Screaming children, neurotic in-laws, abundant messes… the holidays are stressful enough without negotiating a messy oven (or Nana’s adamantine fruitcake). Leave the baking to the professionals. From couture-worthy bûche de Noël to melt-in-your-mouth kunafa, these sweet treats make holiday entertaining a piece of cake.
Courtesy of The Buttered Tin
The Buttered Tin
St. Paul and Minneapolis
City-dwellers can grab pies, cookies, and gingerbread that taste homemade (but better) at The Buttered Tin’s Lowertown St. Paul and northeast Minneapolis locations. Favorites include pumpkin pie ($36) with an all-butter crust and whipped cream, assorted holiday cookie tins, and gingerbread house kits. Preorder larger batches online at least 72 hours ahead.
Cossetta
St. Paul
Cossetta’s award-winning panettone makes an impressive addition to any holiday table. This Italian Christmas bread is available online ($79.97, serves 12-16) or fresh by the pound at Cossetta’s St. Paul market. Order ahead for holiday delivery or stop by the market for a last-minute treat.
The Golden Nuts
Columbia Heights
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern homily to the wonders of butter and sugar. At this Palestinian-owned bakery, pick up an assortment of desserts made from crispy, shredded filo pastry layered with clotted cream, fragrant sugar syrup, or pistachios. Open throughout the holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Don’t miss the kunafa cheesecake—it’s divine.Â
Johnson’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Duluth
Christmas cookies from Johnson’s Bakery & Coffee Shop make the perfect holiday gift. Pick up a dozen ($24) traditional spritz, gingerbread, and fattigmann cookies, or place a larger order at least 72 hours ahead. The bakery also offers traditional Scandinavian Julekake ($6 per half-pound)—a sweet taste of Christmas without turning on the oven.
Owned by Swedish natives Eva and Fari Sabet, Krown Bakery & Eatery’s Julekake is as Swedish as you’ll get. Its scratch-made Cardamom Swedish Tea Ring ($17), filled with cardamom-infused butter and vanilla custard, makes an impressive holiday centerpiece. Or try the Budapest Log ($37), a hazelnut meringue rolled with whipped cream, mandarin oranges, and raspberries. Order online two business days ahead.
Courtesy of Krown Bakery & Eatery
Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris
St. Paul and Minneapolis
Marc Heu’s holiday specials look almost too pretty to eat—and taste even better. November brings a classic French Bourdaloue tart ($75) with vanilla-poached pears, almond cream, and 24-karat gold leaf. December’s festive bûche de Noël ($75) is a showstopper, while January ushers in the traditional almond cream-filled Galette des Rois ($70). Order online 72 hours ahead for pickup.
Panaderia San Miguel
Minneapolis
For a sweet holiday finale, order flan napolitano from Panaderia San Miguel’s longstanding Lake Street shop. The creamy classic ($36, serves 12) can be dressed up with strawberries or diced peaches for an additional $5. Call 72 hours ahead for Christmas Day pickup. Craving buñuelos? Ask about a special order at least a week in advance.
