Did you know February 20 is National Muffin Day? If you’ve been craving the breakfast dessert, look no further than these six options in Northern Virginia. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite cup of coffee.
Best Buns
Offering muffins, artisan breads, cupcakes, bagels, rolls, and croissants, Best Buns specializes in all baked goods. If you’re stuck on which muffin you should try, a standout is the banana chocolate chip. For those who want to take home a dozen and freeze them, follow the “Doughs and Don’t’s” section on the menu, which includes everything you need to know about storing and freezing the delicious treats. 4010 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Sweetbites Café
If you’re one of those people who gets to the front of the line and hesitates between a doughnut and a muffin, you’ll sigh with relief at Sweetbites’ Monut Muffin. The sweet treat includes local jam and a cinnamon sugar topping. Savor one with some coffee (try the dulce de leche shakerato) and sit inside or outside at Sweetbites. 6845 Elm St., McLean
Fairfax Bakery
When all you want is a gigantic mountain of sweet breakfast goodness, look no further than Fairfax Bakery’s jumbo muffins. Flavors do vary but the classic flavors are too good not to pass up (think blueberry, cranberry, lemon poppy, etc.). If you want to branch out a bit, try Oreo cheesecake or split a chocolate raspberry with your favorite person. 11211 Lee Hwy., Ste. J, Fairfax
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Great Harvest’s muffins rotate daily, so if you live close by, beware. Grabbing one of these on your way to work may become a habit. Some noteworthy flavors include a carrot raisin walnut — which is perfect for those who don’t like a lot of sweetness — a classic banana walnut, and even a gluten-free muffin that’s one of the better tasting ones I’ve tried. Multiple locations
Pastry Xpo
This local cozy café in the Mosaic District has some great options, including quality pastries and coffee from Europe to the Middle East. Owner and pastry chef Toni Srour has over 40 years of baking and management experience after immigrating from Lebanon at the age of 26. His classic blueberry muffin is magnificent and worth a trip to Falls Church. 8190 Strawberry Ln., Ste. 6, Falls Church
Feature image courtesy Pastry Xpo
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