Insomnia Cookies is always mentioned around college campuses as the ultimate cookie. Now, don’t get me wrong, these cookies are very good. However, U of I has a special little secret called the Cookie Jar which is located at 712 S. Sixth street. I know it is a little bit of a walk from the Six Pack, but the cookies are worth the walk or jog or run. This is a real mom and pop store with pictures and sports game schedules adorning the walls. But, the cookies are the real attraction.

Of course, the shop offers the basic varieties: peanut butter, chocolate chip, and sugar. For the adventurous, white chocolate macadamia is a must. And for those really hungry, there are three different jumbo cookies: M&M’s, chocolate chunk, and sugar. My personal favorite is the buttercream sandwich which consists of two chocolate chip cookies with buttercream frosting in the center. The shop has been around since my parents went to school here. My mom adores the sugar cookies which are very soft and moist, and my sister loves the brownies that have chunks of chocolate chips in them. When I was younger, my family and I would always stop at the Cookie Jar before or after a football game. When your parents visit for the weekend, make sure that the Cookie Jar is one of the places you stop. The shop has become a part of my U of I experience, and I hope that it becomes a part of yours. Remember, the buttercream sandwich is heavenly.