Story by Emma Hardesty and Cameron Elliott-Moody
The Tali Toss Up is a series dedicated to our staff voicing their opinions on why something is better than the other. In this case, Talisman writers Emma Hardesty and Cameron Elliott-Moody dive into a delicious duel to determine which cookie shop is better, Insomnia Cookies or Crumbl Cookies. Let the cookie battle begin!
Crumbl Cookies and Insomnia Cookies consistently contribute to the dessert scene in Bowling Green. While Insomnia is known for its late-night delivery service and consistent menu, Crumbl Cookies’ menu variety provides a new experience weekly for cookie flavors.
Insomnia Cookies: Emma Hardesty
In my opinion, Insomnia Cookies, also referred to as Insomnia, is the undisputed king of the cookie world. It’s impossible to beat the fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth that comes with every cookie, something I think Crumbl is lacking.
Insomnia is open late, alluding to its name. According to its website, the store is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The hours at Insomnia Cookies are far better than Crumbl Cookies. The market for late-night sweet treats is virtually untapped. Being able to get a cookie at practically any hour of the night for a cheap price puts Insomnia far above Crumbl.
Insomnia Cookies prices its classic cookies beginning at $2.85, and the deluxe cookies beginning at $4.65, according to its website. A six-pack of cookies can be bought for $15.25. The prices are relatively cheap compared to Crumbl Cookies.
Crumbl Cookies is expensive, with no alternative cheaper cookies. While Insomnia Cookies does have cookies that match the price of Crumbl Cookies, they also have their cheaper classic cookies. This allows an affordable option for everyone, unlike the overpriced alternative at Crumbl Cookies.
Sophomore A.J. Salihovic from Bowling Green said he likes that Insomnia Cookies has fairly cheaper prices than Crumbl Cookies and is closer to campus, which can benefit college students. He also said he appreciates the variety of flavors.
“They have a diverse range of cookies that often don’t cycle out, allowing you to get the same taste year-round,” Salihovic said.
Unlike Crumbl Cookies, Insomnia Cookies does not feature a rotating menu. However, they do have season-specific cookies and ice cream, such as their delicious pumpkin spice latte cookie.
According to its website, Insomnia Cookies serves classic cookies, deluxe cookies, brownies and ice cream. In addition, customers can get cookie ice cream sandwiches or cookie cakes.
When I visited Insomnia Cookies, I tried their Double Chocolate Mint cookie and was amazed at how delicious a simple cookie can be. I immediately knew that this would be one of my favorite cookies. The cookie serves up delicious bites of gooey chocolate that had me practically drooling.
Along with the Double Chocolate Mint cookie, the Salted Caramel cookie is also one of my favorites. Though Crumbl Cookies offers similar flavors, they are often overly sweet and come in portions so large they can make you sick. Insomnia’s cookies have the perfect amount of sweetness and come in the best size to cure your cravings without leaving you feeling sick afterward.
It also cannot be overstated how Insomnia’s cookies have far fewer calories than the overly sugary Crumbl cookies. If you’re going to consume the amount of calories that are in a Crumbl cookie, you might as well try multiple cookies as opposed to just one.
The most basic cookie from Insomnia Cookies, a Classic Chocolate Chunk, has 240 calories, according to its website. The lack of calories makes it easier to enjoy one (or two, or three!) cookies without feeling overly concerned about health. The fact that the cookies taste like they just came out of the oven and do not contain a ton of calories adds to the fact that Insomnia Cookies is a better choice than Crumbl Cookies.
Freshman Nicole Haerle from Calhoun, Kentucky said she thinks Insomnia Cookies is better than Crumbl Cookies because the cookies at Insomnia Cookies taste warmer and fresher.
“The cookies at Crumbl seem like they have been sitting out for an hour,” Haerle said.
It’s hard to beat a warm cookie. Every cookie I’ve had from Insomnia Cookies has instantly melted on my tongue. It’s clear that when it comes to freshness, Insomnia is the superior pick.
Crumbl Cookies: Cameron Elliott-Moody
When it comes to debating Crumbl Cookies and Insomnia Cookies, there is no doubt that Crumbl Cookies, also known as Crumbl, is the heavyweight champion. Each bite of their cookies is like a celebration for my taste buds.
Crumbl Cookies is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, according to its website. They open much earlier than Insomnia Cookies, making it easier to satisfy your sweet tooth in the mornings.
I admire how Crumbl Cookies has great hours that make it super convenient to grab a treat no matter what your schedule looks like. Whether I am looking for a treat in the middle of the day or a night out with friends, their doors are open to satisfy my sweet cravings. However, what sets them apart is their incredible menu.
Unlike Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl Cookies has a rotating menu featuring four to five different flavors that change every week. However, they do have some staple flavors that make regular appearances, such as the Classic Chocolate Chip cookie. The rest of the lineup is usually different with flavors such as Teddy Graham, Churro and Snickerdoodle Cupcake.
Crumbl Cookies has a strong presence on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, posting sneak peeks of what cookies will be available weekly.
When a new menu at Crumbl Cookies is introduced, I try to go at least every other weekend. I usually go for a unique flavor that I have never had before.
Sophomore Hannah Humble from Bowling Green said Crumbl Cookies offers both cold and warm cookies. In addition, they are bigger than those served at Insomnia Cookies.
“I really love their chilled cookies, but I am not really a big fan of their warm cookies,” Humble said. “Crumbl will never disappoint and will always have me as a loyal customer.”
Crumbl often serves chilled cookies that are often kept refrigerated to prevent the frosting from being separated. The chilled cookies have a firm texture which is satisfying to bite into, especially if you like crunch.
However, for those mindful of their dietary intake, Crumbl Cookies provides detailed nutritional information on their website, allowing customers to make informed decisions.
According to their website, a typical cookie from Crumbl Cookies can range from 600 to 800 calories, with some flavors containing even more. These cookies often have significant amounts of sugar and saturated fats, making them a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
When it comes to pricing, Crumbl Cookies and Insomnia Cookies have differences that might influence your choice.
Cookies from Crumbl Cookies are typically more expensive, reflecting their larger size and unique, rotating flavors. A single cookie from Crumbl Cookies can cost around $4 to $5, according to its website. They also offer a box of four cookies for between $12 and $15.
I believe Crumbl Cookies’ prices are worth it compared to Insomnia Cookies. Even though they are pricier, I feel like the size and freshness of their cookies justify the cost.
Every time I get something from Crumbl Cookies, I know it is going to be fresh and rich. This makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
Sophomore Wesley Coffee from Alvaton said he likes that the cookies at Crumbl taste softer and fresher than those available at Insomnia Cookies.
“Insomnia is good too, but Crumbl’s cookies just feel more gourmet, and they are way bigger,” Coffee said.
There is nothing like a sweet, big cookie from Crumbl Cookies. The creativity, undeniable sweetness and strong social media presence serve as reminders of why Crumbl Cookies will always reign supreme.
To settle this debate for yourself, visit Insomnia Cookies at 422 E Main Ave. and Crumbl Cookies at 130 Walton Ave.