Don’t get us wrong: Cookies, donuts and any baked goods are perfect year-round, but there’s something about a freshly baked treat in the fall that just feels so right. Pair a goodie with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for the most wonderful dessert — or breakfast (no judgement!). Here are seven Philly-area bakeries you should be cozying up with this fall:
Flour & Oats
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Flour & Oats Artisan Cookies are hand-mixed and baked in small batches. Each cookie is created from 100% natural ingredients — no preservatives, artificial flavors or trans fats in sight. Each season brings new flavors to Flour & Oats’ cookie sheets: enjoy cookies with fresh berries in the summer; apples, squash or pumpkin in the fall; citrus or chestnut in the winter and strawberries in the spring. Right now, try Flour & Oats’ new bite-sized Nosh Cookies, perfect for a mini sweet treat any time of the day! With so many retail locations and an online store, you never have to go without these delicious cookies! 1600 Yellow Springs Rd., Suite 100, Chester Springs; (484) 678-5318 (for orders and pickup only).
Hello Donuts
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Hello Donuts, which started out doing a series of pop ups and then cultivating a number wholesale accounts across town, recently opened its own brick-and-mortar shop on in Philly’s burgeoning Kensington neighborhood. The charming, bright shop offers both traditional and vegan donuts, as well as fritters, pull-aparts, coffee, tea and more. One glance at the menu and you can see Hello Donuts is all about seasonality: Pumpkin cheesecake, apple cider cake and maple bourbon donuts are on the top of our must-eat list right now. 2557 Amber St., Philadelphia.
Cake Life Bake Shop
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Have you heard of Cake Life Bake Shop in Fishtown? You know, the place that made Beyoncé’s birthday cake two years in a row? That’s the one. Cake Life creates unique, handcrafted, high-quality cakes and pastries. From cupcakes to cheesecake and sausage rolls to savory scones, Cake Life has the perfect addition to your next gathering, whether it be a breakfast meeting, baby shower or even a wedding! Its Cake-of-the-Month menu always features something fresh and seasonal, like October’s pumpkin cake with maple cream cheese frosting. Great news for those with dietary restrictions: Cake Life always has at least one gluten-free and vegan option in the case every day. Items can also be special ordered to meet your needs. Visit Cake Life’s shop to see what all the buzz is about, or have your order delivered within the greater Philadelphia area! 1306 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 278-2580.
Dottie’s Donuts
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You can get your Dottie’s Donuts fix in two locations in Philly: West Philly and Queen Village. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, dime-a-dozen kind of donuts. These are deluxe. And vegan. You heard that correctly. With flavors like pumpkin chai pumpkin bread, brown sugar rosemary, caramel shortbread, cannoli and apple cider espresso, you won’t even know what hit you. Grab a cup of Elixr Coffee while you’re there! 4529 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 662-0379; 509 S. 6th St., Philadelphia.
Dodo Bagels
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If you’re on more of a savory journey, might we suggest Dodo Bagels? Dodo creates small-batch bagels, boiled and baked right in the heart of West Philly. You used to have to email Dodo directly to place special orders, but now there are two ways to acquire these dough-y delights each week: On Saturdays at the Clark Park farmers market and Sundays at a brunch pop-up at Lil Pop Shop in West Philly from 9 to noon. It’s not just plain bagels on offer, either; all sorts of spreads, toppings and schmears let you get creative with your bespoke bagel sandwich. 265 S. 44th St., Philadelphia; (215) 222-5829.
Essen Bakery
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This James Beard-nominated Jewish bakery in South Philly is small but mighty, turning out some of the best challah bread, rugelach, babka and Jewish apple cake in the city. Donuts, too! Think you can’t get a good black and white cookie in Philly? Think again! Essen Bakery has got the New York-deli treat down pat. It’s not just pastries and sweets behind the counter, though; a curated list of savory toasts and sandwiches make the perfect light lunch with a cup of Elixr coffee. 437 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 271-2299.
Insomnia Cookies
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We’re ending our list on a sweet note with everyone’s favorite late night delivery, Insomnia Cookies. Famous for its warm and delicious cookies, Insomnia has a full menu of customizable items, with the latest cookie being perfect for the season. If you’re in love with all things pumpkin, you’ll want to get your hands on the spiced pumpkin nut cookie at your earliest convenience. Move over, pumpkin spice lattes: there’s a new king in town. Order online or pop into your local Insomnia Cookies location.
With so many wonderful Philly bakeries, there’s a treat to discover around every turn! And if you’re like us, you won’t stop until you find them all.
- Feature Photo: Dottie's Donuts
