Now that it’s officially freezing outside, our bodies need that extra layer of fat to keep us warm (and alive). But this time of year always presents us with a huge issue: ice cream. Unless you’re insane, who wants ice cream or froyo when your face is the same temperature as the food you’re eating?
Now that the go-to dessert of Harvard Square is off limits, we decided to gather up some warm desserts to help us all gain some holiday Santa bellies.
Mike’s Pastry
Photo by Claire Dinhut
You can’t go wrong with bringing your friends to this bakery. They offer a variety of Italian baked goods from biscotti to their famous cannolis. Personally, I’m a big fan of their classic chocolate chip cannoli and their eclairs. But nearly everything on the menu is to die for.
Insomnia Cookies
Photo by Claire Dinhut
Not only does this famous store offer melty, gooey, and delicious cookies, but they also deliver. When it’s so cold that you don’t want to leave your bed, have no fear: Insomnia has online ordering which you can track obsessively in the comfort of your heated bedroom.
Also, if you’re a peanut butter fan (who isn’t?), they have a new seasonal cookie: “The Deluxe Double Chocolate Peanut Butter”. This cookie will make you rethink all of your life choices.
L.A. Burdick
Photo by Claire Dinhut
When you’re not in the mood for a full dessert but still want a holiday treat, L.A. Burdick is the place to go. This store offers dainty mouthwatering handmade chocolates as well as the most decadent hot chocolate on earth.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, their bonbons are currently sold in the shape of holiday favorites such as snowmen and penguins. While you’re there, be a nice child and buy your parents a Hannukah or Christmas gift box. They’ll appreciate it.
Sweet
Photo by Claire Dinhut
In addition to L.A. Burdick, Sweet also bakes holiday specials. This quaint cupcake shop has all the provisions for a successful winter holiday party. Choose from Christmas trees to the 12 Days of Christmas; anything works as a post dinner treat that won’t leave you freezing.
Zinneken’s
Photo by Claire Dinhut
Let’s be real here: this waffle shop is incredible. Not only is the decor adorable, their waffles are crisp and fluffy, and their toppings do not disappoint (*cough cough* speculoos spread). The best part is that they serve waffles all day, so you can pull off eating dessert for breakfast. And the other way around.
Ben & Jerry’s
Photo by Claire Dinhut
We all have that crazy friend who will eat ice cream no matter what temperature it is outside. If they insist on getting their fix, try to lead them toward Ben & Jerry’s, because you’ll hit the warm dessert jackpot. Grab yourself one of their “Hot Ice Cream Beverages,” luscious and decadent fudge or caramel poured into ice cream and steamed milk.
Crema Cafe
Photo courtesy of cremacambridge via Instagram
In case you didn’t know, this famous Harvard Square coffee shop doesn’t only produce morning baked goods such as croissants, but also intriguing flavored cupcakes such as strawberry balsamic, sweet potato, and even merlot. If cupcakes aren’t your thing, they also have enormous cookies with flavors such as peanut butter, oatmeal jumble, mudslide, and classic chocolate chip.
Now that you know, make sure to hit them all up and gain those few extra pounds before the cold really hits.