Editors’ Choice
Good Night Fatty, Salem
Standout Qualities: The one-time cookie pop-up has a permanent spot in the alley behind Ledger and Rockafellas in downtown Salem, where they serve their thick cookies (the “fatty”) to a cult-like following eager for such flavors as salted caramel pretzel, key lime, and birthday cake.
What’s Unique: It’s open just Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 11 p.m. for those who crave a late-night snack or dessert after dinner.
Insider Tip: You can wait for fresh batches to come hot out of the oven while playing board games in the shop.
18 Higginson Square, Salem, 978-822-2277, goodnightfatty.com
Readers’ Choice
BellaVella, Topsfield
Outstanding Qualities: Owner Darlene Vella spent years perfecting her cookie recipes, and the results are cookies that strike the perfect balance between gooey and chewy—the chocolate chip and snickerdoodle are standouts.
No retail location; 781-953-0936, bellavella.com