The Cookie Joint's "cookie fries" make for fun meeting snacks or take-home gifts. Baked in the shape of crinkle-cut fries and served in french fry packaging, the shortbread cookies come in flavors such as cinnamon spice and chocolate toffee crunch. Accompanying dipping sauces—including salted caramel, marshmallow, and peanut butter—are served in small paper ketchup containers.
Photo: Courtesy of the Cookie Joint
Chocolat Uzma Sharif is a locally made line of chocolates with an "East meets West" sensibility. Continuing a family tradition started by her grandfather, a pastry chef in Pakistan, Uzma Sharif hand-makes unique treats such as Rishi organic jasmine tea chocolates, hazelnut-coriander pralines, and—for the holiday season—dark-chocolate-peppermint candy cane truffles. Her products are available in gift boxes and hat boxes that range from $15 to $95. Sharif can also host chocolate-making classes for small groups of six at her Pilsen boutique and studio. The classes are two hours and cost $65 per head; each guest leaves with a box of chocolates.
Photo: Courtesy of Uzma Sharif
Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique launched a line of cake pops in October. The treats ($2.50 each and $28 per dozen) come in 18 different flavors, including cookies and cream and strawberry dream. Gift options include cake pop bouquets and tiered cake pop stands.
Photo: Courtesy of Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique
