The holidays are about taking a break from our regular routine and spending some quality time with the ones we love. But let’s face it—they’re also about loading up on sugar. These bakeries and sweet shops around Arlington have added some winter magic to their menus, from candy cane shards to gingerbread goodness.
Artisan Confections
The Christmas truffle collection at Artisan Confections features three pieces (because one simply isn’t enough) of each seasonal flavor, including cranberry-orange, candy cane and Mexican hot chocolate ($31-$59). And if you’d like some additional sweets in your cart, pick up some chocolate-dipped orange slices ($14), chocolate Santas ($22) or peppermint bark ($10). // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Suite H, Arlington (Clarendon)
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Dive into some seriously seasonal doughnuts at this Falls Church eatery, with flavors including Christmas cookie, s’mores (made with graham-cracker crumble) and red velvet with holiday sprinkles ($3.95-$4.25 each). You can also pick up a Hanukkah mini doughnut box, loaded with jelly, creme brulee and Hanukkah cookie doughnuts ($32). // 7511 Leesburg Pike #103, Falls Church (Idylwood Plaza)
Bakeshop
Nothing like a sweet treat to cure a case of the bah-humbugs. Bakeshop is whipping up a Grinch macaron this season, filled with sour cherry ($2.75 each). You can also find candy cane cake made with crushed candy canes ($75, serves 15), a chocolate-mint whipped cream cake ($65, serves 10), Biscoff cupcakes ($3.50 each) and more, including vegan and gluten-free goodies. Through the month of December, they’ll be offering specials on macarons and cupcakes: Buy 11 macarons and get one free, or purchase four cupcakes and get the fifth free. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon) and 100 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church City
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Doughnuts, the glorious goodies that masquerade as a breakfast food. Find holiday varieties galore at this Ballston bakery, including sufganiyot for Hanukkah and seasonal flavors such as bourbon-berry-basil, gingerbread cake and snickerdoodle glaze. Order individually ($3.50), by the half-dozen ($19) or dozen ($30). // 672 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
Serving traditional European fare since 1975, this Arlington bakery carries an array of treats, from petit fours ($2.75 each) to loaves of Dresdner or marzipan stollen ($16.95+). If you’re a fan of marzipan (or a “marzifan,” if you will), you might also toss some marzipan Santas or “good luck” pigs in your cart. Order by Dec. 18. // 2150 N. Culpeper St., ArlingtonÂ
Neighborhood Provisions
Whether you’re looking to gift some sweets, decorate goodies at home or just grab a fork and devour something decadent straight out of the box, this catering outfit from Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Rustico, Buzz Bakery, B Side) likely has what you want. Choose from ginger orange cake ($32), the holiday cookie box ($35), a Christmas cookie decorating kit ($20), take-and-bake cinnamon rolls ($30) and more. Order for delivery or pickup by Dec. 22. // See website for pickup and delivery information.
Northside Social
Good luck choosing from the host of sugary concoctions at this all-day cafe and coffee shop. Sink your teeth into glazed gingerbread loaf ($10), mini holiday cookies ($25 for a baker’s dozen), chocolate-peppermint cupcakes ($17 for 6 minis) and other temptations. And if you’d rather do the baking, scoop up an order of cinnamon buns ($27.85) or chocolate chip cookie dough ($15.75) that you can finish preparing at home. Order at least 48 hours prior to pickup. // 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon) and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church City
Pastries by Randolph
Stock up on sweets galore at this Arlington mainstay. Choose from dozens of Hanukkah and Christmas goodies, including Star of David butter cookies ($22.50 per pound), a Hanukkah gingerbread house ($75), yule logs ($48+), reindeer cakes ($89+) and ginger snaps ($8 per bag). Order by Dec. 16 for shipping orders and by Dec. 20 for store pickup. // 4500 Cherry Hill Road, Arlington (Lee Heights Shops)
Village Sweet
Head to Westover for a box of these decidedly Insta-worthy Christmas cookies ($4 per cookie) or a 9-inch holiday dessert, such as flourless chocolate cake with espresso ganache and coconut-cranberry cake ($30 each). The shop also carries a variety of festive loaves in flavors like chocolate-peppermint and eggnog latte. Place orders by Dec. 19 to ensure they’re ready for pickup on Dec. 24. // 5872 Washington Blvd., Arlington