Treats for the season

Crumbs, a bake shop with three locations in D.C., boasts a full and varied holiday menu, making party snacks and gifts both convenient and tasty. While best known for its cupcake selection, ranging from mini to the colossal cake-sized option, it also has holiday-themed cookies, whoopie pies, scones and traditional Hanukkah treats available throughout December, as well as some limited-edition drinks (including a decadent peppermint hot chocolate). Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, Crumbs offers special holiday cupcakes such as “White Hot Chocolate,” “ Chocolate Christmas Sprinkle” and the “Christmas Tree” — a Red Velvet cupcake featuring vanilla frosting, with rainbow sugar decorating the edge and a Christmas tree cookie topping. You can purchase the Holiday Gourmet Taste Pack, a deal that gives you 12 mini versions of Crumbs’s holiday cupcakes, or make it a Signature Collection, which gives you six “normal”-sized cupcakes. The store’s regular size is large in itself, a treat that is sure to satisfy, while the colossal offerings feed six to eight people. You can also get decorated sugar cookies that look like Christmas trees, candy canes or stockings, or try a Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pie. 

{mosads}In honor of Hanukkah, Crumbs has cupcakes decorated in blue and yellow, with a Star of David sugar cookie on top, as well as traditional jelly doughnuts and an assorted Rugelach container. By visiting one of its locations or going to the crumbs.com website, you can see the Holiday Gift Guide selection, which allows you to easily select the perfect gift to give someone this year. Before you leave the store, make sure to treat yourself to a Peppermint Mocha, or try the Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate. 

Firehook Bakery and Coffeehouse is another popular destination for those seeking holiday treats and drinks. With more than 10 locations throughout Washington and the metro area in Virginia, it is easy to find a nearby store with cookies, cakes and drinks prepared for various December events. Classic holiday gingerbread cookies are available, as are sugar and iced cookies with holiday shapes and decorations. If you’re throwing a party, you will want to check out the Jelly Cake, Holiday Coconut Cake or White Satin Tart, which are popular among customers looking to satisfy their guests. Firehook also boasts a special selection of Hanukkah cakes available for order. While you’re there, make sure to get yourself a treat you won’t want to share — a gingerbread or egg nog latte.

Hello Cupcake, a cupcakery with locations in Dupont Circle and Barracks Row, will offer two specific delicacies throughout December in honor of the holidays. Joining its regular menu are the candy cane and gingerbread cupcakes. The shop also offers its classic chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with seasonal decorations — such as trees, angels and ornament silhouettes — on top. If you’re looking for an easy stocking-stuffer, or a sure-to-please gift for a co-worker, Hello Cupcake offers gift cards so they can go in and personally select their treats.

Buzz Bakery, with locations in Alexandria and Arlington County, Va., offers a selection of treats that are great as gifts, party food or a special addition to your lunch break. In December, the bakery will offer a variety of gift-in-a-jar recipes, which the recipient can then use to make hot cocoa, Nancy granola bars, Butterfinger blondies or cookies for Santa. It will also be accepting pre-orders for Buche de Noel (more commonly known as a Yule Log) and sticky toffee pudding. Or stop in the store for one of its seasonal specialty drinks, including hot buttered cider or spiced cookie steamer, to go along with the gingerbread-flavored scout cupcake.

Whatever your holiday baked-good needs — whether it’s a gift, a treat to set out at the company party or a mid-afternoon snack for yourself — the bakeries in the D.C. area have a wide and delicious selection for you to choose from this year.