In the world of chocolate chip cookies, an eternal war rages between those who prefer their cookies light and crispy, and those who defend their right to a chewier treat. And, at least in one battle waged in the Consumer Reports tasting lab, a single crispy chocolate chip cookie won the day.

In the December issue of Consumer Reports, our test-loving kin investigated the qualities of 18 different brands of chocolate chip cookies, including everything from packaged food giants like Nabisco and Keebler, to quick service eateries like McDonald’s, Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts.

But beating them all — and the only cookie to earn an “Excellent” from CR — were the super-crispy, buttery treats from Tate’s Bake Shop, which most people could find at Whole Foods or some similar grocery store.

While almost all the cookies tested received “Good” results from tasters, the only three to be labeled “Very Good” came from QSRs: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway.

Interestingly enough, all three of those cookies were described by tasters as “soft” and “chewy.” So maybe chewy is desirable enough to put you ahead of the pack, but a truly great cookie must be perfectly crispy?

On the opposite end of the spectrum was Weight Watchers’ entry into the test. It was the only cookie to earn a “Fair” label, probably because of its “slight nonfood flavor.”

And while we have your attention, we figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask:

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