Whether you’re popping a batch in the oven or bringing home a haul from the holiday office exchange, there are few sweet treats more craveable than cookies. Between the chocolate chips, the roasted nuts and every last buttery crumb, these bite-size confections can turn even the toughest school days into distant, fuzzy memories. So the next time you’re in need of a holiday platter, a tasty reward or a scrumptious afternoon pick-me-up, visit one of these local bakeries to sample some of the best cookies in Portland.
photo: Steven Yeh via flickr
Coquine
With a name that doubles as “a light-hearted chide for a mischievous little girl,” it’s little wonder that Coquine’s cookies bring out the chocolate-loving child in us all. This darling bistro has earned raves for its seasonal menu and succulent whole roasted chickens, but we suspect that people really keep coming back for the Coquine Cookie—a chocolate chip confection with smoked almonds and salted caramel. Best of all? These addictive little treats are available to pre-order or ship—so you’ll never have to risk arriving to find empty shelves.
6839 SE Belmont St.
503-384-2483
Online: coquinepdx.com
Farina Bakery
Discover a welcome taste of Paris at Farina Bakery, a charming and whimsical bakeshop on the edge of Ladd’s Addition. The décor is cheerful and unique and the staff always friendly—but it’s the Parisian macarons that truly steal the show. Choose from 12 daily flavors that range from raspberry and marionberry to seasonal tiramisu, or make a special bulk order one week in advance. Either way, you’ll enjoy delicate macarons that are soft, crisp, airy and rich—miraculously, all at the same time.
1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
971-279-5939
Online: farinabakery.com
photo: Szymon Kochański via flickr
Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Whether you’re searching for the perfect loaf of crusty country bread or craving pizza on a drizzly Monday night, you’ll find a warm and aromatic welcome at Ken’s Artisan Bakery in Nob Hill. Since opening in 2001, this friendly neighborhood spot has turned out countless sweet Oregon croissants and some of the best chocolate chip cookies in all of Portland. The chocolate is rich, dark Valrhona and the cookie is crisp, perfectly browned and oh-so-buttery. The generous size makes them perfect for sharing—but really, why would you want to?
338 NW 21st Ave.
503-248-2202
Online: kensartisan.com/bakery
Nuvrei
The refined French techniques of owner-patissier Marius Pop are on full display at Nuvrei, the beloved Pearl District bakery known for its sleek display of flakey croissants and pastries. But the cookies at this minimalist bakeshop are equally special, from the flourless chocolate with walnuts to the sweet-and-salty French almond. In 2014, Pop also opened the Mac Bar in the basement, an inventive subterranean showcase of Nuvrei’s wonderful macarons, which are also available for bulk and custom orders.
404 NW 10th Ave.
503-972-1700
Online: nuvrei.com
photo: Tammy Strobel via Flickr
Pearl Bakery
Pearl Bakery has grown up alongside its neighborhood since opening in 1997, and its bread is now found in restaurants (and homes) across the city. But do yourself a favor and try the cookies the next time you’re in—you’ll find a rotating assortment that includes Valhrona white chocolate sandwiches, classic snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and a variety of shortbreads. The Parisian macarons are also tasty and creative, from the pistachio apricot to the huckleberry orange.
102 NW 9th Ave.
503-827-0910
Online: pearlbakery.com
What are your favorite cookies in Portland? Let us know in the comments below!
— Maura O’Brien
