Top Spots In Philadelphia For Chocolate Chip Desserts

Chocolate chips were discovered by accident in the 1930s when Ruth Graves Wakefield, who ran The Toll House Inn, ran out of baker's chocolate while making a batch of cookies. She broke up a Nestle semi-sweet chocolate bar to mix into her batter and found that the chocolate didn't completely melt inside her cookies like she had assumed it would. The result was a batch of modern chocolate chip cookies, and they were a hit. Chocolate chips were soon a favorite among home and professional bakers and are used in cookies, cakes, ice cream and more. On May 15th, National Chocolate Chip Day honors this favorite miniature sweet. Visit one of these Philadelphia spots to celebrate with some of the best chocolate chip desserts in the city.

Cuba Libre
10 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

A visit to Cuba Libre is like walking off the streets of Philadelphia and into a courtyard in Havana. Lofty ceilings, potted palms and Cuban music all add to the tropical atmosphere. After enjoying a meal of sharable small plates such as guacamole, crispy plantains and empanadas and entrees including shredded brisket and seafood paella, order the Pudin Diplomatico to end on a sweet note. Warm banana and chocolate chip bread pudding is soaked in spiced rum and topped with roasted pineapple in this traditional Cuban dessert.

ELA
627 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 687-8512
www.elaphilly.com

ELA manages to serve food that is simultaneously whimsical and comforting. At just over a year old, this new American bar and restaurant has already made its way onto quite a few best lists in Philadelphia. In fact, ELA's scallop noodles entree was named one of the top 10 dishes every Philadelphia foodie should try by Zagat in March 2013. Another favorite dish is the $9 hot chocolate chip cookie dough, which starts with a vanilla bay custard complemented by bananas and chocolate shavings. This is paired with a pourable sauce that has the flavor and texture of thin, melted chocolate chip cookie dough.

Cookie Confidential
517 S. 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-4040
www.cookieconfidential.com

Cookie Confidential is not just another bakery. Specializing in cupcakes, cookies, brownies and vegan treats, owner and baker Melissa Torre uses local and organic ingredients to bring creative desserts such as cupcakes in refillable jars to her many fans. Her unique creations aren't limited to just cupcakes, though. As the name implies, Cookie Confidential also offers an impressive lineup of cookies that goes beyond the traditional selection. While purists will love the classic chocolate chip, try the smoky chipotle chocolate chip, dark chocolate chip pecan or bacon dark chocolate chip for a flavorful cookie on the adventurous side.

Nifty Fifty's
2491 Grant Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 676-1950
www.niftyfiftys.com

Nifty Fifty's friendly service and fresh, casual food has earned the restaurant 10 "Best of Philly" awards. While the never-frozen chicken nuggets and fresh-cut fries are favorites, it's the premium milkshake selection that truly sets this 50's-style diner apart. Made to order and served in a stainless steel mixing container, these milkshakes are often praised as the best in the area. Among the over 50 shake flavors, you'll find quite a few that include mini chocolate chips. Try the chocolate chip cookie dough, mint chocolate chip or "Reesey cup" for $5.19.

Termini Brothers Bakery
1523 S. 8th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 334-1816
www.termini.com

Termini Brothers is a third generation Italian family bakery with roots going back to two brothers who came to America in the early 1920s. While the city has changed around it, much of the bakery has stayed the same. And even though the business now has four locations and also sells its products online, every sweet delicacy is still made in the flagship store in South Philly in order to uphold the great quality and consistency customers have come to expect. As a tribute to the family's heritage, the cannolis are a true favorite at Termini Brothers. Each tube of fried pastry dough is made from scratch and then filled to order in the store. You have your choice of three cannoli fillings, but the most popular is the classic ricotta cheese with citron and chocolate chips. These elegant miniature desserts have a delightful crunch to them from the crispy shell followed by a sweet and creamy inside.

Related: Top Cherry Dishes in Philadelphia

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Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open. Examiner.com.