During the holidays, it’s almost impossible not to indulge in some seriously sweet treats that only come out at this time of year. Although it’s almost the new year, why should Santa get to have all the fun?
Here are some ways to satisfy that urge for something sweet in Northern Virginia this holiday season.
Commonwealth Joe
When welcoming the holidays, a festive beverage is in order. Luckily, Commonwealth Joe, a mainstay of Arlington’s Pentagon City neighborhood, recently released its winter menu packed with tempting choices, like the cozy coconut cardamom latte. This little cup of paradise combines Commonwealth’s fresh brewed espresso with cardamom and coconut syrup for a tropical flare. Other notable beverages this season include the cinnamon roll latte (espresso, housemade cinnamon syrup, white chocolate sauce) and the merry mint chocolate matcha (mint chocolate, matcha). 520 12th St. S., Ste. 150, Arlington
The Dairy Godmother
For the holiday season, Dairy Godmother is serving cones of peppermint stick, with a mint custard base and candy cane crumble on top. Stop by on Christmas Eve for a rare treat: The Gift of the Magi, a saffron custard with pistachio pieces and cranberries. 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Bakeshop
The Bakeshop in Falls Church has rapidly garnered a passionate fan base at both of its NoVA locations. Stock up on candy cane cupcakes, macarons, and whipped cream cake, or try the mint chocolate icebox pie, a thoroughly underrated dessert that has found new popularity in the 21st century. Don’t forget Bakeshop’s most popular holiday treat, fresh gingersnap cookies. 100 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church; 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington
Leesburg Gourmet
Browse a wide selection of red and white wines, craft beer, and light bites. For a holiday home run, try any of Leesburg Gourmet’s chocolate assortments from the venerable Belgian fine chocolate brand Neuhaus Chocolate. 29 S. King St., Leesburg
Popcorn Monkey
Tasty treats and two area locations make this popcorn shop a must-visit holiday attraction. As the name suggests, popcorn reigns supreme at this shop — but that doesn’t mean peppermint is out of the question. Popcorn Monkey has a limited-edition peppermint swirl popcorn and is stocked with candy cane fudge and vanilla fudge with mint M&Ms this season. 101 W. Federal St., Middleburg; 9407 Main St., Manassas
River-Sea Chocolate Factory
This chocolatier offers a crowd favorite with an upscale twist for the holidays. River-Sea’s peppermint bark is made with single-origin 64 percent cacao Zorzal dark chocolate, paired with lush white chocolate, candy cane pieces, and peppermint extract. In case you have any doubt, this isn’t your grandma’s store–bought peppermint bark. 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 100, Chantilly
The Frenchman’s Corner
Exquisite French delicacies and meticulously decorated pastries await you at this Culpeper chocolatier. Try the passionate romance rose, an almond sponge cake topped with passionfruit crème, strawberry mousse, and covered in white chocolate rose petals. For a more sumptuous version, try the chocolate noir rose, a chocolate almond sponge cake with chocolate cremeux, cream, and topped with dark chocolate rose petals. 129 E. Davis St., Ste. 160, Culpeper
Lolli & Pops
For all things saccharine, stop by Lolli and Pops. Holiday favorites include any of its hot cocoa kits, ready with everything you’ll need for the hot chocolate of a lifetime. Top off your mug with the peppermint snowflake marshmallow hugger, a snowflake-shaped marshmallow dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candy cane pieces. 11816L Fair Oaks Mall, Ste. L-134, Fairfax
Feature image courtesy Lolli & Pops
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