Food is always more than just food in the Hudson Valley. When it comes to regional cuisine, each plate tells a story of where and how the ingredients were grown, how the concepts behind the flavors was conceived, and why it looks the way it does. In other words, local dishes are often edible art. Unsurprisingly, crafting the most beautiful and delicious food along the Hudson River is a passion and mission that extends to sweets and chocolates as well.
In the Hudson Valley, local candy makers frequently draw on decades of experience to perfect their craft. Some shops have stood in the same place for 100 years, while others are fresh on the scene with new ideas from around the world. What every spot has in common is a passion for creating the most divinely decadent desserts possible. Is your sweet tooth ready for it?
Albany County
Krause’s Homemade Candy
Albany, 518.869.3950
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The Krause family has been crafting homemade chocolate and candies for three generations in Albany. The original shop opened in 1986, and the Krauses have been perfecting the art of candy-making ever since. Krause’s has been providing the Capital Region with classics like peanut brittle, almond butter toffee, chocolate fudge, and much more. Pretty much any sweet you can imagine can be found at this Albany mainstay. For the holidays, grab some assorted chocolate heart boxes or chocolate-covered strawberries for someone special.
Columbia County
Vasilow’s Confectionary, Inc.
Hudson, 518.828.2717
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Located in the heart of Hudson, Vasilow’s creates a paradise of classic chocolates and brand-new creations alike. Chocolate-covered fortune cookies, Twizzlers, and potato chips showcase the team’s creativity and willingness to embrace the fun side of the food industry. The shop’s homemade chocolate truffle centers are made from heavy cream and butter from nearby dairy farms, and decadent fillings can taste of Chardonnay, Raspberry Chambord, Crème de Menthe, and more. The old-world flavors come from family recipes that date back to Vasilow’s opening in 1923, just a few blocks away from its current location.
Verdigris Tea and Chocolates
Hudson, 518.828.3139
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Verdigris goes far beyond serving cups of herbal delights (though the teas may be the most pleasant way to start a cold winter morning). Kim Bach opened her first retail store more than a decade ago with the intention of focusing on tea. Yet when she filled a small basket in the center of the shop with “death by chocolate” candies, they took off. For the sweet holiday, look to the shop’s chocolate hearts, pistoles, and malt balls.
Dutchess County
Alps Sweet Shop
Beacon and Fishkill, 888.442.2577
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Alps has 100 years of experience under its belt, with plenty more to go. It was founded in Beacon by chocolatier Peter Charkalis, and the business remains in the family with his granddaughter Sally. Adding to the European influence is Sally’s husband Terry, who has studied in chocolate capitals of the world like Belgium and France. The team prides itself on fresh ingredients and rich-tasting treats. At either location, patrons can spend great amounts of time perusing the decorative assortments under glass. From traditional favorites like the signature Heaven and Earth Truffles (three types of dark chocolate and fresh local cream, rolled in cocoa powder) to fun, gimmicky concepts like chocolate-covered potato chips, there’s something for everyone at Alps.
The Chocolate Studio
Beacon, 845.765.1165
Just a short walk down Main Street from Alps is Beacon’s Chocolate Studio, another local mainstay. The bubbly candy store perpetually stocks the shelves with rich chocolates and the owners’ signature Gourmetibles, a unique cookie-candy hybrid that satisfies big cravings. Much of The Chocolate Studio’s personality can be attributed to sisters Regina Furphy and Anne St. George, who own and run the place. During the summer months, the shop even serves creamy, decadent ice cream, available in both regular and vegan varieties. It’s a must-visit during a stroll through town.
HÅKAN Chocolatier
Beacon, 845.310.4470
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Further down Main Street, find one of the more recent additions to the list of Dutchess County’s decadent dessert destinations. HÅKAN Chocolatier draws a crowd for its cocktail lounge-atmosphere and one-of-a-kind, small-batch delights. The shop’s eccentric owner and master chocolatier, Håkan Mårtensson, won multiple international competitions for his creations. His resume is impressive, including a successful stint with the Swedish culinary Olympic team. Find meticulously crafted bonbons filled with exotic flavors like Norwegian goat cheese, tamarind-cardamom, yellow habanero cream, and so much more. Marvel at the massive sculptures made from leftover chocolate, including a menacing dragon. A visit to HÅKAN Chocolatier is an experience; grab-and-go is not an option here. Take a seat under the neon lights and sample wholly unique Hudson Valley chocolates one at a time.
Samuel’s Sweet Shop
Rhinebeck, 845.876.5312
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Samuel’s Sweet Shop is a destination unto itself. A passion project for actors Paul Rudd, Hilarie Burton, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, this Hudson Valley chocolate shop bursts with retro atmosphere. Decorative homages to the pies from Broadway’s Waitress, Welcome Back Cotter lunchboxes, Beatlemania board games, and much more line the walls inside, along with sugary delights. Among the dynamite desserts are the Next Level Sensations: peppermint patties sandwiched between two Oreos and coated in dark chocolate. Rhinebeck’s sweetest celebrity-owned candy shop also pours a delicious hot chocolate that’s decadent in every way, with excellent coffee to boot.
Taste Budd’s Café
Red Hook, 833.462.8337
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This Red Hook café fosters an unforgettable experience for your Taste Budd’s (get it?). So much of what this all-in-one eatery serves is made from scratch, a fact that can be explained by the multiple graduates from the Culinary Institute of America who are often on staff. The team is passionate about sharing an experience of coffee and chocolate indulgence, one of the finest pairings in the world. Chef Daniel Budd brought more than two decades of experience creating delicious desserts across the country (and in France) to Taste Budd’s when he opened in the Hudson Valley in 2000. African cocoa beans called Forestero make the Belgian and American chocolate exceptionally rich, with a strong flavor of spice. Strawberry balsamic, chai caramel, Guinness, and brown sugar whiskey — the latter which bursts with chili pepper and whiskey ganache — are some of the unique truffles from Taste Budd’s.
Tempered Chocolate
Hopewell Junction, 845.592.1241
Founded recently in 2023, Tempered Chocolate was inspired by owners Diana Ocasio and Andrea Lanzetta’s love of chocolate. The two received professional chocolatier training through Canadian institution Ecole Chocolate and Chicago-based The Chocolate Academy. The Hopewell Junction chocolates will satisfy your every craving with options like peppermint bark, cherry cordials, chocolate-covered nuts and fruit, and peanut butter and fluff cups. For Valentine’s Day, opt for the heart-shaped chocolate lollipop or the rose lollipop bouquet for that special someone.
Greene County
Catskill Chocolate Co.
Catskill, 518.719.0473
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Ethically sourced chocolate and fresh HV ingredients? Count us in. Catskill Chocolate Co. sources from local businesses and crafts treats to reflect the season. It also focuses on using vegan, gluten-free, and organic practices as much as possible. Peruse the shop (which is celebrating its third birthday in March) for chocolate bark, covered fruits and nuts, and specialty candy.
Orange County
Commodore Chocolatier
Newburgh, 845.561.3960
Commodore Chocolatier is a fan-favorite business located on Broadway in Newburgh. Commodore is a family-owned operation established in 1935 and currently under the stewardship of the second and third generations. Utilizing high-quality ingredients sourced locally and globally, Commodore crafts delicious confections like pistachio cardamom truffles, the historically inspired “Chop Suey,” and a plethora of marvelous chocolate molds.
Putnam County
Cold Spring Candy Co.
Cold Spring, 845.809.3495
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A boutique, vintage-style candy store in the riverfront town of Cold Spring, Cold Spring Candy Co. specializes in all things sweet. Along with candy jars, maple syrup, and wildflower honey, the shop crafts its own handmade fudge and artisan chocolates — including some vegan options. For Valentine’s Day, go for the chocolate doggies for your dog-loving partner, or opt for pistachio clusters, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, or the fudge tower for a range of flavors.
Rensselaer County
Primo Chocolate
Troy, 518.712.9495
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When we were researching this story, owner Oliver Holecek was on a sourcing trip in Mexico—so you know he’s the real deal. Primo blends sustainable and fair-trade cacao with medicinal herbs and fungi to craft delicious, healing treats. The company partners with regenerative farms that produce chocolate that’s low in cadmium and lead. At the shop, you’ll find chocolate candies and bars, as well as a cacao-hazelnut spread and drinking chocolate.
Rockland County
Lucas Candies
Haverstraw, 845.947.1220
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This family-owned business is bursting with personality and creativity in the Hudson Valley. The shop has been making candy in the same location since the 1890s. In other words, the Lucas family knows how to make delicious treats. Get a taste of the most popular cocoa-based confections including tons of gourmet chocolate bars, chocolate-covered Oreos and pretzels, and Gobs, a.k.a. dark chocolate and caramel-covered marshmallows. Locals go crazy for the chocolate strawberries around Valentine’s Day.
Tree of Chocolate
Nyack, 845.353.3532
Nyack has an especially indulgent chocolate experience in store for those with a cocoa craze. Travels to South America, Europe, and across the United States imbue the team at Tree of Chocolate with a passion for culture and cuisine. The chocolate pizza is a great centerpiece for a party spread or enjoyable by the slice. Mexican chocolate, praline, orange peel, and other classic flavors tempt innermost cravings. Tree of Chocolate also carries top-tier bars from other purveyors with bold flavor combinations like parmesan-walnut-fig, cheddar-apple, and turmeric-ginger.
Ulster County
Cacao Lab
Kingston, 845.802.0105
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You could say siblings Federico and Florencia Fridman are chocolate pros, seeing as they’re from Bariloche, a small Patagonian town considered to be the cacao capital of Argentina. With first-hand knowledge and respect for production, Cacao Lab teaches customers about ceremonial-grade cacao before they snack on decadent chocolate bars spiced with turmeric and black pepper or hibiscus and cardamom. The shop also sells cacao powder and Ecuadorian butter.
EJ Bonbons & Confections
Woodstock
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In Woodstock, talented chefs Emily Kellogg and Pierre Pouplard, who met working at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, opened this boutique chocolate shop to share their unique creations. These aren’t your average truffles and bonbons; instead, they are decorated to perfection and packed with strong cocoa flavors that bring you on a journey of discovery with each new bite. Grab a chocolate bar, tin of nougat, box of caramels, or the popular assorted bonbon box to experience EJ’s fine confections.
Fruition Chocolate Works
Shokan, 845.657.6717
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The team at Fruition takes the saying “bean to bar” seriously. They pay top dollar to ensure all their chocolate—like small-batch white, milk, and dark—is of the highest quality. All sourcing is traceable and organic, with co-founder and CEO Dahlia Graham adding, “We go to different countries to assess the genetic profile of the bean.” Don’t miss out on the seasonal gift sets, bars, and caramel candies.
Hudson Valley Chocolates
Wallkill, 845.851.8232
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Say “J’aime le chocolat” at Hudson Valley Chocolates, a hand-crafted confection shop run by French-American pâtissier and chocolate-maker Stephanie Glaisek. She studied under famous French chocolatier Henri Le Roux and worked in Avignon. Glaisek’s passion for candy started as a consumer and grew with each professional experience, including working as a pastry chef for the Castle at Tarrytown. The resulting candy draws inspiration from classic dessert flavor pairings, like dark chocolate-dipped apricots or toasted coconut bark. Ornately decorated desserts in every box of confections display fleur-de-lis, colorful flowers, and other intricate designs. For those who love a good crunch, try the signature “Cornflake Clusters.”
Krause’s Chocolates
Rhinebeck, 845.876.3909; New Paltz, 845.255.1272; and Saugerties, 845.246.8377
After a lengthy hike in the Shawangunk Mountains, few things compare to a cold, refreshing, chocolate-dipped frozen banana from Krause’s New Paltz location. Owner Karl Krause uses a Swiss formula for chocolate free of any waxes, oils, or unpleasant aftertaste. Hand-dipped items from one of three Krause locations will blow foodies away. In the family for three generations, Krause’s has mastered the arts of confection, drawing upon Karl Krause’s grandfather’s recipes with new and unique creations constantly making their way into the lineup. Plus, the seasonal molded sweets make for perfect gifts to commemorate almost any holiday.
Lagusta’s Luscious
New Paltz, 845.633.8615
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Everything here is sustainable—from start to finish. Even the packaging is made from recycled paper. The chocolate is 100-percent ethically sourced from Republica del Cacao in Ecuador, where owner Lagusta Yearwood often visits to learn about chocolate-growing practices, processing, and handling. In downtown New Paltz, this is the place to grab sweet bites like flavored chocolates, bars, caramels, barks, and toffees.
Related: This New Candy Store Brings Sweet Treats Galore to Middletown
