Before my trip to Hong Kong, I came across reviews of Jenny Bakery, claiming that they were probably the "best butter cookies in the world." I found that a bit preposterous, but I was definitely intrigued, especially since there were articles written about a "black market" for butter cookies because these cookies were so good.
While I did want to try these cookies, they were pretty low on my itinerary. It wasn't until my grandma wanted to bring us to buy cookies did I end up here.
"Grandma, that's crazy. You'd wait on this long line by yourself to buy these cookies?"
"They make really good gifts."
My grandma doesn't talk to a lot of people outside of family because of her age. If word of mouth of how good these cookies could reach her (and me, 8000+ miles away), they must be REALLY good.
The way people were lined up in an obscure and dim lit part of the shopping complex, paired with people carrying rolling suitcases did make these cookies seem shady. The line snaked outside the bakery and far out the hallway. The line looked intimidating, but moved quickly. Tourists and locals didn't mind waiting 15 minutes for a shot to buy these cookies, although the sheer size of the line surprised tourists alike, including me.
Once inside, the process was very assembly line-like. There are a few other types of cookies which they sell, but butter cookies are the main attraction. They have 2 sizes (small/large) as well as a 4 cookie mix, individual flavor tins, and a 2 cookie mix. I'd recommend the 2 cookie mix as the flower cookies have the strongest butter flavor. Tell the person behind the cashier what you want, and they'll grab it from the counter behind them. Pay the lady, and you're on your way.
The cookies themselves were really impressive. They're handmade and have a really strong butter flavor which catches you by surprise if you've never had one of their cookies before. The flower cookies are incredibly flaky, almost like a pastry but with the stiffness of a cookie, and butter dense. The coffee flower cookie is my mom's favorite. The strong coffee taste and sweet butter are a unique flavor combination that can't be found elsewhere, unlike the other 2 cookies, plain butter and raisin, which are okay too but not as good as the coffee flower and butter flower cookies.
The cookies are really good, however in the end, they are only cookies. The line is definitely not for the faint of heart, and if you were expecting an "actual" bakery with glass displays, pastries, drinks and good customer service, you're out of luck because you'll find none of that here. If you want to be a part of the legal cookie trade and experience Cookie Monster's life outside of filming Sesame Street, this is the place for you. read more