WE LOVE HOLIDAY BAKING, but truth be told, sometimes we just don’t have the time. Don’t skip dessert—simply let these North Georgia bakeries and chocolatiers take care of it for you. (Or keep them in mind if you need a treat for your sweetie come February 14!)
Chocolate Express, Blue Ridge — Decadent fudge made fresh in the mountains; indulge your family with a nostalgic treat this season by opting for the Fantastic Fudge Sampler box. thechocolateexpress.com
Crumbl Cookies, Alpharetta/Cumming/Marietta — Rotating weekly flavors featuring everything from classic chocolate chip to seasonal specialties like gingerbread cake; grab a dozen for your next cookie swap (or eat one warm right there in the store; we won’t judge!) crumblcookies.com
Dutch Monkey Doughnuts, Cumming — Scratch-made donuts made daily in flavors like Tiramisu cake and Maple Bacon Buttermilk; pick up a dozen the day of your party, or opt for the take and bake cinnamon rolls you can order and grab in advance. dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, Helen — European tortes and desserts like German chocolate and apple strudel, plus breads baked fresh in a stone-hearth oven; order bread to be delivered right to your door, or peruse the selection of sweets for yourself. hofers.com
Paul Thomas Chocolates, Dahlonega — artful chocolates, truffles and barks crafted from only the finest ingredients; pick up an assortment when you pay a visit to the Downtown Dahlonega Square while it’s decked out for Christmas. paulthomaschocolates.com
