Forget Kris (Kringle, not Kardashian!) – I’m saving all the holiday cookies from these 10 terrific bakeries around Rhode Island for my loved ones and me. Everyone has their go-to bakeries and favorite cookie spreads for family gatherings – and maybe yours is on the list – but why not surprise and delight with sweets from a marvelous neighborhood bakeshop you haven’t tried before? Get your orders in early, as these cookie trays are going fast.
Sugar, spice, and…allergen free? If you have a loved one with food allergies, you know how difficult it can be to find baked goods they can enjoy without worry, but A&J on Park Avenue has it all, including festive sugar cookies, biscotti, and even gingerbread house kits over the holidays. They also offer gluten- and dairy-free treats. Cranston
This family-owned neighborhood bakery is popular for their Italian bread (with a third-generation recipe) and pastries, and also gets high marks for their classic chocolate chip cookies. Pop in this time of year for some pizzelles, the round waffle-textured Italian Christmas cookies you may remember from your childhood. Pawtucket, 725-9478
Locals adore this old-world (and cash-only) Portuguese bake shop on Franklin Street, known for its tempting yet inexpensive breads and sweet treats. In addition to their danishes, turnovers, cakes, and brownies, come December they bake up Portuguese Christmas biscoitos (a simple yet scrumptious cookie twisted into a circle). Bristol, 253-9832
If you or someone in your world eats plant-based, add a trip to Celebrated to your yuletide schedule. This vegan bake shop offers both custom and out-of-the-case cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Past Christmas offerings include a Winter Macaron Collection and Nana’s Cookie Tin, an enchanting mix of old time-y confections. Warwick
This Quaker Lane spot has regulars raving about their coffee, fresh bread, pies, and wine biscuits. This time of year, in addition to all that, they make a limited amount (it’s first come, first served) of fanciful cookies in different shapes, including Santa Claus and Christmas stars. West Warwick,
My husband and I discovered Le Favorite on a Sunday drive around the Governor Francis neighborhood. They’re probably best known for their cakes, either made to order for an extra special event or straight out of the case, but they also have a fab selection of wintery bites, such as gingerbread men and lemon snowflakes during the holidays. Warwick
This wife and husband-owned sweet-ery is a must visit any time of year. With holiday festivities fast approaching, it’s worth a trip from any corner of the state to pick up some of their delicious and delightfully decorated Christmas cookies, along with cupcakes, chocolates, hot choc bombs, and DIY cookie kits for the kiddos and the kids at heart.
Missing the Christmas cookies your nonna, auntie, or momma used to make? A special order from Only The Finest Italian Cookies is sure to do the trick. They’ll whip up some yummy biscotti, butter balls, egg biscuits, and more. Holiday orders opened in October, so don’t sleep on giving them a call or perusing the menu online! Johnston
This cozy shop is the place to go if you’re on the market for custom cookies for your winter fete. They’ll help you put your own spin on the usual tannenbaum or candy cane-shaped versions. If cake pops are more your lane, Sweet Althea’s does that, too. Swing by and be inspired by the variety of delectable selections behind the case. South Kingstown
Count on this family-run bakeshop on Mineral Spring Avenue for crowd-pleasing creative seasonal sweets, from gingerbread men to chocolate confections. Whether you want to carry out a plate wrapped in cellophane and a red bow or pick from their merry selection displayed in the cases, it’s a jolly good time. North Providence
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