Born in San Francisco’s Castro District, Hot Cookie built its cult following on irresistible treats and unapologetic personality. The bakery recently expanded, opening its first outpost outside the Bay Area in downtown Palm Springs, and there are some cool new treats on the menu.
“At its core, Hot Cookie is a cookie shop,” says co-owner Ryan Jones. “In Palm Springs, we’ve paired that with ice cream and some unique cookie-and-ice-cream combinations to beat the heat. We’re calling it our ‘warm-weather menu.’ ”
Exclusive to the Palm Springs location, Hot Cookie also serves ice cream.
The Castro original opened in 1997 and quickly became known for its playful, sex-positive vibe and a wall of customer photos snapped in Hot Cookie’s signature branded underwear. Jones, who bought the shop with his best friend and his partner 10 years ago, plans to reimagine that tradition in Palm Springs.
“Back in the day, we had a digital camera behind the counter, and our staff would take the picture,” he says. “These days, everybody has a camera in their hand all the time, so we’re working on a revamp where customers can take their own photos and upload them to our website to share.”
Jones didn’t start out in sweets. “I had a 25-year career in higher education administration before I became a cookie connoisseur,” he says. “Baking cookies, making people smile, and throwing a little joy and delight into the world is definitely a great second career for me.”
The menu is as saucy as the vibe, with some cheeky treats baked in shapes that would make your HR rep blush. The Harvey Milk Toffee, a milk chocolate chip cookie laced with melted toffee bits, is Hot Cookie’s top seller. In Palm Springs, Jones recommends an ice cream cookie sandwich. “You pick the flavor you want on top, the flavor on the bottom, and one of 18 flavors of ice cream in the middle,” he says. “The combinations are endless.”
“We’re not just a cookie shop. We are an experience. We want people to walk in and feel the playfulness and fun of our brand — maybe leave feeling a little sexy yourself.”
Ryan Jones, Co-Owner, Hot Cookie
It’s all part of the atmosphere that gave Hot Cookie its sweet-and-sassy reputation. “We’re not just a cookie shop. We are an experience. We want people to walk in and feel the playfulness and fun of our brand — maybe leave feeling a little sexy yourself,” Jones says. “It’s about celebrating the joy in our lives, laughter, and delicious treats.”
A grand opening celebration is set for Greater Palm Springs Pride weekend, with a ribbon cutting Nov. 7 and surprise performances. “There’s no other place where we’d feel as at home as Palm Springs,” Jones says. “People have been very warm and receptive and excited about us being here. We can’t wait for everyone to discover us on Palm Canyon.”
The New Crowd
From gelato to late-night leather, here are a few more debuts to check out.
Eagle Cathedral City
Rising from the ashes of the Barracks, this new leather bar, set to open this winter, promises dim lights, strong drinks, and a dance floor charged with big energy.
Ash & Vine Restaurant
Housed in a 1936 bungalow in downtown Palm Springs, the chef-driven concept serves brunch and dinner with a modern touch that’s poised to catch Michelin’s eye.
Counter Reformation.
Photo by david a. lee
Counter Reformation
This shrine to great wine is not new but recently underwent a refresh. Sample some of the best pours in a small, speakeasy-style setting.
Gelato-a-Go-Go
Artisanal gelato meets retro flair with sassy Palm Springs–inspired wallpaper and décor. Try the gelato con brioche, two scoops served in a brioche bun — a breakfast staple in Sicily.
The Golf Bar
In La Quinta, The Golf Bar turns the 19th hole into a night out, with multisport simulators and a menu of pizza, wings, and sliders.
