Cookie Guide: 50+ Milwaukee Area Must-Visit Destinations

Milwaukee's cookie scene has evolved into a treasure trove of sweet destinations, from century-old Italian bakeries with glass cases of handcrafted treats to trendy gourmet shops with Instagram-worthy rotating menus. Whether your family craves a warm chocolate chip cookie on a Saturday morning, needs custom decorated treats for a birthday party, or wants to discover hidden gems in your own neighborhood, this comprehensive guide covers every corner of the greater Milwaukee area—with all the practical details busy families need.

The best part? Many of these destinations double as family-friendly outings with ample parking, kid-welcoming atmospheres, and opportunities to watch bakers at work. From the North Shore to West Allis, Wauwatosa to Oak Creek, here's where to find the most exceptional cookies in our region.

More sweet treat guides:

Milwaukee’s best cupcakes

The best pies in Greater Milwaukee

Where to find gluten free bakeries across Wisconsin

Milwaukee's legendary bakery traditions

The foundation of Milwaukee's cookie culture rests with family-owned bakeries that have perfected their recipes over generations. These establishments offer more than just sweets—they provide a taste of neighborhood history and authentic baking craftsmanship.

Peter Sciortino Bakery

Peter Sciortino Bakery on Brady Street stands as Milwaukee's oldest Italian bakery still in operation, and their wall of Italian cookies is nothing short of legendary. Rainbow cookies, biscotti, spumoni, and delicate lemon cookies dust with powdered sugar fill the display case—all sold by weight at remarkably reasonable prices. The staff is known for their patience with children, making this an ideal stop during an East Side family outing. Plan to arrive early for the best selection, especially on weekends. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 7am-4pm and Sunday 7am-1pm (closed Monday). Street parking is available along Brady Street. Contact them at petersciortinosbakery.com, and note they ship nationwide via USPS Priority Mail.

National Bakery & Deli celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, having been founded by a Polish immigrant at their original location on South 16th Street. WISN A-List has named them #1 Bakery five years running, and their decorated sugar cookies are spectacular—they once turned Giannis Antetokounmpo into an edible work of art. Their bakers start at 2am to ensure everything is fresh by opening. With locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Greendale, hours run Monday through Friday 6:30am-3pm and Saturday 6am-2pm. Cookie trays start around $33 for three pounds. Visit nationalbakery.com for online ordering.

In West Allis, Grebe's Bakery has been a family-owned institution since 1937—now in its fourth generation. While famous for their iconic Milwaukee-style glazed cruller, they also offer hand-iced sugar cookies, decorated jumbo cookies, and seasonal designs. Their cookie decorating kits make excellent take-home activities for kids. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 5am-3pm and Sunday 5am-2pm. Contact (414) 543-7000 or visit grebesbakery.com. They're also available on Uber Eats for delivery.

Canfora Bakery (now operating as Lakeside Bakery) in Bay View continues the Italian tradition with vanilla shadow cookies, fig cookies, and assorted cookie trays at $33 for three pounds. The Sunday hot ham and rolls draw lines, but arrive early and you'll be rewarded with fresh Italian cookies that are light and not too sweet. Located at 1100 E. Oklahoma Avenue, call (414) 486-7747 for hours.

Award-winning bakeries bring modern artistry to cookies

Several Milwaukee-area bakeries have earned regional and national acclaim for their innovative approach to traditional treats, combining classic techniques with contemporary flavors.

Simma's Bakery in Wauwatosa has earned a spot among America's Top 25 Bakeries and was named Bakery Operation of the Year by the Wisconsin Bakers Association in 2017. A signed photograph from Julia Child hangs on their wall—testament to their excellence. Their peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are large, thick, and have that perfect homemade quality, priced around $0.89 each. The bakery uses all-natural ingredients with no high fructose corn syrup. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 7am-5pm, and Sunday 8am-12pm (closed Monday). Find them at 817 N. 68th Street or visit simmasbakery.com. Free street parking is available in their small commercial district.

Aggie's Bakery & Cake Shop has been family-owned since 1977, earning multiple wedding industry awards including The Knot Hall of Fame. Their signature petite cookies, sold by the pound with a one-pound minimum, come in flavors like French Butter with Raspberry ($21/lb), Chocolate Dipped ($17/lb), and Pecan Fingers ($17/lb). Cookie platters run $39.99 for two pounds or $59.99 for three pounds. Order at least 48 hours in advance through aggiesbakery.com or call (414) 482-1288. They deliver throughout Milwaukee County and parts of Waukesha. Located at 7328 W. Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, hours are Monday through Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 7am-5pm, and Sunday 7am-1pm.

Gourmet cookie shops satisfy cravings for the extraordinary

The gourmet cookie trend has arrived in Milwaukee with both national chains and local innovators bringing over-the-top creations to our area.

Crumbl Cookies has rapidly expanded across the Milwaukee metro with locations in Glendale (Bayshore Town Center), Oak Creek (160 W. Town Square Way), Brookfield (17550 W. Bluemound Road), Pewaukee (1466 Capitol Drive), Grafton, and Germantown. Their genius lies in a rotating weekly menu of four to six specialty flavors alongside permanent offerings of Milk Chocolate Chip and Chilled Sugar cookies. Past flavors include Blue Monster, S'mores, Churro, Raspberry Butter Cake, and over 120 other recipes that rotate through. Cookies are large enough to share between two or three kids, and the signature pink boxes make every purchase Instagram-worthy. Single cookies run approximately $6.39, with four-packs at $22.79 and six-packs at $31.69. Most locations operate Monday through Saturday 8am-10pm (Friday and Saturday until midnight), closed Sunday. Download the Crumbl app to check the weekly menu and order for curbside pickup. The Glendale location can be reached at (414) 600-9289.

Insomnia Cookies at 1804 E. North Avenue on Milwaukee's East Side caters to late-night cravings with delivery until 3am. Their warm, fresh-baked cookies—including Chocolate Chunk, Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and S'mores Deluxe—arrive right at your door. Cookie cakes make excellent birthday alternatives. Hours run 11am-3am daily. Order through insomniacookies.com or their app.

Greige Patisserie at 408 W. Florida Street has created what OnMilwaukee calls the "best cookie in the city"—their Sweet & Salty Cookie. This oversized creation features chocolate chips, pretzels, and potato chips, drizzled with caramel and sea salt, then topped with a chocolate-covered potato chip for $4.25. It's an unforgettable experience that perfectly balances sweet and savory.

BB Cakes Bakery represents Milwaukee's homegrown gourmet cookie movement. This female-owned company launched in 2021 specializing in thick, gooey, stuffed cookies loaded with mix-ins and fillings. Their BB Bites—smaller versions including Brookies and Chocolate Peanut Butter—ship nationwide with fast delivery. Check bbcakesmke.com for monthly flavor drops and follow them on TikTok for new releases.

North Shore neighborhoods offer distinctive cookie destinations

Families living in or visiting the North Shore communities will find exceptional local options without traveling far from home.

North Shore Boulangerie in Shorewood (4401 N. Oakland Avenue) brings authentic French pastry techniques to the neighborhood. Established in 2014, this charming boulangerie serves French-style cookies, biscotti, and exquisite macarons alongside Cafés Richard coffee from an exclusive Paris roaster. Their special events include Lunch with Santa (December 20, 2025) with a dedicated children's menu—book early as this sells out. Hours are Monday through Saturday 7am-5pm and Sunday 7am-3pm. Their second location in Mequon (11120 Weston Drive in the Foxtown development) features a French Bongard oven in their production facility. Contact them at (414) 963-2153 or northshoreboulangerie.com.

Matilda Bakehouse in Fox Point (6874 N. Santa Monica Boulevard) was founded in 2020 by pastry chef Allie Fisher, a French Pastry School graduate who previously worked at The Pfister Hotel. The bakery specializes in French viennoiseries and Midwestern favorites, with everything baked fresh at their Third Ward kitchen and delivered to Fox Point daily. Watch for their cookie decorating class announcements—perfect for kids. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 7am-1pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). Call (414) 364-8869 for class schedules.

Breadsmith in Whitefish Bay (420 E. Silver Spring Drive) has served the North Shore since 1998 with made-from-scratch artisan breads and sweets. Their European-style approach uses the highest quality ingredients, and their dessert breads (pumpkin is a customer favorite) and specialty cookies are worth the visit. Join their loyalty program—your 11th loaf is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday 7am-6pm, closed Sunday. Four parking spots are available behind the store plus street parking. Call (414) 962-6203 or visit breadsmith.com/whitefish-bay.

Crumbl Cookies - Glendale at Bayshore Town Center brings the gourmet cookie experience to North Shore families. The pink-boxed treats and constantly rotating menu make every visit an adventure—kids especially love guessing what new flavors will appear each week. Late hours on Friday and Saturday (until midnight) make this a special treat destination.

Coffee shops pair exceptional cookies with your favorite brew

Milwaukee's thriving coffee scene includes several establishments where the baked goods rival the beverages.

Colectivo Coffee operates an in-house bakery called Troubadour (baking roots dating to 1999, officially established 2012) that produces fresh cookies daily for their 12 Milwaukee-area locations. Their Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie receives consistent praise, along with Confetti Cookies and a whole-wheat flour chocolate chip option for the health-conscious. The Shorewood location at 4500 N. Oakland Avenue was remodeled in 2021 and features outdoor gazebos, while the Lakefront location at 1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive occupies a historic 1888 Milwaukee River Flushing Station with parking and stunning views. The Mequon location (11205 Cedarburg Road) offers a cozy fireplace for cold-weather visits. Hours typically run 6am-6pm or later. Visit colectivo.com and download their mobile app for ordering.

Stone Creek Coffee has been a Milwaukee-area fixture since 1993 and operates their own bakery at the Factory location. The Whitefish Bay Café & Kitchen at 527 E. Silver Spring Drive is the only Stone Creek with a dedicated kids' play area, making it a top destination for families. Parents can enjoy wine on tap while children explore. The Factory Café at 422 N. 5th Street features original 1888 Cream City brick, a wood-burning fireplace, and Sunday factory tours. Other locations include Shorewood, Glendale, Downer Avenue, and Wauwatosa. Visit stonecreekcoffee.com for hours and the full location list.

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. has partnered with Honeypie Bakeshop to offer their beloved chocolate chip cookies at all locations. The Walker's Point Roastery at 224 W. Bruce Street hosts live music Friday and Saturday nights and serves craft beer and wine—a fun evening out after the kids' bedtime. The Bay View location at 2920 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue offers cozy neighborhood vibes. Hours run Monday through Friday 7am-7pm and weekends 7am-5pm. Visit anodynecoffee.com for details.

Rocket Baby Bakery in Wauwatosa (6822 W. North Avenue) has earned a devoted following for chocolate chip cookies with the perfect crispy exterior and warm, gooey center. The outdoor pavilion provides family-friendly seating during warmer months. Their Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins and Espresso Chocolate Chip Scones are equally beloved. Hours begin at 8am; order online for curbside pickup at rocketbabybakery.com or call (414) 502-7323.

French patisseries elevate cookies to an art form

For special occasions or when you simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, Milwaukee's French-inspired bakeries deliver elegance.

Le Rêve Patisserie & Café occupies a stunning 100-year-old bank building in Tosa Village (7610 Harwood Avenue). Their classically trained pastry chefs produce authentic French macarons in various flavors alongside ready-to-bake cookies ($28 per box for Chocolate Chip or Double Chocolate Walnut Toffee). The signature macaron box runs $15. While the atmosphere skews more romantic than kid-centered, families are welcome—this makes an excellent date-night destination for parents. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11am-2pm for lunch and 5pm-9pm for dinner; Friday adds dinner until 10pm; Saturday offers brunch 9am-2pm and dinner 5pm-10pm. Closed Sunday and Tuesday. Call (414) 778-3333 or visit lerevecafe.com for reservations (highly recommended).

Black Twig Bakery at 1455 Underwood Avenue in Tosa Village brings modern artistry to classic treats. French Macarons run $2.25, Frosted House Sugar Cookies $4.00, Decorated Iced Sugar Cookies $4.50, and their Classic Big Cookies (chocolate chunk, peanut butter, flourless chocolate, oatmeal raisin) are $3.75. Cookie Sandwiches cost $4.75, with seasonal Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches at $5.50. What sets Black Twig apart: baking classes and parties for all ages—perfect for birthday celebrations. Custom orders require 48 hours notice. Hours are Wednesday through Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-3pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). Free parking is available in the Underwood Avenue garage. Contact orders@blacktwigbakery.com or call (414) 231-3327.

C. Adam's Bakery at the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water Street in the Third Ward) has been woman-owned and managed since 2005. Everything is made from scratch daily, with standouts including Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Walnut Flourless Cookies, and their legendary Butter Toffee Brownies. The Public Market setting means families can explore multiple food vendors in one visit. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Call (414) 271-1871 or visit cadamsbakery.com. Parking is available in the Public Market garage.

Custom cookie artists create edible works of art

When you need decorated cookies for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or special events, these talented artists deliver stunning results.

Cookies by Elyse serves the Racine and Milwaukee area with affordable custom celebration cookies for any theme. What families love: digital previews before baking, no rush fees, and flexible lead times. Delivery, meet-up, and pick-up options are available. Order through cookiesbyelyse.com. The owner emphasizes that beautiful custom cookies don't require spending $100 per dozen—a refreshing approach for budget-conscious families.

Edible Impressions in Mequon specializes in corporate and event cookies but also welcomes family celebrations. This woman-owned business offers QR code cookies, logo cookies, and LIVE/DIY decorating experiences—perfect for interactive party entertainment. They require a two-dozen minimum and recommend two weeks lead time for large orders. Both local delivery and nationwide shipping are available. Visit edibleimpressions.net for electronic estimates within one business day.

The Cookie Momster Milwaukee creates custom decorated sugar cookies for any occasion, with a gallery of past work on their Facebook page. Order through thecookiemomstermke.com or message via Facebook.

Black Twig Bakery and C. Adam's Bakery offer DIY Cookie Decorating Kits ($30) with a dozen pre-baked cookies plus all decorating supplies—perfect for at-home family activities. Their Gingerbread House Kits ($18) include all shapes, candy, piping bag, and frosting recipe.

Patricia O'Brien & Co. creates Milwaukee-themed decorated cookie sets—ideal gifts for visitors or anyone celebrating our city. Find their work at patriciaobrieninc.com.

Cookie decorating classes turn baking into family adventures

Learning to decorate cookies together creates lasting memories. Several area businesses offer classes specifically designed for families and children.

Icing Queens in Racine (2224 Northwestern Avenue) brings mobile cookie decorating classes directly to your location—they offer complimentary travel within one hour of Racine, covering most of the Milwaukee area. Their beginner-friendly classes work beautifully for birthday parties, girl scout troops, and family events. Private party classes receive discounted group rates. They also take custom cookie orders with a two-dozen minimum. Visit icingqueens.com for booking; expect a 24-48 hour response time.

Costa Cookie Company in Pewaukee (2331 Silvernail Road) hosts weekly and monthly decorating classes where participants learn to decorate six cookies per session. They also offer in-home hosting events for parties and special occasions. Private instruction requires 30 days advance notice. Gift certificates are available—perfect for creative kids. Visit costacookie.com for the class schedule.

Chef Pam's Kitchen in Waukesha (280 W. Main Street) includes "Discover the Art of Sugar Cookie Decorating" among their regular class offerings. They also run kids cooking classes for ages 2 and up, making this a wonderful destination for families with young children. Call (262) 271-6121 or visit chefpamskitchen.com for schedules.

More Happy Kitchens offers "Hands-on Kids Cookies" classes for ages 5-10 taught by registered dietitians. At $35 per child, this drop-off format class gives parents a break while kids learn valuable skills. Find locations and schedules at visitmilwaukee.org.

Grocery stores surprise with exceptional bakery departments

Sometimes the best cookies hide where you least expect them.

Sendik's Food Market, Wisconsin's beloved family-owned grocery chain since 1926, operates impressive bakery departments across their multiple locations. Beyond standard fare, they stock products from Friendship Bakery (whose bakers include adults with disabilities) at the Mequon location—including challah bread and crinkle chocolate cookies that support a meaningful cause. They also carry Peter Sciortino's Bakery items. Custom special occasion cakes and party trays with mini pastries are available for ordering. Visit sendiks.com for locations.

Outpost Natural Foods Co-op takes a scratch-made approach to their bakery, using local eggs and butter, organic ingredients when possible, and plant-based colors only. Their signature Little Oaties—oatmeal cookie sandwiches with creamy filling—are worth seeking out. All locations offer gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. They also stock Larsen's Danish Kringle from Racine for a special Wisconsin treat. Locations include Mequon (7590 W. Mequon Road) and Capitol Drive (100 E. Capitol Drive). Visit outpost.coop for all locations.

Holiday markets and seasonal pop-ups showcase local cookie talent

Milwaukee's holiday market scene offers opportunities to discover cottage bakers and artisan cookie creators.

The German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc (100 E. Wisconsin Avenue, November 26-30) now in its 14th year, offers an authentic European market experience with cookie decorating activities for kids. Admission is free. The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake (December 5-14) was named #5 Best Holiday Market by USA Today in 2023 and features cookie decorating alongside traditional European vendors. Admission runs $7-8 for adults, free for children 14 and under.

Locally, the West Allis Christkindlmarkt (December 5-6 at the West Allis Farmers Market) features 50+ vendors including specialty food retailers and artisan bakers. The Deer District Holiday Market at Fiserv Forum Plaza (November 21-30) offers free admission with curated local vendors. The Milwaukee Makers Market hosts events at Discovery World and maintains a permanent marketplace at Hide House Creative (2625 S. Greeley Street, Suite 135).

For a unique experience, the Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus (December 6-21, Fridays through Sundays) tours multiple bakeries for holiday cookie sampling. Book through milwaukeefoodtours.com or call (414) 255-0534.

Year-round, farmers markets feature rotating bakers. The Whitefish Bay Farmers Market runs Saturdays from June 14 through October 25, with a Winter Market on second Saturdays November through February at the WFB Public Library. The Fondy Farmers Market ranks among Milwaukee's most diverse with artisanal breads and cookies. The Tosa Farmers Market operates June through October with local bakers and free cooking demonstrations.

Dietary-friendly options

Families managing food allergies or dietary restrictions have excellent options.

Blooming Lotus Bakery near the Shorewood border (3948 North Maryland Avenue) creates grain-free, dairy-free, processed sugar-free, and egg-free baked goods using nut and seed flours. Everything is naturally gluten-free, high-protein, high-fiber, and diabetic-friendly. Their surprisingly crisp chocolate chip cookies prove that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing quality. Call (414) 800-5030 or visit blbmke.com.

Classy Girl Cupcakes in the Third Ward (825 N. Jefferson Street) offers standard, vegan, and gluten-free cookie options alongside their signature cupcakes and truffles. Custom decorated cookies and delivery are available. Call (414) 270-1877 or visit classygirlcupcakes.com.

Outpost Natural Foods Co-op maintains dedicated gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, and vegan selections in their scratch-made bakery departments.

C. Adam's Bakery produces excellent flourless cookies including their Flourless Peanut Butter and Chocolate Walnut varieties.

Hidden gems deserve a special detour

Some of Milwaukee's best cookies require venturing slightly off the beaten path.

Kurt Schulz Deli & Pastry Shoppe in Brown Deer (8752 N. Deerwood Drive) is a true hidden gem—a family-owned deli and pastry shop in historic Brown Deer Village. Their chocolate chip cookies, custom decorated cookies, and assorted bars are reasonably priced, and they offer a party room for birthday celebrations. This makes an excellent casual family lunch destination where you can enjoy both sandwiches and desserts. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 6:30am-3pm (closed Sunday and Monday). Call (414) 354-1004 or visit kurtschulzdeli.com for online ordering. Gift cards are available.

Scordato Bakery at 5011 W. Howard Avenue maintains over 20 varieties of Italian cookies sold by weight. This no-frills establishment has plenty of parking in the strip mall lot. Call (414) 327-8555 or visit scordatobakery.com.

Treat in the Milwaukee Public Market earns mention for their Friday cookie specials—Milwaukee Magazine called their chocolate chip cookie "one of the best we've ever tasted." Visit thetreatbakeshop.com and plan your visit for Friday.

Nothing Bundt Cakes in Fox Point (Audubon Court shopping center at 383 W. Brown Deer Road) specializes in bundt cakes, but their Bundtini samplers offer a fun way for families to try multiple flavors without committing to a full cake. Flavors include Chocolate Chocolate Chip and classic Vanilla—perfect for birthday party alternatives. Visit nothingbundtcakes.com for hours and ordering.

Meaningful cookie purchases support community causes

Two establishments combine excellent cookies with missions that teach children about community support.

Friendship Café & Bakery in Fox Point (8649 N. Port Washington Road) operates as a vocational education program for adults with disabilities. The fresh-baked pastries and treats are made by trainees learning valuable skills, and every purchase supports their continued training. The cozy café is available for event rentals. Call (414) 755-5855 for hours. This makes a wonderful teaching moment for children about inclusion and community support.

Friendship Bakery products (including their signature crinkle chocolate cookies) are also available at Sendik's Mequon location—an easy way to support the cause during regular grocery shopping.

Practical planning tips for cookie adventures

Best times to visit bakeries: Early morning ensures the best selection at traditional bakeries like Peter Sciortino's, Grebe's, and National Bakery. Weekday mornings avoid weekend crowds. For Crumbl, Monday mornings offer first access to new weekly flavors.

For custom orders: Most bakeries require 48 hours to two weeks notice depending on complexity. Always confirm lead times before special events.

Budget-friendly options: Traditional bakeries like Peter Sciortino's and Scordato sell cookies by weight at very reasonable prices. Simma's large cookies run around $0.89 each. National Bakery offers three-pound cookie trays for $33.

Splurge-worthy treats: Crumbl's gourmet cookies, Le Rêve's French macarons, and Greige Patisserie's Sweet & Salty Cookie deliver premium experiences.

For families with food allergies: Call ahead to confirm current offerings. Blooming Lotus, Classy Girl Cupcakes, and Outpost Natural Foods provide the most reliable options.

Building your family's cookie traditions

Greater Milwaukee's cookie landscape offers something for every family—whether you're seeking century-old recipes passed through generations, trendy gourmet creations, hands-on decorating experiences, or custom works of edible art. The establishments in this guide represent the passion and craftsmanship of local bakers who take pride in creating moments of sweetness for our community.

Consider building new family traditions: a Saturday morning stop at your neighborhood bakery, a monthly visit to discover Crumbl's new flavors, or a holiday cookie decorating class that becomes an annual event. The memories created over shared treats often outlast the cookies themselves.

Start your cookie adventures by picking two or three destinations from different categories—perhaps one traditional bakery, one coffee shop, and one unique experience. Many establishments are located near other family-friendly attractions, making cookie stops natural additions to your North Shore adventures. Most importantly, involve your children in the discovery process. Their enthusiasm for finding "the best cookie ever" will lead you to places you might never have discovered on your own.