McHenry County offers the discerning sweets fiend many possibilities. The Swiss Maid Bakery specializes in European-style fine pastries, breads and desserts, and has been doing so for five generations. Konrad's Bakery has a variety of sweets that are almost too beautiful to eat - these are Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest-worth treats. At Mellie's Chocolates, you'll find the candies of your childhood along with amazing chocolate items for any occasion. Manny's Handcrafted Gelato and Cafe wants to teach you what gelato is all about and always has at least 22 to choose from. And Kiera Confections advises you to "Celebrate Life with Cupcakes!"
Ethereal Confections - 
From the moment you see the ornate, historic storefront, you know something unexpected is within. When you open the front door, you'll step into a world that would make Willy Wonka gasp. This isn't just a chocolate shop. This is a culinary experience. Their menu offers bean-to-bar chocolates, handcrafted truffles, chocolates expertly paired with spirits and unique coffee and tea delights. A variety of soups, quiches and paninis round out the menu, and there are plenty of gluten-free pastries and desserts - all, of course, made in-house. You will need many visits to try all the intriguing possibilities.
Ethereal Confections
112 Benton St.
Woodstock, IL
Kiera Confections Cupcake Bakery -
Kiera offers no less than 14 varieties of cupcakes every day, but there are plenty of other little treats to tempt you, too, like cookies, dessert bars, chocolate-dipped delights - even ice cream! Think Kiera Confections when you have a special occasion, too, including weddings.
Kiera Confections Cupcake Bakery
1114 N. Green St.
McHenry, IL
Morkes Chocolates
Morkes is no corner candy shop; they're bona fide chocolatiers and doughnut makers. They prepare all their chocolate delights from scratch, right down to the creme fillings. Morkes offers a unique experience for guests with parties and classes.
Morkes Chocolates
11801 Main St.
Huntley, IL
Anderson's Candy Shop
What better way to kick off your shopping excursion in Richmond than with a stop at Anderson's Candy Shop? The Anderson family began making chocolates 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 Los Angeles Times and Consumers Digest, Anderson's Candy Shop has been in the candy business for four generations.
Anderson's Candy Shop
10301 N. Main St.
Richmond, IL
Manny's Handcrafted Gelato and Cafe
Gelato coffee and espresso are taken seriously at Manny's. It's part of the family's deep Italian roots to bring you the authentic taste of one of Italy's favorites. Whether you want a light lunch or an indulgence, you won't be disappointed. Can't decide between Belgian waffle or espresso gelato? That's OK, Manny's will let you sample just about every flavor!
Manny's Handcrafted Gelato and Cafe
11808 Main St.
Huntley, IL
Julie Ann's Frozen Custard
This family-owned custard shop is a McHenry County institution. Back in 1985 John and Mary Zielnicki started creating their hand-crafted custard recipe that is still used today! The flavors have taken on a creative twist since John and Mary's daughter and grandson took over the business. You can now find flavors like nutty elephant, peanut butter puppy chow and worms 'n dirt on their every day menu but make sure to check their flavor of the day for something out of the ordinary!
Julie Ann's Frozen Custard
6500 Northwest Hwy.
Crystal Lake, IL