October 14th is National Dessert Day, so here is a list of the top 10 places to satisfy your sweet tooth in McHenry County!
1. The Sugar Circle - Woodstock, IL
This quaint little shop just off the Woodstock Square is the perfect place to stop by for a sweet treat during the Farmer's Market, or for a gorgeous cake for your special day! They have all of your dessert needs covered! Owner Lauren Hamilton has loved to bake and is adventurous with her baking styles. Need a cake in the shape of a Blackhawk's Jersey, or maybe one that looks like a stack of pancakes? Lauren and her team can make it happen! Now we have heard that their cinnamon rolls are one of the best around so if you have a sweet tooth you may want to give this place a shot!
2. Mellie's Chocolate & Co. - Crystal Lake, IL
The motto at Mellie's Chocolate is "Life is short, be sweet" and we couldn't agree more! Owner Melanie turned her passion for people and fresh ingredients into a sweet shop in Downtown Crystal Lake. They have all of your classic treats like chocolate covered strawberries, mint melt aways, English toffee's, and peanut butter cups, but you won't want to miss the chocolate covered bacon, or marshmallow pops either! This is a great way to end a date night in Downtown Crystal Lake!
3. Kiera's Confections - McHenry, IL
Have a sweet tooth? Kiera's Confections has you covered! Can't decide between one of their delectable cupcakes or a scoop of their ice cream? Order a frosty cake, your choice of a cupcake topped with your choice of ice cream, 2 toppings, whipped cream and a cherry! You can do this with sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even one of their lemon bars! If your sweet tooth isn't cured after this visit bring home one of their many cupcakes they have available daily! We suggest the pancakes 'n bacon!
4. Swiss Maid Bakery - Harvard & Woodstock, IL
Swiss Maid has one of the oldest stories in McHenry County! This family owned and operated bakery provides authentic European style fine pastries, breads and desserts since 1934 in both Harvard and Woodstock. If you are looking for a classic old-school bakery this is your place! Classic chocolate chip cookies, decadent chocolate eclairs, custom cakes, pies, donuts and much more fill this quaint little shop.
5. Georgio's Pizza - Crystal Lake, IL
Now this may not sound like your typical dessert stop, but after you're done scarfing down some of the best Chicago style pizza save some room for "Mount S. Georgio." This is a HUGE chocolate chip cookie, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce with a cherry on top. Did we mention the cookie is warm and fresh from the oven?
6. Epic Deli - McHenry, IL
This is another not so common dessert destination, but then again Epic Deli isn't your common deli either! Our suggestions could go on and on for sandwiches but this post is about dessert, and that's another thing that they do well! Have you ever had a Cap 'n Crunch crusted PB&J? What about Golden Graham crusted fried s'mores sandwich? We didn't think so, but we think you should give it a try! They also have a revolving milkshake menu that changes weekly and a cheesecake of the day!
7. Morkes Chocolates - Huntley, IL
Morkes is no corner candy shop; they're bona fide chocolatiers and donut makers. They prepare all their chocolate delights from scratch, right down to the creme fillings. Caramel apples, fudge, truffles and more can be found when you walk in the doors to this shop right on the Huntley square! Seasonal molded chocolates can be found and used as fun gifts for any time of the year, and you can never go wrong with one of their donuts!
8. Anderson's Candy Shop - Richmond, IL
The Anderson family began making chocolate back in 1919, and not much has changed since then. Every piece of Anderson's Candy is handmade with the best ingredients. Named among the best candy makers in the country by the Los Angeles Times and Consumers Digest, Anderson's Candy Shop has been in the candy business for four generations. These are the classic chocolates you remember getting from your Grandma's and they're just as good as you remember! Buttercreams, caramels, English toffee, maple bacon, red raspberry, the options are endless!
9. Manny's Handcrafted Gelato & Cafe - Huntley, IL
At Manny's their roots run deep. They stay true to their Italian ancestry and bring you the most authentic taste of Italy's favorite pass-time, Gelato. All of their ingredients are fresh and their Gelato is made in house. Their gelato flavors are always changing so you can come back often! Don't miss the Belgium Waffle flavor!
10. Konrad's Bakery - Lake in the Hills, IL
Made fresh daily, Konrad's Bakery offers cookies, fruit tarts, strudels, cupcakes, muffins, pies, donuts, cheesecakes and much more! Need a cake to bring to a party? Konrad's has you covered! With options available in store like Konrad's Cake made with yellow and chocolate cake, raspberries, custard, chocolate mousse, whipped cream and chocolate ganache your guests will be begging for more! Have something a little more specific in mind? Konrad's can prepare a variety of custom cakes and wedding cakes. You can also swing by for cannolis, cupcakes, eclairs, kolaczkis, butter cookies, pies and just about anything you can dream of.