The best chocolate chip cookies in Mass., as declared by our readers

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The chocolate chip cookie was born in Massachusetts. But nowadays, where in our state can you get the best one?

That’s the question I asked readers last month. Nearly 50 people shared their favorite chocolate chip cookie spots and dished about what makes their treats so special.

Tastes varied — and insights got specific: Some said they like a crisp, thin cookie, while others preferred a chewier chocolate chip. Folks had picks for fantastic gluten-free eats. Several tipped their hats to cookie joints that keep their sweets slightly salty.

You’re sure to find several places in this list to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy reading!

No longer standing (but we went out to stand where it once stood)

First, we’ve got to give a shout-out to the original. Six readers said Toll House’s chocolate chip cookie, homemade by themselves or a family member, has been a lifelong favorite. “I use the recipe on the bag to the letter,” wrote James Govoni. “No secrets, never better.”

More than 80 years ago, Carol Agate said her family would often travel to Brookline from Providence to visit her aunt. “Perhaps to avoid my complaints about what was then a tedious trip,” she said, her parents would always stop at Toll House for lunch. Back then, Agate said the restaurant not only had its classic cookies on offer, but also “a grab bag of toys for children to reach in and take a gift.”

Brookline

The beloved bakery’s chocolate chip cookie was another “clear” favorite. Four respondents praised the quality of its ingredients, from the chocolate to the butter to the flour. “The flavor is incredible,” wrote Sammy Kominiarek. “The chocolate-to-cookie ratio is spot on. I would wait in line for a very long time to get these cookies.”

“Perfectly chewy — I can’t stand the Paul Hollywood snap — big chocolate chips, delicious vanilla notes, and big enough to share, if you're that kind of person,” wrote Six Rudolph. “I’m not.”

Dorchester

“The brown butter chocolate chunk is a classic done right. For something different, try oatmeal fudge, pumpkin chocolate chunk, or the version made with Samuel Adams beer. The cookies are just the right size, and a few seconds in the microwave makes them taste oven-fresh.” — Jess Ruppert

Rockport

“The innkeeper bakes homemade chocolate chip cookies that are huge, rich and completely delicious. Pigging out on these cookies was an almost out-of-body experience!” — Bonnie Kaiden

Brookline

“The best chocolate I've ever had in or outside of a cookie. It's simultaneously substantial, hearty and melts in your mouth. I want to give them as gifts. They are scrumptious yet rich--one will suffice a craving!” — Megahn Morris

Arlington and Belmont

“Thin and chewy, with giant slabs of delicious dark chocolate — plus a mix of something heavenly called "caramel chocolate"— and the perfect amount of salt. Despite a vast selection of inviting choices at Butternut, I can't help but go for the "lovely chocolate chip cookie" every time!” — Anna Miller

Somerville

“These cookies are chonk! They have three different kinds of chocolate and a mix of flours that make it so much more complex. They are finished with Maldon sea salt, which adds a wonderful balance of salt to the sweetness.” — Cory Clarke

Lowell

“The best gluten-free [chocolate chip cookie] is at Dragonfly Cafe in Lowell. It’s soft, buttery and loaded with chips. Plus the cafe is gorgeous.” — Mary Barrett

Newton

“Huge and thick, maybe 4 inches in diameter. It is the perfect balance of firm crust and chewy center, without being underdone or overly sweet. They also put in plenty of chocolate chips.” — Elisabeth Zimmer

Cambridge

“The texture is the perfect combination of smooth and chewy with just a slight introductory crunch going in. Their special, only-slightly sweet chocolate comes in nice big, irregular chunks so that every bite brings its own unique surprise amount of chocolate yumminess mixed with their delicious special cookie dough. The best, hands down.” — Don Gurewitz

Cambridge

“It’s like an old-fashioned cookie. It has rye in it and nice, rich chocolate. Crunchy edges and a chewy center.” — Anne Gatling

Marlborough

“These cookies are unique for their chips. They have a unique vanilla flavor, and when right out of the oven, there is nothing like it.” — Jonathan Cunningham

Somerville

“Their brown butter chocolate chip cookie has a chewy, yet firm consistency, a deeper flavor from the brown butter and just the right ratio of salt. You can get them at Diesel Café or Bloc. I wish I knew the exact recipe!” — Michael Monroe

Boston and Cambridge

“Incredible chocolate, generous and delectable, especially when warm and eaten while walking to the Common.” — Caitlin McKenna

Cambridge

“Brown butter, quality chocolate, made with love by the best bakers in the business.” — Wendy LaBron