If you’re wondering what to bring to your next holiday gathering or even what you’d like to indulge in yourself, we’ve got you — and your sweet tooth — covered.
Here’s a taste of what to expect.
Cawley’s CAFE
Homemade cheesecakes, pies and cookie platters will top the holiday menu at Cawley’s Cafe. While decorated sugar cookies have gained popularity, owner Amber Cawley says cookies like snowballs, pecan tassies and peanut butter kisses never go out of style.
For holiday gatherings, Cawley suggests serving cookies on a raised or tiered platter. “They bring height to the table and are visually appealing,” Cawley says.
She notes that cookies pair well with coffee, while sweeter cheesecakes pair well with wine.
Pro tip: Don’t feel pressured to bake cookies during the holiday rush. “Most cookie recipes freeze beautifully, so they can be made ahead of time,” Cawley says.
cawleysconfections.com
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream has scooped out some space next to its regular rotation of flavors for festive favorites like peppermint stick, amaretto cookie, caramel ginger snap and more.
Taylor Cooksey, shop manager at Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream in Avon, notes that people often bring pints and quarts to their holiday functions.
“There’s an influx of sales of those around the holidays — there are so many fun flavors that you can only get this time of year,” Cooksey says.
To add more flair to your ice cream, pick up jarred toppings (available at the shop) and create your own sundae at home.
Pro tip: Pull ice cream out of the freezer before serving. “A damp utensil is the easiest way to get the ice cream out or run your scooper underneath some water,” Cooksey says.
cawleysconfections.com
Malley’s Chocolates
Malley’s Chocolates’ confections are fit for a king, says President and CEO Mike Malley, with package offerings that pair together a variety of chocolates, nuts and other treats.
Of course, Malley’s also features individual fan favorites like chocolate Santas, chocolate-covered Oreos topped with crushed peppermint stick, pecan BillyBobs, peppermint bark and much more.
“You’re getting to see combinations of chocolates that we don’t typically do throughout the year,” Malley says.
Malley adds that Mexican-inspired flavors like chilis and chocolates infused with alcohol flavorings are trending right now.
“It’s not real alcohol, but we’re going to do a bourbon-infused pecan BillyBob,” Malley says.
Pro tip: Invest in a good candy bowl for serving confections. “It dresses up the presentation,” Malley says.
malleys.com
Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
With selections like eggnog cookie sandwiches, ginger molasses jumbo cookies and sugar cookie and peppermint bark macarons, Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes is sure to have something behind the counter for everyone to enjoy.
Owner Kelsey Shepard says the peanut butter blossom cupcakes and macarons are most popular. “We’ve transformed the popular Christmas cookie into a cupcake, and the macarons are assorted holiday flavors that come in a pretty box perfect for gifting,” Shepard says.
For parties, Shepard suggests bringing a dessert tray with a variety of treats.
Pro tip: Place holiday desserts on a pretty tray. “You can also add cute little ornaments or frosted cranberries to make the tray look more festive,” Shepard says.
kelseyelizabethcakes.com
LaGrange IGA Donuts
Decorated sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies are fan favorites during the holiday season at LaGrange IGA Donuts, says owner Erica Domec, adding that the bakery also offers kolaches, nut rolls and pumpkin pies to bring the host at your next party.
“It’s the extra time that we put into those cookies that make them more festive than the everyday item,” Domec says.
The bakery’s cookies aren’t the only items that are frosted and sprinkled with care — it also offers donuts year-round.
“We have people order our donuts for a lot of events. We’ve already done three weddings this fall,” Domec says. “Those are a hit no matter what time of the day it is.”
Pro tip: Use timers when baking. “Set the timers so you don’t get too distracted and walk away,” Domec says.
lagrange.iga.com
