TO SATISFY A SWEET TOOTH

To Satisfy a

SWEET TOOTH

FOLLOW THIS HOLIDAY COOKIE TRAIL AROUND MAINE FOR SWEET TREATS THAT MAKE A PERFECT GIFT

BY JOANNA O'LEARY

Do visions of bountiful platters of cookies dance in your head during the holidays? Do you awaken from this delicious dream to the terrifying realization of how much time is actually required to churn out dozens of different types of cookies? Never fear! Assembling an assortment of cookies need not require hours in your kitchen. Instead, you can curate your own diverse dozen by visiting these stellar bakeries. (No judgment if you then pass them off as your own — shh!)

AROUND BANGOR First stop is The Sweet Spot in Bangor, which specializes in gorgeously glazed sugar cookies. Special order some hand-decorated cookies in holiday shapes and designs, and take home a few of their soft-baked, big-as-your-face cookies in creative flavors, such as triple chocolate, oatmeal apple spice, peanut butter chocolate fudge, strawberry cheesecake, and maple bacon. Also on hand this season are Christmas Cookie Advent Calendars, which include 12 ($30) or 24 ($57) individually-wrapped cookies packaged in a delightful calendar format. Limited quantities are available, so reserve early and let the cookie countdown begin! Visit thesweetspotcookies.com for more information.

Next is Frank’s Bake Shop, Bangor’s OG baker on the block. This family owned and operated business has been satisfying the carbohydrate cravings of area residents for more than 70 years. The bakery is perhaps best known for its donuts, but its cookie selection is not to be overlooked — especially with standout varieties like pumpkin chocolate chip and cookies stuffed with chocolate cream.

OFF TO BELFAST Head over to Belfast, where Moonbat City Baking Co. has won the hearts of locals with its buttery croissants and breakfast pastries crafted by French pastry chef and master baker Michelle Berry. Grab an apple danish to fuel you on your journey but keep your eyes on the prize. Purchase a handful of their wonderfully tart and tangy lemon zest cookies or their signature crinkly brown sugar chocolate chunk cookies.

A hop, skip and a jump will lead you to Crumbs Provisions, also in Belfast, where you will find adorably plump cookies in flavors that include chai snickerdoodle, dark chocolate chip and oatmeal, blueberry and pecan. For any elves in your household with gluten and/ or milk sensitivities, be sure to pick a few of Crumbs’ gluten- and dairy-free peanut butter or ginger molasses cookies.

HEAD TO ELLSWORTH Then, it’s on to Ellsworth to round out your outstanding outsourced cookie cornucopia. Those with Sudetenland heritage will find nostalgia in sweet edible form at Ria’s German Treats, which vends Deutsch-style tortes, loaves and, of course, cookies. Try the piquant apricot terrassen, confectioner’s sugar-dusted crescent vanilla kipfel or the “tender hearts” streaked with chocolate. All of the aforementioned pair especially well with a hot cuppa, so add a few boxes of traditional Teekanne tea bags to your basket.

What’s better than a cookie? A cookie sandwich. And for some terrific versions of that double dish, see Downeast Specialty Bakery in Ellsworth. (You can also find their treats at Tiller & Rye in Brewer). This small-batch confectionary prides itself on producing decadent cookie whoopie pies that also happen to be low-carb and/or keto-friendly. Yes, dreams do come true.

FINAL STOP: ORLAND

Finally, it’s on to Orland’s the Breadbox Bakery. Don’t be misled by its name. This adorable virtual cabin of a bakery is home to more than just crusty loaves and pies and scones — oh my! Its claim to fame is its sinfully moist, rich peanut butter cookies, which many aver are the best for miles around. Pro-tip: Bring the Benjamins, because this quaint joint only takes cash.