With the first snowfall hitting New York in the middle of fall(!), my mind immediately wandered off to my favorite comfort foods. Beyond the obvious, carb-heavy fare of pasta and pizza, there’s a whole range of desserts that taste even better when temperatures drop. From pancakes drowning in maple butter to warm cookies delivered to your door – these picks are guaranteed to give your insides a snuggly winter hug.
Cast-iron cookie at Boulton and Watt
This long-time Lower East Side spot is known for comfort fare in the form of savory snacks, highlighting classics like chicken sliders and fried calamari. But the real catch is their cast-iron cookie, a dangerously large round of thick and fluffy dough, complete with melted chocolate chips and a jug of cold milk on the side.
Address: 5 Avenue A, NY 10009
Babka French toast at Shuka
French toast is a winter essential for brunch, but Shuka takes this sweet staple to a whole new level by replacing bread with babka. It’s cake-like in texture, swirled with milk chocolate and finished off with fluffy whipped cream.
Address: 38 Macdougal St, NY 10012
Cookies at Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery no longer needs an introduction, and I would happily eat these cookies every day of the year. But somehow, these warm, scone-sized chunks – perfectly crisp on the outside and all melt-in-your-mouth soft in the inside – manage to taste even better when you’ve ventured out for them in the snow.
Address: 167 W 74th St, NY 10023
Malt pancakes at Sunday in Brooklyn
Not all pancakes are created equal; Sunday in Brooklyn definitely stands out with their outrageously big, plump and pillowy stack. A secret ingredient of malt powder makes them extra golden-brown; hazelnut praline gives Nutella a run for its money, and a slice of brown butter is entirely unnecessary but oh so brilliant.
Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Chocolate fudge cake at Martha’s Country Bakery
The city’s most welcoming spot for sweets, Martha’s Country Bakery draws in a crowd thanks to its never-ending display of desserts. But not everyone knows some treats can be warmed up in the oven, including a deeply rich chocolate fudge cake, which then comes out covered in piping-hot chocolate sauce. You’re welcome.
Address: 263 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (favorite location)
Brookie at Baked
Cold temperatures ask for drastic measures, like doubling up on your favorite treats. Meet Brookie, a crisp and chewy chocolate chip cookie, baked in the middle of a rich and fudgy brownie. Again, you’re so welcome.
Address: 279 Church St, NY 10013 (favorite location)
Blueberry pancakes at Clinton St Baking Company
Substitute syrup for warm maple butter, and you’ve got something undeniably unique and comforting. Served alongside pancakes with blueberries, nestled on top and inside the batter, and you’ll have people willing enough to queue for hours in the cold. It takes some serious dedication, but it’s seriously worth it.
Address: 4 Clinton St, NY 10002
Nutella pizza at Patrizia’s
Mozzarella-topped pizzas are great, but have you ever tried swapping your slice for something sweeter? At Patrizia’s, there’s no denying the star of the show (I mean literally): a star-shaped pizza comes smothered in Nutella and powdered sugar, complete with whipped cream in every corner.
Address: multiple locations
S’mores cookie at Insomnia Cookies
If you find yourself craving dessert in the middle of the night, chances are high you grab a sad pack of store-bought cookies. But there’s no need to settle for less, when Insomnia Cookies delivers warm, all-American rounds until 3am. My favorite is their deluxe s’mores, a bigger-sized cookie with a fudgy chocolate interior, stretchy marshmallows and graham crackers.
Address: multiple locations
If you’re looking for more sweet treats in the city, take a look at my guide to New York’s best Fall desserts.
