Insomnia Cookies opens in Hempstead

Founded at the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 by an insomniac looking for sweet, warm, dorm-delivered late-night munchies, Insomnia Cookies has grown to more than 260 locations nationwide. Now, the brand’s first Long Island bakery has opened in Hempstead, near Hofstra University.

Seth Berkowitz saw his college cravings come to life as a student when Insomnia Cookies opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2006 in Syracuse — another college town. Oversized cookie chains have since become a nationwide trend.

Offering pickup, delivery and shipping options until 1 a.m. (and 3 a.m. on weekends), Insomnia sells warm, addictive cookies including classics such as chocolate chunk and oatmeal raisin, favorites (snickerdoodle and confetti) and cult favorites (red velvet and peanut butter chip). There are vegan cookie options, a gluten-free chocolate chip and a rotating limited-edition menu that currently includes a Super Bowl party-ready jumbo chocolate chip football cookie cake ($32) and a red velvet heart cookie cake ($32) for Valentine's Day. Ice cream combos can be built with flavors like spicy hot chocolate to top cookies, brookies, brownies and blondies.

While the new store will primarily benefit the insomniac population at Hofstra, Insomnia delivers to Adelphi University and Molloy University, as well as most of Nassau County. Regular size cookies start at $2.95, jumbo cookies at $4.95, and a pack of 12 Little Dipper minis starts at $10.50.

Insomnia Cookies, 730 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, insomniacookies.com; Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-3 a.m., Saturday noon-1 a.m., Sunday noon-1 a.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.