My Top Four Macaron Shops in New York City!

I am mac mad. It's true. As soon as I'm in a new city, I sniff out the nearest bakery selling macarons with the skill of a drug dog. I don't know if I should be proud of this ability, but a skill is a skill and it's certainly a useful one (though my jeans would disagree). As I was compiling this list of my favorite macarons all over the world, the vast majority of them just happened to be made in New York City. So, why don't we just give the Big Apple some well deserved love here? In no particular order, here are my favorite macs made in Heaven... or NYC.

Laduree

This one's a given. Laduree actually created the double-decker French macaron that we know and love today, making them the undisputed MacDaddy. If you are in the city, you will have two locations to choose from, but you must hit the Soho location because it is the definition of chic. The decor looks like something out of a Marie Antoinette biopic (they actually have a mac named after her and it's amazing!), and the courtyard in the back is just dreamy. If you are seeking a divinely posh afternoon, take afternoon tea there. As for their macs, I truly love them all. They have a few fun flavors to choose from and some seasonal ones that are always lovely, but they do the classics so well. I adore the rose petal, coffee, caramel with salted butter, and I recently had a peach one that was heavenly! You really can't go wrong with Laduree.

Dana's Bakery

Dana's Bakery is a treasure. They always have such interesting flavors (a new one each month, in fact), and they are always delicious. The actual cookie is the perfect balance of crunchy and chewy. I usually hit them at the Gansevoort Market location, but I've also ordered their macarons online and their customer service is top notch. All of their flavors are magical, but my absolute favorite is the Champagne Celebration Macaron. Sometimes, just in my everyday life, I'll think about the champagne mac and it is actually distracting. In case you were wondering how deep the obsession goes, now you know. Other favorites include the Cafe Mocha and the Birthday Cake. Last month's flavor was Waffle Cone Sundae, and it was glorious, but THIS month... it's The Fat Elvis. Chunky peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. Excuse me while I go place my order.

Bouchon Bakery

I just tried Bouchon Bakery a few weeks ago, and I am already the president of their mango macaron fan club. HEAVENLY DIVINE. I went to the Rockefeller Center location, and when I saw how big these macs were, there was no way I could pass them up. Bigger mac = more filling, and that is a decision that will always have my full support. I actually ate it at about 3 a.m. in the Atlanta airport after a terribly stressful afternoon/evening, so it really couldn't have come into my life at a better time. Lifesaver. Go to there now.

Macaron Parlour

I discovered Macaron Parlour as I was strolling through Madison Square Eats one evening, and I am so glad I did. As the lady was telling me the flavors, I couldn't help but laugh a little because I was just slightly giddy with excitement. (Don't judge me until you've had one, ok?!) Just to name a few... there was the Elvis, which was peanut butter and caramelized banana (fit for a king, honestly), the Cheetos, which included a white ganache that was infused with the famous snack and then topped with cheese dust, and the Giggity... chocolate ganache, peanut butter, marshmallow creme, dulce de leche and salted peanuts. HOW I LEFT THERE WITH JUST ONE I WILL NEVER KNOW. HOWEVER, when I saw the Candied Bacon with Maple Cream Cheese, I had found my winner. It was brilliant. If the rest of them are as amazing as that one was, this place is a solid win.

If there's a great spot that's missing from this list, PLEASE let me know in the comments! I'll be sure to try it out next time, and thank you in advance for enabling my addiction.