‘Tis the season for sweets and treats. Baking cookies with kids during the holidays is fun but what if you just can’t?
We’ve gathered a few fantastic cookie havens across Chicagoland. Here’s the twist, use it as the guide for a festive cookie trail the kids won’t soon forget. You’re the master of this self-guided adventure — start and stop wherever the sugar rush leads you. Hit every spot or savor them one by one. It’s your call — just remember to sprinkle each moment with fun. Just don’t forget to bring along the milk to add to the experience.
Leila Love Macarons
- Address: 510 Higgins Road, Park Ridge
The adorable pink little shop is worth the stop alone for the macarons. When the holiday season rolls around, prepare to be enchanted by macarons transformed into festive shapes. While you’re there, be sure to snag a selection of the beloved shortbread cookies. The holiday magic doesn’t stop there; they’re adding more holiday sweetness with an assortment of butter cookies and biscottis.
Ferrara Bakery
- Address: 2210 W. Taylor St., Chicago
This Little Italy bakery deserves a top spot on your list if you’re yearning for butter cookies with a holiday twist. While you’re here, you can’t miss other Italian goodies like cannoli and Ferrara’s Classic cake, a rum soaked vanilla cake with fresh strawberry, custard and cannoli cream.
Kneads and Wants Artisan Bakery & Café
- Address: 8042 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
From gingerbread cookies to Mexican wedding cookies and holiday sprinkle delights, the Skokie bakery will fulfill your seasonal cravings covered. The holiday cookie platters are a guaranteed hit, and don’t miss the whimsically decorated Rice Krispies or the charming seasonal gugelhupf (mini bundt cakes). And while you’re here, it’s an absolute must to savor the joyous flavors of the popular pastries – Kouign-amann, croissants, scones and coffee cake.
Sweet T’s Bakery & Cake Studio
Address: 21 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights
Baking fresh-from-scratch baked delights, Sweet T’s makes the holidays more joyful one cookie at a time. Indulge in the must-try sugar cookies that capture the essence of the season, and the cakes are nothing short of a festive feast. Elevate your celebration with a sprinkle of fun by preordering a delightful gingerbread house kit. It’s the perfect way to make your holidays merry, bright and delicious!
SweetPeas Emporium
Address: 4817 W. Crystal Lake Road, McHenry
Jingle all the way to Sweet Peas for over-the-top cookies that are as big as holiday joy! The whimsically decorated Santa and Grinch sugar cookies are a must. The yums do not stop there; other favorite holiday cookies include the decadent triple chocolate buttercream frosting and oh-so-adorable gingerbread cookies.
Blessed Little Kitchen
Address: 10436 Illinois 47, Unit 103, Huntley
Trust me, you can’t go wrong with anything you try here. When the holidays twinkle in, load up with the merry sugar cookies adorned as Santa or the Grinch. A glance at the tempting display and you’ll find it impossible to resist scooping up even more treats. Pro tip: The cinnamon rolls and pies are always a hit. Make sure to follow its Facebook Page: rumor has it that Santa himself might drop by for a jolly Cookies with Santa event.
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