In celebration of the season, we visited four local bakeries and cafés to find the perfect cookies just in time for the holidays. Merry Christmas, indeed.
By Alicia Carter | Photos by Karl Lamb
There’s just something about the holidays that makes us… hungry. Think of all the pies and cakes and turkeys and hams, and certainly don’t forget the dressings, dips, casseroles — we could go on. But for us, Christmas cookies just make us feel a certain kind of way. And the great thing about cookies is there’s a flavor to satisfy everyone…
Peppermint Chip from Barrett’s Baked Goods
Perfect for peppermint lovers, Barrett’s Baked Goods’ peppermint chip cookie features a slightly crisp exterior with a decadent, “fudgey” chocolate center, topped with crushed peppermint. These cookies are the perfect companion to a cup of Barrett’s hot cocoa on a cold winter day. Barrett’s Baked Goods is a family-owned boutique bakery located in Buford that specializes in creative birthday and specialty cakes, dessert catering for special events, cookies, cupcakes, retail gourmet selections and more! 922 Gainesville Hwy., Suite 104, Buford, 678-209-8598, BarrettsBakedGoods.com
Holiday Cookies from Seven Sisters Kitchen
Between their salted caramel bars, coconut macaroons, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, chocolate dipped shortbread cookies, pistachio cranberry cookies and pecan squares, Seven Sisters Kitchen has everything you need to build the perfect holiday cookie platter. Personally, we feel the pecan squares take center stage because, after all, what are the holidays without pecan pies? These pecan squares — the cookie version of those beloved pies — are thick and addictive, a perfect ratio of pecan to crust to gooey center. While Seven Sisters may be known for their scones, their cookie game is on point! Be sure to check out their shop in Johns Creek, which celebrated seven years back in September. 6955 McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek, 470-448-1905, 7SKitchen.com
Crème Brûlée Macaron from TADA Coffee and Dessert
While macarons may not be a traditional Christmas cookie, per se, TADA’s crème brûlée macaron is the fancy big sister to our favorite classic cookies and is sure to enhance your holiday palate. With a decadent filling and toasted topping, this macaron is a sweet surprise for your next craving. Located off Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, TADA Coffee and Dessert is an adorable spot known for their French macarons that also serves coffee, teas, smoothies, and more! 3463 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 470-589-1285, Instagram.com/tadacoffeedessert
Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies from The Baking Grounds Bakery Café
The Baking Grounds’ holiday cookies are almost too pretty to eat! For the Christmas season, they’re bringing to life Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, a sparkling Christmas tree, and jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself. These mini masterpieces are the perfect sweet treats to add to holiday gift bags, a present for your kid’s teacher, or as an addition to the holiday table centerpiece at home. Baking Grounds is an old- fashioned specialty cake boutique located in Buford that has been crafting cakes for more than 50 years. They truly outdo themselves each holiday with their beautiful cookie creations, but be sure to stop by and pick up some of their other sweet treats, too. 360 S. Lee St., Buford, 678-765-6690, TheBakingGrounds.com
