Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article, Baked After Dark Bakery has permanently closed.

There really is nothing quite as decadent and comforting as a freshly-baked cookie, especially when the late-night munchies strike. And if you don't have to make the cookies yourself, that's a million times better. If you live in Omaha, you can take a trip to the neighborhood of Benson for an absolutely delicious treat, even late at night...and you don't even have to get out the mixing bowls.

Baked After Dark Homemade Cookies opened in Benson in 2018. For those familiar with the neighborhood, it's in the spot where longtime Benson resident Jane's Health Market used to be.

They've been mixing up sweet treats ever since...but this isn't your typical open-at-4 a.m.-bakery. Baked After Dark caters to those of us who would rather start our days long after the sun has already come up. Its typical hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The bakery is owned and operated by a local family, so you can feel good shopping there knowing that you're supporting an independent Nebraska business.

But we have to admit that the pleasure of supporting a small business is only part of the reason this place is so special. The larger reason is, of course, cookies.

Well, maybe we should be a little more inclusive since Baked After Dark carries a lot more than cookies. This tasty-looking fella here is actually a cake donut Cookie Monster chomping on a fresh chocolate chip cookie. It's two treats in one!

Or how about TWO chocolate chip cookies with frosting in between? This cookie concoction is a 100% guaranteed sweet tooth satisfied.

We all know that the best part of cookies is the dough, right? Baked After Dark offers chocolate-covered cookie dough bites that are free of raw eggs and raw flour and packed full of deliciousness.

Although the cookies are some of the most beloved menu items, don't forget that Baked After Dark also offers other lip-smacking treats. The donuts are perfectly moist (be sure to try a pink Homer Simpson donut when you can!) and the cinnamon rolls are some of the best in the city.

There are even some vegan and gluten-free options for visitors on restricted diets. The bakery also does frequent collaborations and tastings with other neighborhood businesses; previous collabs included Ted & Wally's Ultra-Premium Ice Cream and Infusion Brewing Co.

Check out Baked After Dark Homemade Cookies' Facebook page for more information on events, flavors, and news. Plan to visit soon to support this awesome local business!

If you know of any other Nebraska businesses that deserve a little extra love right now, be sure to let us know about them on our Nomination page - you may just see your suggestion in a future article!