This place in Tampa literally serves fresh cookies until 3a.m.

Okay so truth be told, I’m pretty suggestible when it comes to food. Like, I literally can’t even watch the Food Network without craving every since item that comes across the screen. So of course it was fate that the moment I saw an ad for Cookie Munchers in Tampa I had to see what the rage was all about.

Advertised as fresh, warm, homemade cookies the size of your head, I knew that no local Publix bakery stood a chance against these sugar rush monsters.

Not to mention, Cookie Munchers’ other selling point is that they’re open until 2:30a.m. They really know how to appeal to all the local insomniacs with low blood sugar.

Usually, when I get cravings it comes at a pretty inconvenient time, like, first thing in the morning or 11 at night right before bed, so their hours were pretty perfect for me.

I headed out around midnight yesterday (because what else is there to do in a quarantine at that time -- even Walmart is closed) and eagerly followed my Google maps to the destination. 

The location is actually over 30 min away from me, but it was honestly worth the trip.

This hidden hole-in-the-wall building was situated in a small plaza. It had a hidden gem vibe; you’d probably never know it was there if you weren’t looking for it.

Despite the clock reading well after midnight, the small parking lot was still pretty packed with people coming and going.

The inside of Cookie Munchers was a little cramped but definitely had an aesthetic that would appeal to any kid, or kid-at-heart. 

The overall layout was small and despite the social distancing stickers on the ground it was pretty hard to keep a solid 6-foot away from other patrons -- especially with how popular the place clearly was. 

But the smell was amazing.

You know that smell of your grandma baking cookies? Imagine that but on a way larger scale. Yeah, it was great.

The menu featured an array of cookies, ice cream, milks and even CBD products, though the only thing I had my eye on was what I went there for: cookies.

I drove over half an hour for them, so for only $2.99 each I was going to make my effort worth it. I ordered the s’mores, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip and M&M cookie.

They are baked fresh, so waiting is just part of the experience unless you’re one of the lucky people who live in their delivery range of course. But the walk-in ordering process is similar to Sheetz’s MTO program where you’re given an order number and you wait to hear it called.

Most of the people there (working and waiting) were about college-aged, which makes sense since the University of Tampa is only a short driving distance away.

Service was pretty quick, my number was called about 5 minutes after my initial order. My total time in and out was probably no longer than 20 minutes, but I can imagine at peak times it might take a little longer.

The cookies were served in a box big enough for a pizza, and while most would think that’s overkill for 4 cookies, it was definitely appropriate. I waited to get to the car before digging in, but I knew I couldn’t wait to get home to try them.

The warm cookies warmed my lap as I sat the precious cargo down. I opened the box and I was more than pleased with what I saw.

As advertised the cookies were absolutely massive. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest with the presentation, however, how was the taste?

No napkins or utensils were included, so if you find yourself in this same situation I suggest keeping some napkins handy because your hands will be greasy.

After taking a moment to admire the largest single-serving size of cookies I ever did see, I pulled some pieces off of the M&M cookie and took a bite.

It was gooey, buttery, and absolutely amazing. 

The cookies were definitely more buttery and moist than most dry, crumbly bakery cookies, maybe not to everyone’s preferred taste but it’s one which I greatly admired. 

Cookie Munchers definitely doesn’t skimp out on the goodies either. The M&M cookie was FULL of M&Ms, the s’mores was topped with marshmallows and chocolate chips, and of course, the chocolate chip cookies were just swimming with tasty cocoa morsels. 

I do have to say that I think my favorite out of the four flavors I had chosen (they have several others, too, including red velvet & snickerdoodle), was the OG plain chocolate chip.

But they were all really good.

And no I didn’t eat all of the pancake-sized cookies yet, but I’ve definitely had a bite of each. 
I have had many other bakery cookies over the years and honestly, I haven’t been as impressed as I was with my experience at Cookie Munchers. 

And to be even more honest, I’m shocked their cookies aren’t more expensive. 

Everything about my experience there was positive, and I only tried a small portion of their menu. 

And what did we learn from this late-night cookie run? Stop dreaming big and start eating it.