It’s reaching peak winter, and I, as a born and raised Michigander, am shocked at the lack of snow currently on the ground. Ann Arbor is usually snowglobe-esque at this time of year. But just because there isn’t snow does not mean we should not indulge in classic and fun holiday treats. If anything, it just means we need some treats more to get into the winter spirit.
Cinnaholic
Cinnaholic’s gourmet vegan cinnamon rolls are always a decadent delight but right now, Cinnaholic is also offering double chocolate chip cookies with crushed peppermint.
In terms of rolls, they currently have a Gingerbread House Roll and Santa’s Milk and Cookies which features chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate chip cookie bites powdered sugar and more all in one cinnamon roll. We also recommend checking out their Peach Cobbler Roll, Blueberry Pie Roll or Caramel Apple Pie roll if you are looking for what feels like pie but in the form of a cinnamon roll.
Cinnaholic will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with limited hours so check out their holiday hours and order ahead.
121 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor.
Detroit Cookie Company
With three stores in Michigan, Detroit Cookie Company has become an Ann Arbor staple. They provide a variety of delicious treats but are especially known for their gourmet cookies. Their limited edition flavors include Gingerbread Eggnog which is actually made using gingerbread cake and eggnog, Andes mint chip incorporating Andes mint chips in the cookie and topped with an Andes mint and cranberry orange pound cake.
The Ann Arbor location will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with limited hours so double check their hours here.
609 E. William St., Ann Arbor.
Le Bon Macaron
Ann Arbor’s premiere macaron cafe, Le Bon Macaron, regularly debuts different seasonal flavors in addition to their multitude of regularly offered flavors. According to their website, their holiday collection of flavors includes Candy Cane, Chocolate Candy Cane, Cranberry, Egg Nog, Ferrero Rocher, Hot Cocoa, White Chocolate Peppermint, Sugar Cookie, Speculoos and Holiday Cake Batter. Some of our recommendations from their regularly offered flavors are Chocolate Cherry, Salted Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Raspberry, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Dipped Strawberry.
If you are looking for a specific flavor, reach out to Le Bon Macaron and visit them in downtown Ann Arbor.
209 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor.
Bon Bon Bon
The Bon Bon Bon Winter Collection is currently sold out but features flavors that may be found individually in store. The holiday flavors are extremely unique and decadent including Pepper-mint, Vanilla Bean Cranberry Crumble, Spiced Ginger Cake, Sugar Cookie & Butter, Polar Vortex (flavors of coconut and marshmallow), Spiked Nog, Nutty or Spice, Kiss & Mo-cha (flavors of hot cocoa and marshmallows), White Pine, This Hottie Named Todd (flavors of caramel, citron, and lemon honey), Eat, Drink & Rosemary and Toastee Roastee (flavors of hazelnut, dark chocolate, caramel, and milk chocolate toffee coffee).
Online you can buy three of the season special bons together: Pepper-Mint, Raspberry Cardamom Rugelach and the Bon of the Zoadiac Sagittarius. Out of the many delicious regularly offered flavors, we recommend Cherry Lux, Pudge Frownie, and Salty Sap. We recommend reaching out to Bon Bon Bon online or check out their store in-person in Nickels Arcade.
5 Nickels Arcade, Ann Arbor.
Bakehouse 46
A delightful addition to the downtown Ann Arbor desert and cafe scene is Bakehouse 46. They release limited edition cupcake flavors every month and their Decemeber cupcakes are particularly delightful. Their December flavors are Candy Cake, Milk & Cookies (topped with an actual mini chocolate cookie), Chocolate Alaskan Moose, Winter Mint, Mom’s Pecan Roll, Brownie Batter, ‘Tis The Season and Winter Blue Snowball.
We would also recommend trying out the German Chocolate cupcake and Chocolate Salted Caramel for additional winter vibes. Bakehouse offers gluten-free and vegan options, and commits to making fresh cupcakes daily. They also have lovely drink options that could pair well with any of these cupcakes including their chai latte, chai mixed with cider “chaider,” and hot chocolate.
116 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor.
Big City Small World Bakery
Big City Small World Bakery’s extensive menu has a variety of treats that emulate winter treats. Our recommendations are to try the Molasses Gingersnap or Low-Fat Gingersnap, the Raspberry Ding Dongs, or the Chocolate Eclairs. Check out their full menu here to find your ideal holiday treat.
500 Miller Ave., Ann Arbor.
TeaHaus
One of TeaHaus’s current signature offerings is called the Christmas Tea-a-Misu, featuring a gingerbread man on a bed of cream. They also have an adorable coconut snowball snowman, candy cane macarons, and chocolate peppermint cupcakes. Offerings may differ daily so make sure to check out their Instagram, contact them or visit in-person in Kerrytown.
TeaHaus will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with limited hours.
200-204 N. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor.
Peace, Love, and Little Doughnuts
This franchise is known for its vast selection of flavors in a bite-sized cinnamon roll package. Their current selections include their holly jolly chocolate doughnut, Rudolph (featuring edible eyes, red nose and pretzel antlers), tree decor, Christmas birthday, jingle bells, winter wonderland, sugar cookie, gingerbread latte and candy cane and cream.
There’s a flavor for everyone and they even give away a free disco half dozen on your birthday.
341 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor.
Insomnia Cookies
If you are ever craving a cookie at 1am, Insomnia Cookies is one of the best places to go. They are known for being open until 2am and have a variety of holiday flavors that can satisfy any craving. Their current festive offerings are Jinglebreak with flavors of ginger, molasses and cinnamon, Solstice Confetti, a sugar cookie with holiday sprinkles and vanilla chips, Sweet Potato Pie, Cannoli Filled Deluxe and Jinglebreak Blondie.
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