Some would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can be tricky, but after years of eating my way through the city, I’ve found the spots worth your time. And if you’re visiting New York City during the holidays, the Christmas dessert options are aplenty.
Table of Contents
- The Grinch Ice Cream Cone at Mister Dips
- The Peppermint Cookie at Levain Bakery
- Doughnut Plant. Coconut Snowman
- Dominique Ansel. Cronut
- Daily Provisions. Seasonal Cruller
- Loreley Beer Garden. Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate
- La Churreria. Rudolph Churro Lollipop
- Lafayette Bakery. Suprême de Noël Croissant
- Starbucks Reserve. Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
- S’mores N’more. Hot Chocolate
Treats that are only served once year shoot to the top of the priority list and folks mad-dash to get their hands on the exclusive sweets.
Having spent the last nine years exploring holiday markets, scouring the internet and being an avid foodie, I’ve created a list of the best Christmas treats in NYC.
Best Christmas Desserts in NYC
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The Grinch Ice Cream Cone at Mister Dips
Located on Pier 17, Mister Dips puts out a seasonal ice cream cone that resembles a Christmas tree just in time for the holidays.
Made up of frozen egg nog custard and dipped in an evergreen hard-shell, then garnished with sprinkles. And of course, a gold star, this one of the most fun Christmas desserts in NYC for kids. After you devour your ice cream make sure to check out the neighboring ice rink and enjoy some stunning views on Brooklyn.
Something to Note — Load up on napkins, this NYC holiday treat gets messy quickly!
Address.89 South St, New York, NY 10038
The Peppermint Cookie at Levain Bakery
Arguably the most famous cookie in New York City, Levain Bakery has once again made a list of must-try winter treats in New York City. During the month of December, peppermint lovers are spoiled with a gooey, minty, star of a treat.
The cookie is made with their double chocolate chip dough recipe and little peppermint chips are folded into the mix, giving off a cool winter flavor with every bite.
The peppermint flavor complements the cookie in a way that isn’t overpowering so even if you don’t consider yourself a fan of mint, the Christmas treat is still enjoyable.
Address.Multiple locations in New York City.
Doughnut Plant. Coconut Snowman
Customization is the name of the game at Doughnut Plant. There are vegan and gluten free options and everybody is sure to find something to satiate their sweet teeth. When the holiday season rolls around. Doughnut Plant releases a handful of seasonal flavors that you’re going to want to try.
Flavors like Marzipan & Jam and Panettone fly off the shelf as well as the festive Christmas tree shaped donut that’s made with chocolate pudding and a mint glaze.
I recommend ordering the coconut snowman if you are looking for unique Christmas treats in New York City. Shaped like a snowman, the treat is filled with a delicious coconut cream custard and is almost too cute to eat…almost.
Address. Multiple locations in New York City.
Dominique Ansel. Cronut
Dominique Ansel is a must for the famous, cult-following cronut. The cronut is a mix between a croissant and donut. Run don’t walk.
The reason why the cronut is among the best Christmas desserts in NYC (aside from the obvious) is the fact that the flavors rotate every month and never repeat.
That’s right! For the past decade, Dominique Ansel (the genius behind this innovative treat) creates a new flavor every month to keep New Yorkers and visitors on their toes. December’s cronut flavor for 2023 is Malt & Caramel. The cronut is full of a creamy malt ganache and salted caramel ganache.
Address. 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Local tip. Insider move. ask for the off-menu special.
Daily Provisions. Seasonal Cruller
Daily Provisions is the brainchild of Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack. It now proudly has multiple locations throughout New York City.
Famous for their fried golden delights known as “crullers”, these donuts will have you swooning after one bite. Perfectly crisped on the outside with an undeniable chewy texture on the inside, I dream about these bad boys nightly.
The cafe offers two year-round options (maple and cinnamon) plus a seasonal third choice that usually pays tribute to the upcoming holiday. The Christmas treat this year is a gingerbread cruller made with a spiced icing topped with festive gingerbread sprinkles.
Address. Multiple locations in New York City
Unpopular opinion. I’ll die on this hill. you haven’t really experienced NYC food culture until you’ve tried The Grinch Ice Cream Cone at Mister Dips.
Loreley Beer Garden. Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate
What better way to kick off the holiday season in NYC than with spiked cocoa!
Loreley Beer Garden has been serving the Lower East Side with themed drinks and a heated outdoor patio for over 20 years. During the winter months the patio is adorned with garlands, lights and festive figurines making the place feel like a winter wonderland.
The only thing that makes the festive oasis more magical is the daily happy hour offerings (excluding Saturdays). One of the best Christmas desserts in NYC for adults is the boozy black and white hot cocoa which is spiked with bourbon.
Address. 7 Rivington St, New York, NY
La Churreria. Rudolph Churro Lollipop
Located in Nolita, La Churreria is a churro-lovers dream dessert destination. The fried treat is served in a multitude of ways but if you’re visiting NYC during the month of December, you have to order the Rudolph lollipop.
Served on a stick, the circular churro is decorated with a dulce de leche sauce to resemble a reindeer. All orders are fried on the spot so you’ll get to enjoy a nice, warm, sugary dessert this Christmas in NYC.
There’s also the option to order a Santa Churro Ice Cream Sundae which comes with dark chocolate ice cream,
a marshmallow spread and a strawberry slice on top.
Address.284 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Lafayette Bakery. Suprême de Noël Croissant
Getting your grubby little hands one of the viral croissants at Lafayette is damn near impossible! And leave it to the popular bakery to up the stakes and roll out a holiday flavor that just tripled the wait time.
The famous circular croissants at Lafayette are simply stunning to look at. Filled with options like chocolate ganache, pistachio cream and now a holiday ‘nog, wintergreen glaze and yule log meringue, you’ll quickly discover the hour long line is worth it.
Locals tip.Since the croissants are so quick to sell out, Lafayette Bakery started dropping batches three times a day. Try getting to the bakery at the beginning of each drop (8AM, 12PM & 4PM) to score one of the best NYC holiday treats.
Address.380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
Starbucks Reserve. Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
With only six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world, one of the most memorable Christmas treats in New York City is the Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini.
Essentially, Starbucks Reserve is an upscale version of the beloved coffee shop and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. For starters, the place is huge and offers cocktails (anyone traveling with their in-laws? you’re welcome).
For a limited time, Starbucks Reserve will offer a selection of artisanal foods and drinks with holiday flavors, including a peppermint mocha, Oleato Whiskey Barrel-Aged cold brew, and a peppermint mocha Espresso Martini.
I know this a list of the best Christmas treats in NYC but couldn’t one argue that if a drink comes topped with whipped cream it could be classified as a dessert? ;
Address. 61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
S’mores N’more. Hot Chocolate
A viral sensation, the S’mores N’more hot chocolate is no brainer while exploring Bryant Park Winter Village.
While the hot chocolate is good on its own, the best part of the experience is when they roast the marshmallow before your eyes. Plus, there’s a tons of marshmallows flavors you can get with this NYC Christmas dessert!
Options like peppermint, funfetti, Oreo (and so much more) are available for order. Each drink comes topped with whipped. The long lines are a clear indication that the winter sweet treat is worth the hype.
Address. Bryant Park Winter Village located near The Lodge by the ice rink.
Honorable Mention. Holiday Markets
During the holiday season, New York City is littered with amazing holiday markets all over the city. Additionally, vendors dress up their stalls and sell everything from trinkets to some of the best Christmas desserts in NYC.
Markets that are worth braving the cold for are Union Square Holiday Market and the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Wander through the stalls while sipping on cocoa and treat yourself to the various fried concoctions.
I recommend swinging by No Chewing Allowed for some of the best chocolate truffles you’ll ever have. I grab a box every year (which doubles as a great stocking stuffer. FYI).
Quick recap of the best holiday treats in New York City
- Peppermint Cookie | Levain Bakery
- The Grinch Ice Cream Cone | Mister Dips
- Cruller | Daily Provisions
- Cronut | Dominique Ansel
- Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate | Loreley Beer Garden
- Coconut Snowman | Doughnut Plant
- Supreme de Noel Croissant | Lafayette Bakery
- Rudolph Churro Lollipop | La Churreria
- Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini | Starbucks Reserve
- Hot Chocolate | S’mores N’more
Best Winter Treats NYC (Helpful Map)
Based on our experience as NYC locals, The Grinch Ice Cream Cone at Mister Dips tops our list for Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York City. See our full ranked list above for all 10 recommendations.
Every spot on this list was personally visited and reviewed by our team of NYC locals. We evaluate based on quality, atmosphere, and value.
And there you have it friends, my round-up of the best Christmas desserts in NYC.
Cheers!
This pairs perfectly with my 12 Best Bagels in Brooklyn (The Local Foodie). locals swear by it.
I want to hear from you. Which spot on this list is your go-to? Or do you have a better recommendation? Tell me below!
You May Also Enjoy
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- The Best Hot Chocolate in New York City (15 Spots to Know)
- 15 Iconic Foods New York City is Known For (And Where to Try Them)
- 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York City. Drop a comment below and let us know! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these christmas desserts NYC options won’t disappoint.
Exploring the neighborhood? Check out our guide to things to do in Chelsea for more local recommendations.
What would you add to this list?
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