Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in the city that never sleeps? New York City is a dessert lover’s paradise, overflowing with bakeries that serve everything from classic cookies to elegant pastries. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor searching for the best bakeries in NYC, these spots prove that dessert in New York is more than just a treat, it’s an experience.
Add a spoonful of sugar to your day with NYC’s top treat spots:
Levain Bakery: A New York institution famed for its chocolate chip walnut cookies.
Levain Bakery is a must-visit for anyone who loves cookies. Their chocolate chip walnut cookies are famous for being crispy outside and gooey inside - so big, they could be a meal. With locations all over the city, Levain is perfect for anyone following the scent of fresh cookies in Manhattan.
Magnolia Bakery: The iconic NYC home of cakes, cookies, pies and puddings.
An NYC icon since the late 1990s, Magnolia Bakery became world-famous thanks to Sex and the City, but its charm runs much deeper than pop-culture fame. The bakery’s signature banana pudding, a creamy blend of pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas, has achieved legendary status. Pair it with one of Magnolia’s cupcakes or pies, and you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the best dessert spots in NYC.
William Greenberg Desserts: A family favorite serving classic baked goods since 1946.
Step into Old New York at William Greenberg Desserts, a family-run bakery delighting customers since 1946. Best known for its perfectly frosted black and white cookies, this Upper East Side staple offers an authentic taste of New York history. From rugelach to brownies, every treat here is a timeless classic that keeps generations coming back for more.
SMOR NYC: Two Danes bringing Nordic-inspired indulgence to New York.
For something a little more modern, SMOR NYC blends Scandinavian simplicity with rich, comforting flavors. Founded by two Danish bakers, SMOR brings Nordic-inspired pastries like cardamom buns, cinnamon swirls, and flaky croissants to the city’s dessert scene. It’s minimalist, cozy, and undeniably delicious - like a little taste of Copenhagen in Manhattan.
Hani’s Bakery: Celebrating the joy of pastries, cookies, and cakes - baked with heart.
Finishing our sweet tour is Hani’s Bakery, a small but mighty shop that celebrates homemade joy. Every cake, cookie, and pastry is baked with heart, creating that comforting, made-with-love taste. Hani's is the perfect reminder that sometimes, the best desserts are the ones that feel like home.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the ordinary and explore the best bakeries in New York City. Life’s short, eat dessert first.
