Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2008

Chip Off the Old Block

Uncle Chip’s Cookies

Uncles can be creepy. (To wit: Uncle Herb’s annual Thanksgiving update on his bleeding ulcer; Uncle Marty’s minute-long goodbye hugs.)

Here’s one that’s not: Uncle Chip’s Cookies, specializing in mail-order chocolate chip cookies. The gooey treats — made without egg to keep them safe for shipping — come in four sizes: uncle chip, little chip, big chip, and giant chip.

Baked to order at Heller’s Bakery, they’re grouped in bags (though the giants are wrapped in plastic) and packed into a ribbon-adorned box. Each order comes with a snarky card (“I don’t know how to thank you. I just hope that you like cookies.”), though inspired senders will customize their own message.

If you want more than just a cookie, try the rich, chocolaty vegan brownies made with black beans instead of eggs and oil.

They’re enough to make you cry uncle.

Available at Green at Mint, 1724 California Street NW (202-328-6468); online at unclechipscookies.com.