One Smart Cookie: Love at First Bite with Carol's Cookies

Our love affair with Carol's Cookies began in an unlikely way.

It all began when the Starbucks (a local company, you may have heard of them) marketing people sent us a coupon to try out their new Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Not prone to turning away free stuff, we ventured over to the 'Bucks, where we sampled the goods. The hot chocolate has a nice flavor--with the slightest salty aftertaste to balance the sweetness--but it's rich as all get-out, and gave a delirious sugar-high after about 6 of the 12 ounces of a small--er, "Tall". Unable to sit still and draw cupcakes after that jolt, our spy ended up taking a long walk and idly looking at the Whole Foods bakery case: it was there that Cakespy encountered the $2.99, 8-ounce (yes, we weighed it) chocolate-walnut deliciousness made by Chicago-based Carol's Cookies. Clearly, it was time to prolong that sugar high.

Our first thought was that these were similar to the large cookies made by Levain, but upon the first bite it was clear that the resemblance was only visual--their textures and flavors, while both delicious, were very different. Whereas Levain's cookies have a delicious crunchiness to the texture,  Carol's cookies are a dream to cookie-dough lovers: lightly crisped on the exterior, giving way to a so-good-it-tingles soft, gooey interior, with pockets of caramel-y brown sugar, studded--but not saturated--with chocolate chips and nuts. The rich flavor is chased by the slightest bit of nuttiness (perhaps due to their use of wheat flour?) and a baby-bit of saltiness. 

And if they hadn't already won us over with their flavor, the indulgent cookie enhancement ideas on the site sealed the deal--once we saw their suggestion for the Breakfast of Champions--"Break up an Oatmeal Raisin with Pecans Cookie and add your favorite milk for a great way to start your day"--we knew we'd discovered a kindred spirit. 

Intrigued? Carol's Cookies are available at Whole Foods locations all over the US.

Comments

[Sharon]

Oh, Carols! I used to love these cookies but after moving, I found that my local Whole Foods doesn't carry them. I'm sad, my gut is happy :)

[Joy the Baker]

so seriously yummy! great light in the photo too!

[VeggieGirl]

Yep, I think I'm in love now too :0)

[Jane]

and better news still: my local target sells carol's cookie dough. in a tub for $6. you can bake them in smaller sizes .... tastes the same. ultra yum.

[The Courteous Chihuahua]

I immediately checked to see if these cookies were available near me...unfortunately, they are not on my side of town.

[My First Kitchen]

Yet another reason to beg for a Whole Foods in my city. And Starbucks is a local company... funny.

[Bridget]

Oh, that looks so good! Yes, I have heard of Starbucks ;) and have been dying to try that salted hot chocolate. Maybe today is the day!

[Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer]

Oh my do these look great - I will head to Whole foods and pick some of these babies up!! Thanks for the great tip!!

[Prudence]

Ah, salted hot chocolate on a day like today (chilly..) sounds SO good. I want a cookie.. wah!!

[Cupcake Activist]

Whole Foods never fails! They have so much yummy stuff in their bakery. And their cupcakes are gigantic. I might have to give that hot chocolate a try too!

[Sarah]

I will have to make sure to stop by Whole Foods today!

[justJENN]

Yeah, those things are strangely addictive...

[giz]

I've clearly been living under a rock - never heard of them - maybe not available in the great white north.

[Grace]

that's a whole lot of cookie! fortunately, my stomach stretches quite nicely. :)

[Clumbsy Cookie]

I've heared so much of them, I'll try to buy one when I'm in the US next month!

[Caroline]

Great find! I have been in love with these since moving to Chicago. I am honored to say that I have met Carol and her son who works with her and they are not only amazing cookie makers but the nicest people as well!

[Cakespy]

Sharon, Oh, bummer! When you're traveling you should pick some up :-)

Joy the Baker: They were awesome! Thanks!

Veggiegirl: Yup--it is LOVE!

Jane: No way!! I have to see if they have it at our local Target.

Courteous: Bummer! Well, maybe they'll come to a local whole foods soon!

My first: What city are you in? Whole foods is taking over the world so surely it's just a matter of time!

Bridget: It's worth a try!

Wheresmydamn: You won't regret it!

Prudence: You deserve a cookie, baby!

Cupcake activist: I agree, whole foods' bakeries are generally pretty good!

Sarah: DO IT!

JustJenn: You said it!

Giz: Oh bummer! Well, next time you're in the states...

Grace: Yea! Good attitude!

Clumbsy: Yes, you should!

Caroline: Fantastic!! I am jealous!

[Cookie Madness]

I'm going insane trying to figure out the recipe.

About the wheat flour. I assumed wheat flour just meant regular flour as opposed to some other type grain flour. So I'm thinking they use regular all-purpose flour. I don't think Carol uses whole wheat flour, but I don't know.

Anyway. I have to figure out the recipe because Central Market stopped selling them and our Whole Foods no longer carries them.

[Cakespy]

Cookie Madness: oh man, I wish I still had the label so I could cross-reference. Good call--the wheat flour could just be an all purpose one, maybe it just sounds better?? I'm gonna check it out. Maybe I could send you one!

[kickpleat]

these cookies look really good! and i totally agree about the salted caramel hot chocolate....i only needed to drink about 1/4 of the amount. too crazy rich and sweet! bzzzzzzz!!!

[Katrina]

Heading to NYC tomorrow where I'm hoping to find a Carol's cookie. Gotta try this baby! Heard all about it from Anna, Cookie Madness. Can't wait to try lots of others at NY bakeries!
Love your cute blog.

[Hallie Fae]

Yum, these look so good. I've never seen them at my Whole Foods, but maybe I have to look a little harder.

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