Kristina Lavallee Weighs In on the Best Store-Bought Chocolate Chip Cookies in Simply Recipes

Craving a classic chocolate chip cookie but short on time? You’re not alone — and thankfully, the experts have weighed in. Kristina Lavallee, founder and visionary of The Cake Girl®, was recently featured in Simply Recipes’ guide to the best store-bought chocolate chip cookies, bringing her baking expertise to everyday cookie decisions.

A Consensus Favorite: Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

In the article “I Asked 4 Experts to Name the Best Store-Bought Chocolate Chip Cookies — They All Said the Same Brand,” four professional bakers and chefs were surveyed on their go-to pre-made cookie pick. The unanimous winner? Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies — known for their thin, crispy texture and rich buttery flavor that evokes a bakery-style treat straight from the pantry.

Kristina shared why she reaches for Tate’s when a store-bought cookie fix is in order:

“They’re not overly sweet, and the balance of flavors lets the butter and chocolate shine instead of sugar dominating the profile,” she said. “An added bonus is that I don’t get the greasy or artificial aftertaste common in some store-bought sweets.”

Her take highlights what matters to both professional bakers and home dessert lovers alike — flavor balance, simplicity, and texture that can stand up next to homemade. Tate’s iconic green-and-white bag has become a reliable pantry staple for cookie lovers across the country.

Why Store-Bought Cookies Still Matter

While nothing truly replaces the experience of fresh-from-oven cookies, having a great store-bought option on hand can be a real kitchen lifesaver — from impromptu guests to spontaneous ice cream sandwiches. As Kristina’s insight shows, some packaged cookies come impressively close to the bakery experience when you know which brand delivers quality and flavor.

Plus, knowing the texture and flavor profiles — crisp edges, deep buttery notes, and a satisfying chocolate ratio — helps home bakers make smarter choices when grabbing cookies from the shelf.

A Little Pro Tip from a Pro

Kristina also points out that thin, crispy cookies can provide a delightful contrast to the thicker, gooier cookies many people prefer to bake at home, offering versatility for different dessert pairings and occasions.

So the next time you’re walking down the cookie aisle and craving a tried-and-true option, reach for the one the pros recommend — and maybe pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of cold milk for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.