You’ve seen my post on my favorite appetizers in Chicago, and now it’s time for dessert!
In honor of National Dessert Day (October 14th), I have rounded up my favorite sweets in the city of Chicago. It’s arguably the most important meal of the day, and there is ALWAYS room for dessert. I am well aware that most of this revolves around cookie dough in some regard. Hello and welcome to Allie Bahcall. If this is the part where I am supposed to apologize for loving cookie dough so much, then I’m just going to drop the mic now and let you peruse the list anyways.
*All sweets are listed in alphabetical order.
**All pictures are taken by me unless otherwise noted.
Banana Gelato
Available at Gibsons Italia
I am not a huge fan of most banana desserts, but the Banana Gelato blows most desserts (regardless of whether said desserts contain bananas) out of the water. It photographs well and, believe it or not, tastes even better. This dish is definitely “love at first bite.”
Chocolate Cake
Available at Formento’s
Dark Chocolate Mousse and Hazelnut Praline
When my friends and I tried this cake for the first time, we literally shared a moment of silence because it was so damn good. I literally would go out of my way to get this cake any day of the week. Whenever I am in or near the West Loop, I usually make it a point to swing by Formento’s or Nonna’s for a slice of this cake. It is incredible.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake
Available at Ronny’s Steakhouse
These cupcakes are the real deal and easily one of my favorites in the city. There are a ton of fun cupcake flavors at Ronny’s, but my personal favorite is obviously one that revolves around COOKIES! You definitely need to swing by and pick one up during your lunch break in The Loop.
Concrete with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Available at Scooter’s Frozen Custard
Custard is the perfect summer treat, and Scooter’s levels up with their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Concrete. Even if the line is out the door, this custard is always worth the wait!
Just Dough It
Available at Sweet Mandy B’s
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich with Edible Cookie Dough
Chocolate chip cookies with cookie dough sandwiched in the middle? Say no more. These aren’t always on the menu, and I honestly don’t know if they have been on the menu in recent history, but I can tell you that this dessert has my name written ALL OVER IT, and it is as epic as it sounds!
Marble Cake
Available at Bake Chicago
Vanilla Chocolate Swirl Cake filled and frosted with Chocolate Sour Cream Icing
My friend and I went into Bake one afternoon to try the, you guessed it, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. We didn’t realize that they don’t sell that particular cake every day, so we got the Marble Cake instead and HOLY MOLY it was SO good. You can literally see in the featured photo of this post that I practically licked the plate clean like the class act I am!
Oh Dough You Didn't Edible Cookie Dough Cups
Available at XO Marshmallow
Gourmet marshmallow, cookie dough and chocolate… XO Marshmallow hit the trifecta! I love this dessert so much because, as evident in the picture, there is no shortage of cookie dough here. I am pretty sure this is the only dessert on my list here that can be shipped right to your doorstep with online ordering, so go ahead and make the dreams you are now having about this dessert a reality!
Oh My! Caramel Pie
Available at Beatrix
With Shortbread Cookie Crust
In my last post, I touched upon my random obsession with pie. I really think it might have stemmed from this pie right here. I can’t even put into words how much I love it. You just need to get yourself to Beatrix and experience the hype for yourself.
Red Velvet Cake
Available at Velvet Taco
I have been a fan of Velvet Taco’s tacos for a while, but I recently discovered the underdog of the entire menu (that is already delicious) is THIS CAKE RIGHT HERE. They usually serve the dulce de leche on the side, but one day when I was there they ran out of to-go cups so I asked for it to be drizzled on top. I think I am the only person who would want to have an already sweet cake be made even sweeter, but I’m here for it!
I realize that I clearly need to expand my horizons a bit here and start obsessing over desserts that are not cake and cookies. Let me hear your recommendations in the comments section. I am all ears!
