When the crisp autumn air is felt, my craving for fall-themed snacks in the world of food and drinks arrives! With that in mind, I ventured over to University Village to try out our local Insomnia Cookie branch. When I walked into the store, it smelled like a dessert lover’s dream. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies adds to the experience. Adding to the name of the store itself, the brightly lit store instantly puts you in a better mood, as one is unable to feel tired with the radiant lights.
The store was not too crowded and can definitely be a place where a group of friends can hear each other’s conversations! I was able to try out four different flavors consisting of Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk, Chai Latte, Caramel Apple and Peanut Butter S’mores. Here’s the Highlander review on all of them:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk
Price: $3.69
Rating: 3.5/5
The first cookie I tried was the Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk. This cookie definitely has the look of a typical chocolate chip cookie; however, instead of having a plain vanilla flavor, it contains hints of pumpkin within the base.
This was a great cookie to start with. I am quite fond of pumpkin-flavored treats, but I do understand that at times the pumpkin taste can be overpowering. With this treat, that was not the case! There was a good balance between the amount of pumpkin and chocolate, enhancing the taste of the cookie.
The chocolate chunk had a good consistency as it was not hard and blended perfectly with the cookie, making the bite melt in one’s mouth when eating it.
I recommend this cookie to someone who is a fan of pumpkin or chocolate-flavored treats.
Chai Latte
Price: $3.69
Rating: 4/5
The second cookie I tried was the Chai Latte cookie. If you are a fan of chai or cinnamon, this is the treat for you! From the hints of cardamom to the white chocolate chips in the cookie, everything about it screams fall.
This cookie lives up to its name as it closely resembles a chai latte in taste. It definitely has a kick to it, but all the flavors worked well together. The white chocolate chips in the cookie definitely tied it together because without them, it could be compared to an intense snickerdoodle cookie.
Eating this cookie evokes the feeling of walking around campus in a warm sweater, listening to “Linger by the Cranberries,” while sipping on a chai.
This cookie can come off a bit stronger in comparison to the others, so if you are not a fan of intense flavors, this would not be your favorite. In addition, the aftertaste lingers in your mouth for quite a while, leaving a sweet and spicy cinnamon-like taste.
Caramel Apple
Price: $3.69
Rating: 4.5/5
I was at a loss for words when I tried the Caramel Apple cookie. This cookie caught me by surprise as caramel apples typically are not my first choice of a sweet treat.
The combination of the chewy caramel bits, apple crisps and cinnamon powder went together so well. I expected this cookie to be too sweet, but it was not. The freshness and tartness of the apple pulled the cookie together perfectly.
I would have this cookie again and give it a chance before judging it too fast.
Peanut Butter S’mores made with Reese’s
Price: $3.69
Rating: 3.5/5
For the fourth and final contestant, I tried the Peanut Butter S’mores cookie, made with Reese’s peanut butter cups. If you are a fan of peanut butter, this is the one for you.
For me personally, there was too much happening in this cookie. Between the peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, I could not tell what I liked and disliked. All I know is that it was too sweet for me.
If you like s’mores, though, this cookie would be in your realm as it definitely felt like a campfire treat. The fact that the base is a cookie, rather than a graham cracker, actually enhances the s’mores flavor, in my opinion.
With the weather getting colder, this is a place I can see getting busier at night, with dessert-lovers enjoying a late-night sweet treat. I enjoyed my experience at Insomnia Cookies and would definitely visit it again for the delicious fall treats they had to offer!
