Hartmann’s Kaffeehaus
Try: Strudel
With a motto that reads “Have cake for breakfast and lunch – we won’t judge you,” you can be rest assured that Hartmann’s is the place to be. The dreamy bakeshop specializes in Eastern European sweets, which means it’s the place to go to experience new-to-you desserts that are downright delicious. Savor each and every bite of the Schwarzwalder Kirsh, the shop’s Black Forest cake, or stick with a classic slice of apple strudel.
1507 Hearts Content Rd, Round Top, 518.622.3820
La Patisserie Normande
Try: Almond Croissant
On your next free weekend, take a drive to La Patisserie Normande to experience the flavors of France right here in the Hudson Valley. Visitors swoon over the homemade croissants, some of which are deep-fried or flavored with sweet almond. The brioche rolls are beautiful, as are the fruit tarts, cakes, and macarons. Do you sense a theme?
5339 State Route 23, Windham, 518.734.5281
Verdigris Tea & Chocolate
Try: Cookies
Verdigris is a teashop. Yet it’s also a chocolate shop. Did we mention it’s a bakery too? In case the trifecta of perfection has not yet convinced you to take a trip there a.s.a.p., let daydreams of oatmeal raisin cookies the size of your face and decadent gluten free brownies float through your head for a while. Goodbye, willpower.
135 Warren St, Hudson, 518.828.3129
Bonfiglio & Bread
Try: Pain au chocolat
When Bonfiglio & Bread decided to close its Hudson location in 2017, the community mourned its loss. Fortunately, its sister store in Athens still stands strong. Go for the bread; the sourdoughs and rolls are the stuff of dreams. Stay for the abundance of cinnamon rolls, bear claws, and donuts that line the store’s shelves. Ready for the kicker? The store serves pizza too.
44 Second St, Athens, 518.444.4705
The Little Bake Shop
Try: Cheesecake
The Little Bake Shop is the type of store where you never know what you’re going to get. In other words, it only makes sense to stop by regularly (dare we say daily?) to eyeball the goods on offer. Friday might bring you face to face with the Butterfingers cheesecake of your childhood dreams, while Sunday might introduce you to the rhubarb pie that screams spring.
223 Mansion St, Coxsackie, 518.731.6633
Winkle’s Bakery
Try: Cookie Dough Cupcake
The bitty bakery in Catskill makes a major name for itself with innovative cupcakes and made-to-order cakes. Although the shop menu changes daily, look out for covetable cupcakes in flavors like cookie dough, lemon blueberry, and peanut butter chocolate. For anyone who is not so into cupcakes (gasp!), the bakery also offers cookies, puddings, scones, and more.
26 W Bridge St, Catskill, 518.943.2253
