creme Cookies
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A peanut butter cookie is a great step away from the chokehold that chocolate chip cookies have on the baked goods industry. They’re the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and these Back to Nature Peanut Butter Creme Cookies are especially tasty. According to Sporked senior writer Jordan Myrick, “The cookie is crunchy while still being tender and crumbly. The peanut butter flavor is strong without being overpoweringly nutty.” Back to Nature really leaves little to desire, so grab a tall glass of milk and get ready to absolutely house a sleeve of these.
Read the full ranking of the best peanut butter cookies
- Sprouts Market Corner Two-Bite Coconut Macaroons
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When you think “cookie to rival chocolate chip cookies,” you probably don’t think of macaroons, but I’m here to remind you of all they have to offer. Cookies made almost entirely from sweetened coconut shreds are still cookies, and they’re better for savoring than scarfing, unlike a lot of other cookies (I’m looking at you, Oreo). These macaroons from Sprouts are moist and tender and packed full of coconut flavor, so if you’re looking for a coconut cookie to reach for instead of a chocolate chip cookie, this is the way to go.
Read the full ranking of the best macaroons
- Golden Double Stuf
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It’s no secret that I believe in Oreo supremacy. There are so many flavors that I probably could have dedicated this entire list to their lineup, but that’s already been done. I would be remiss if I didn’t throw at least one into the mix, though. The wide range of flavors gives any chocolate-hesitant individual a cookie to love, and I believe the best non-chocolate Oreo is the Golden Double Stuf (and Jordan agrees). It delivers a Teddy Grahams/animal cracker vibe with a double dose of the classic creme that Oreo is known for. This is far from a chocolate chip cookie in the best way possible, and when they come in a pack of 52, there are plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Read the full ranking of the best Oreo flavors
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!