The new M&S cookie cheesecake cups are a twist on their viral cookies - we tried them, here's our verdict
The nation's new go-to store for cookies, Marks and Spencer, has taken things up a notch and now created a Cookie Cup that's essentially a cookie cheesecake hybrid. But can it rival their now iconic freshly baked cookies? We tried a bunch and this is our verdict.
Released earlier this month the Cookie Cups are a soft baked cookie on the outside with a cheesecake centre in the middle, the food store calls the invention a UK first in which they've "married chewy cookie and smooth cheesecake for dessert to be remembered."
And naturally the new invention caused the comment section to be filled with people wanting to try the dessert, with one person commenting on the Instagram announcement: "M&S always coming out with the bangers" and another said: "I'm OBSESSED - I need to try these ASAP 😍😍😍."
Since they were released they've been flying off the shelves and TikTok has been full of people trying the new dessert. There's three flavours for the cookies - Raspberry and White Chocolate Cookie Cup, Extremely Chocolatey Cookie Cup and a Hazelnut Praline Cookie Cup.
So what do they taste like? Well, overall the Cosmopolitan UK team were obsessed. We found the cookies to be very soft, gooey and the centre texture to be more mousse like than cheesecake-like, particularly with the Extremely Chocolatey flavour.
Ok so moving onto the individual flavours, first up is the Hazelnut Praline which has "a golden, chewy chocolate chip cookie cup filled with whipped Madagascan vanilla and mascarpone cheesecake, a rich praline chocolate sauce hidden inside, and topped with a gooey chocolate fudge cube and a scattering of crisp hazelnuts." We found it was the one that tasted the most cookie-like of the three and had hints of a Kinder Bueno flavour to it as well.
Next up was the Raspberry & White Chocolate, which is made with: "A buttery white chocolate chip cookie base layered with fluffy whipped white chocolate cheesecake, swirled with sweet raspberry compote. Finished with melty white chocolate chunks, shortcake crumble balls and freeze dried raspberries." This one we found to be delicious, and not too sweet despite the white chocolate.
And finally the Extremely Chocolatey, is made from: "A deep, chewy chocolate cookie base filled with silky chocolate and mascarpone cheesecake and a drizzle of milk chocolate sauce, all topped off with a chocolatey overload of white chocolate chunks, dark chocolate curls and a fudgy brownie cube." This one we found really did live up to its name in being extremely chocolatey and as one member of the team described it, it had a flavour of a chocolate milkshake.
So would we have them again? Absolutely. However, they definitely felt more cheesecake than cookie to us, especially thanks to the gooey/mousse like centre. They definitely work more for a dessert rather than a mid-afternoon treat. If you're more of a chewy hard cookie kind of person then stick to the OG viral cookies.
The new Cookie Cups are available in M&S Food stores and you can find them in the fridge section along with the other desserts (if we haven't eaten them all that is).
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK's Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she's interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
CookUnity Hides Cash-Filled Tomato Cans Nationwide to Celebrate the Return of Pop Culture's Hottest Chef
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CookUnity, the 100% chef-led meal delivery platform, is calling on Americans to say 'yes, chef' and join the hunt for its latest campaign: the 'Tomato Can Cash Drop,' a nationwide scavenger hunt hiding thousands of dollars in cash and prizes inside tomato cans across major U.S. cities. From Friday, June 20 th to Tuesday, June 24 th participants can head to CookUnity's Instagram (@cookunity) for daily drops and clues in culinary hotspots across the country, including; Each tomato can contains $500 USD in cash and $500 in CookUnity meal credits, so lucky winners can enjoy meals crafted by elite chefs, like the chefs we love binge-watching on TV. CookUnity knows a thing or two about award-winning chefs, with the brand's meals crafted from some of the world's most critically acclaimed masters, including James Beard Award Winner Jose Garces, Iron Chef Cat Cora, James Beard Award Winner Rick Bayless, and more. 'CookUnity's mission is to connect real people with the talents, passions, and nourishing food of the very best chefs,' said Cam Ferrin, VP of Brand Marketing at CookUnity. 'Our culture is obsessed with chefs and inspiring food, but the way we eat every day is far from that ideal. 'Tomato Can Cash Drop' is our way of celebrating pop culture's love for chefs, while also trying to close that gap and redefine our standards for daily eating, by bringing the expertise of chefs off our TV screens and onto our tables, every day.' Scavenger Hunt & Sweepstakes Details: Every second counts! June 20-24 CookUnity is hiding tomato cans across Chicago, New York City, and Austin with daily clues on @chicagocollectors, @findthecashny, @findthecashatx, respectively. Be the first to find a can and you may just win a prize valued at $1,000 USD in cash and CookUnity credits. Not located in one of these iconic food cities? Follow @CookUnity on Instagram and (1) Follow @CookUnity (2) Comment with your favorite chef moment from a movie or TV show and (3) Tag a friend in your comment that you'd hire as sous-chef for a chance to win nationwide. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. 18 or older at time of entry. Begins June 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. EDT and ends on June 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT For official rules, follow this link: The CookUnity Tomato Can Surprise Contest Official Rules So, grab your sous-chef and hit the streets with CookUnity. As for those other meal delivery services? 86! About CookUnity CookUnity is a premium, chef-made meal delivery platform that connects top chefs with discerning consumers seeking restaurant-quality meals delivered to their doorstep. With a mission to redefine convenience without compromising on taste or quality, CookUnity offers a diverse menu curated by culinary professionals, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Through innovative partnerships and a commitment to culinary excellence, CookUnity aims to reimagine the home dining experience, making chef-prepared meals accessible to food enthusiasts throughout North America. With thousands of recipes developed by top chefs, CookUnity offers the greatest range of cuisines for food enthusiasts. Learn more at
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Food Network Stars React To Anne Burrell's Death
On Tuesday, the world was devastated to learn that beloved Food Network star Anne Burrell had died at age 55. While her cause of death is unknown, it's believed she suffered a cardiac event, just hours after returning home from an improv show. Soon after the news of her death broke, several celebrities took to the internet to mourn her loss. Rachael Ray said she and her husband, John Cusimano, were devastated. "The news about Anne has truly shaken us," she wrote alongside a series of photos with Anne, including at her 2021 wedding to executive Stuart Claxton, where Rachael served as a bridesmaid. "I can't quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon." Chopped's Scott Conant wrote that he was "deeply affected" by Anne's death: "Anne and I shared a long, vibrant journey through the world of Italian restaurants in the '90s and 2000s. We were friends for over 30 years, sharing countless laughs, navigating life's challenges, even swapping astrologers and fortune tellers. Her presence was truly remarkable, her competitive spirit unmatched. I'm heartbroken and will deeply miss my dear friend, peer and cherished colleague." Chef Tyler Florence called her one of the funniest and "brightest" people he's ever met. "Anne had a collage of star tattoos on her left arm. I asked her what they meant and she said she loved the night sky. And, how lucky she felt to be a star. She was one of the brightest. There's a new star in the sky tonight. I see you Anne. With all your sparkle, looking down. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We're all lucky." Carla Hall from Worst Cooks of America remembered Anne as "a fierce chef and instructor" with cool "custom skirts, mismatched socks, and that unforgettable big smile." "She had an electric presence in and out of the kitchen—an incredible chef, a joyful spirit, and a passionate philanthropist," said Food Network star Marcus Samuelsson. "I'll always cherish the time we spent together at events, on set, and supporting causes like City Harvest." Chef Aarón Sánchez praised everything about his "dear friend," including "her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, [and] her laugh." "So much respect and love for this amazing woman," he continued. "I'll carry her memory with me always. Rest easy, amiga. 💔" Maneet Chauhan from Chopped thanked Anne for "making cooking fearless, fun and inspiring the next generation of young girls/ kids to dare to follow their dreams and to feel that they belong." "The kitchen and won't be the same without you," she added, "but your spirit will always be with us. 💫 Rest in Peace Chef!!" Eric Adjepong, who appeared alongside Anne on Wildcard Kitchen, reportedly reacted to the "incredibly sad" news of her death on Instagram. "My heart to Chef Anne's family and friends," he wrote. "What a loss. RIP Chef." Chris Santos said the news of Anne's death left him speechless. "I'm not usually lost for words but are just no words," he wrote. "All I can muster is to say that I'll miss you very much my friend, and I will never forget our days working and hanging out together, always having so much fun." Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern posted a throwback photo on Instagram alongside a beaming Anne. "How I choose to remember people. Happy and laughing and believing that anything in life is possible," he said. "Sending all our love to her family, friends, and fans. An unnecessary loss is just the hardest to handle and this one really hurts. Nothing but love for all right now, especially Anne." Chef and host Alex Guarnaschelli encouraged fans to celebrate Anne like she would have wanted. "Make this moment about her," she said. "She'd want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song--one of her favorite 'Worst Cooks' warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido --so do it for her. In her honor." Vivica A. Fox, who appeared on Worst Cooks and Beat Bobby Flay, remembered working with Anne in a moving statement to People. She said, "Anne taught me all about good food! I had a BLAST working with her and going to her restaurant for a good meal. I'll miss her kindness, smile and great hair! May she rest in paradise." Chopped judge Tiffani Faison shared a picture of Anne on Instagram and wrote, "Rest easy, Chef." Kardea Brown from Delicious Miss Brown said she was in "utter disbelief." "I was always impressed with how fierce she was in competitions and how she supported her friends & family," tweeted Simon Majumdar, who appeared on shows like Cutthroat Kitchen and Iron Chef America. "Rest in Peace. Rise in Glory." Gigi Hadid paid tribute to the chef while remembering when they worked together on Beat Bobby Flay, an experience she called "a dream come true." "I wish we could have done it again," she added. "She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend." Chopped judge Amanda Freitag wrote on Instagram, "Rest in peace chef," alongside a black and white photo of Anne. "I am so incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my friend @AnneBurrell today!" tweeted RuPaul's Drag Race star Ginger Minj. "I hope you are rocking out and cooking up a feast tonight!" Finally, Loni Love, who appeared on Worst Cooks, said Anne's death left her in "shock and sorrow." She continued, "She was a gifted chef, and an extraordinary person. Chef Anne was the same on and off camera. She would just check on me out the blue. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences to her husband, family, & fans. Rest Chef."
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With The Viral Allison Plates
When 'Girl Dinner' took over TikTok in 2023 — thank you, Olivia Maher — it asked and answered a very important question: 'What if charcuterie boards but all the time?' It makes so much sense. Why limit yourself to one dish for dinner when you can languidly graze over the finest selections of meats, cheeses, breads, and other nourishing snack stuff? There's beauty in Girl Dinner's simplicity. All you have to do is open the fridge, pull out the good stuff, lay it out higgledy-piggledy on a table or counter, and commence to feast. You don't even need to sit down, although I suggest you do; sitting is always better than standing. And lying down is always better than sitting. So, maybe have your Girl Dinner while draped across a satin divan like a Roman aristocrat. As with all of the best TikTok trends, the community took this great idea and ran with it. First, we got the viral sound from creator Karma Carr that was used thousands of times by users sharing their own versions of Girl Dinner. These range anywhere from some of your more traditional-looking, charcuterie-inspired plates to things that are truly feral, like a bowl of elbow macaroni with peas. The latter is my personal, preferred version. There are other creators, however, that went the opposite route. They took the concept of the Girl Dinner and turned it into something you might find on a Pinterest board or on the menu of a Michelin-star restaurant. Enter the 2025 viral food trend: the Allison Plate. TikTok user @ally_wong has amassed quite a following — over half a million followers — by sharing her love of food and art. Her food creations do kind of give Girl Dinner vibes, but they differ quite a lot in spirit. Both are often an assemblage of random foods on a single plate. However, where Girl Dinner celebrates the random chaos that happens when you put all of your disparate favorites onto a dish (or dishes), the Allison Plate is far more intentionally constructed. Each meal places more emphasis on presentation than your typical Girl Dinner. Part of the reason Allison focuses so much on presentation is that she makes her own ceramic dishware. The literal plates used become just as important as the food that they hold. There are even some that seem intentionally made for the kind of food that will one day hold it. Take a look at the example below that has a specific, bagel-sized indentation. It's extremely perfect. Hey, you! Wanna cook 7,500+ recipes in step-by-step mode (with helpful videos) right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now. Besides presentation, the other major difference between a Girl Dinner and an Allison Plate is preparation. Several of Allison's dishes involve multiple, intricate steps. Take the TikTok below as just one example. She uses a leftover piece of salmon to make salmon cakes for ten minutes in the oven and "quickly" whips up an entire beet salad to go on her plate. While it looks fantastic, I imagine the average Girl Dinner would take less than ten minutes to prepare in its entirety. Still, there is far less preparation for an Allison Plate than your standard lunch or dinner, and it provides a wide array of nutritious snack foods for those 9–5 girls who don't want to just pick one thing to eat. And the Allison Plate really resonates with a lot of people on TikTok. Fans of hers try their hand at arranging their own platters, even going so far as to announce where they bought their plate. Many of the comments on Allison's videos point out two things. First is her pleasant, soft way of speaking as she gently places food onto her plate. It's like an ASMR version of food preparation. For real, I spent an extra hour just watching her food videos because I was lulled into a pleasant state of peace. See, Mom, TikTok isn't ALL brain rot. The second point from the comments is that her videos inspire the viewer to attempt their own plate and really be mindful of the foods they are choosing to eat. Many comments say that this intentionality helps them to have more balanced meals throughout the day. I want to make it clear that there is space for both Girl Dinner and the Allison Plate at the table. I think the wonderful thing about both trends is that they allow you to eat on your own terms. Some nights, you get home from a long day of work and all you can muster is a Girl Dinner. You get to pick out your favorite things from the big menu of life and just go nuts on them. That's freaking awesome. Maybe on the weekends, you have the time and energy to whip up an Allison Plate. You make a special trip to the grocery store, pick out all your favorites, maybe some things you've never tried before, and make it look like a picture from Martha Stewart's Instagram account. That, also, is freaking awesome. In my opinion, the overall goal of any meal should be that it makes you feel good. And that can look like a lot of different things. Sometimes it's a salad. Sometimes it's four hot dogs from a street vendor. No matter what it is, it should be celebrated. So, I am going to give my own Girl Dinner or Allison Plate a try this weekend. Here are some of my go-tos, no matter which I select: blue cheese, Smartfood popcorn, dried dates, Wheat Thins, shelled pistachios, Pillsbury flaky biscuits with honey butter, and an entire ice cream cake. Don't judge me, and let me know what you're putting on your plate in the comments. Whether you're building the components for an Allison Plate or trying to think of other quick meal ideas, download the Tasty app to browse and save over 7,500 recipes — no subscription required.
