Yes, you do deserve a sweet little treat.
The holidays are a cozy excuse to lean into butter, sugar and nostalgia before promising to “do better” in 2026. Whether you’re planning to gift a baked good this season or simply savor one yourself, Columbus has an incredible lineup of local bakeries and shops that make it impossible not to indulge.
After all, this is the city that gave the world Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and earned Food & Wine’s nod as one of America’s next great food cities. It's full of sweet people with a sweet tooth to match. So, grab a plate, pull up a chair and let’s dig in.
Photo courtesy of Catherine Murray
Jumbo Cream Puffs at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Go for the sausage, stay for the dessert. A Columbus staple for over 50 years and run by five generations of the same family, Schmidt’s famous cream puffs are massive, filled with rich cream and have a cult-like following. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter and a rotating seasonal puff.
Cinnamon Rolls at Fox in the Snow Cafe
Any pastry at Fox in the Snow’s five Central Ohio locations is a win, but the cinnamon roll loaded with fluffy icing is a true showstopper. Known for rustic, homemade baked goods, every bite feels like a warm hug.
Croissants at Dan the Baker
Named a 2025 James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, Dan the Baker is the go-to spot for croissants, sourdough, and other pastries and breads. First time visiting? For something sweet, try the chocolate croissant. For a savory option, go for the ham and cheese croissant.
Milk Chocolate Buckeyes at Winans
There are several amazing local spots to grab a good buckeye, but Winans is at the top of that list. Using a recipe that has been passed down for generations, their hand-rolled and dipped buckeyes are light and creamy with just the right peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio.
Any Scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Everyone has a favorite at Jeni’s, and the shops make it easy to find yours with unlimited samples. For a curated tasting, Jeni’s sells a Best Sellers Collection for $58, available to order online or purchase by the pint in stores. The collection includes Double Dough, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Darkest Chocolate, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks and Honey Vanilla Bean.
Viral Cakes at Love Riley
Newer to the sweets scene, Love Riley has quickly taken Central Ohio and the internet by storm with vintage-inspired custom cakes, each layered and frosted to perfection. Order in advance for a guaranteed treat or try your luck at grabbing one fresh from the case when the doors open. Keep an eye out for her tiramisu brownies, which are worth the hype.
Macarons at Pistacia Vera
Everything in Pistacia Vera’s pastry case looks ready for a high-end food magazine spread, but the macarons are a must. These delicate nut meringue cookies come filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam, and are gluten-free. Individual macarons are $2.50, or six-piece gift boxes are $15—perfect for giving.
Photo courtesy of Belle's Bread
Fruit Tarts at Belle's Bread Japanese Bakery and Café
Named one of The 30 Best Bakeries in America by Eat This, Not That!, Belle’s Bread is a family-owned, French-inspired Japanese bakery. Everything is made from scratch daily by a team of 30 bakers. In the fruit tarts, every element—from the tart shell to the almond paste and vanilla custard—is made in-house.
Croissants at Littleton’s Market
At Littleton’s Market Bakery in North Market Downtown, the menu is constantly evolving, but the stuffed croissants are always a standout. Options have included Chocolate Bi-Colored Croissants, White Chocolate Peppermint Croissants and Pumpkin Spice Croissants, often filled with rich, decadent creams. If you visit the Upper Arlington location, don’t miss Helen’s Heavenly fruit pastries, which have gone viral for their irresistible bakery-case treats.
Not F*cking Box Brownies at Bite This
Clintonville’s Bite This, created by Annie Dickson, a self-proclaimed metalhead Martha Stewart, keeps things spooky all year long. The menu rotates monthly, sometimes weekly, so there is always something new to try. The one constant is their OG Not F*cking Box Brownies made with rich chocolate goodness.
