The holidays would not be complete without a few (or a lot) ginger-spiced treats. But do you know the difference between gingerbread, gingersnaps, and ginger molasses cookies? It’s all in the amount of ginger and the cooking time. Whether you’re craving one or all three, these cottage country bakeries will surely add a little festive fun to your table. Make sure you stop for a gingerbread latte as well—you’ll need the energy!
Muskoka Stuffed Cookie Co. in Huntsville
Muskoka Stuffed Cookie Co. puts a unique twist on the classic gingerbread treat. You have to try the Rebel Without A Claus, a red velvet cookie with white chocolate chips, stuffed with a white chocolate Skor bar and gingerbread milk chocolate truffle Ganache. Is your mouth watering yet? Another not-to-miss cookie: Yule Miss Me When I’m Gone, which features a brown-butter gingerbread dough with Kawartha Dairy EggNog cheesecake inside. If you want in on these cookies this holiday, you’ll have to act fast. Order by December 10 for delivery before December 17. Otherwise, order by December 17 for a drop-off on December 24. Pickup is also available at Muskoka North Good Food Co-op. With the motto of, “Life is short. Eat more cookies,” we couldn’t agree more.
Windmill Bakery in Huntsville
You won’t want to miss these fresh-baked gingerbread cookies, inspired by a traditional European recipe that’s top secret. These goodies were first created by a Friesen immigrant, perfected by a Dutch baker, and then passed down to the current owner, Grace. With a rich history, these gingerbread cookies are a definite crowd-pleaser. Visit Windmill Bakery for a bite or two—they’re open weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sundays.
Mariposa Market in Orillia
There are many reasons why Mariposa Market’s old-fashioned oven-baked goodies should be your next bakery stop. From a gingerbread loaf—a yuletide pound cake topped with cream cheese icing—and cookies to handmade gingerbread houses with candies and royal icing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pick up every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Sundays when they are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old School Bakery in Tweed
This little bakery, tucked in a nook of Tweed, is the go-to place to find the warmth of home-style baking at an affordable price. Offering crispy ginger snaps and melt-in-your-mouth molasses ginger cookies, there isn’t a cookie preference that this bakery hasn’t met. Stop by and try them yourself from Thursday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cakes by Beatriz in Coldwater
Taste these European-style gingerbread treats baked and designed by award-winning Certified Master Sugar Artist and Gingerbread Architect Beatriz Muller. Not only can you get your hands on gingerbread cookies, but she also makes one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses, inspired by famous architecture. Gingerbread houses start at $150, and gingerbread people cost between $1.50 and $2.50 (depending on their size). Looking for one-of-a-kind gift? Beatriz offers hand-painted cookies, starting at $20 (as it takes about an hour to hand-paint one). You can order through her website. But, watch out—she gets booked fast and will need about two weeks to prepare your cookies.
Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc
Despite the name, it’s no secret that Hidden Goldmine Bakery makes delicious gingerbread cookies. Grab an individual six-inch gingerbread cookie wrapped in a clear gift bag and ribbon for $6.95 or enjoy cookie platters featuring holiday favourites like ginger molasses and shortbread, starting at $19.95. And you can’t not nibble on their spiced eggnog loaf for some extra holiday cheer. Pickup only and pre-orders need 24 hours’ notice. Walk-ins are welcome, as their shelves are always open.
Georgian Bakery in Midland
Not only does Georgian Bakery serve gingerbread people, but they also have sugar cookies, cupcakes, and chocolates, conveniently placed on a pre-made platter for holiday snacking. (The assortment makes a great hostess gift!) This bakery has also gone where no bakery has gone before—combining Rice Krispy squares and gingerbread cookies—what an unexpected, but delightful treat.
The European Bakery in Owen Sound
Fill your belly with a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner, before indulging in one (or maybe two) of The European Bakery’s delicious ginger cookies. The moist and not-too-sweet treats are $2.25 each and are great for the holiday season. Visit them any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you don’t want to brace for the cold, online orders are also available.
Wilkie’s Bakery & Pizza in Orillia
Wilkie’s has been a family-owned bakery and still serves up the classics it’s been known for over the past 30 years. You can get six large gingerbread cookies for $10 and six mini ones for $6—think stocking stuffers. Whether you like icing or not—they have both options available for your unique taste. Alternatively, shortbread cookie lovers can snag a plate of 12 for $6 or a box of 24 for $12.50. Open every day to satisfy your cravings, stop by between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for Sundays, when they close at 6 p.m.
13th Street Winery in St. Catharines
‘Tis the season to raise a glass and enjoy the occasional sweet—you can have both at this tasting bar and bakery. Desserts are best enjoyed in the company of friends. Grab your favourite people and make a pit stop between Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a spicy beverage and 13th Street Winery’s very own Christmas Cookie Plate featuring gingerbread and so much more. The platter costs $36 and is available for pickup only. You can shop for the rest of their products online.
Grandma’s Beach Treats in Wasaga Beach
Grandma’s Beach Treats is a Wasaga Beach classic. Whether you want a cookie to eat on the spot, or nestled in a gift bag, this bakery is a destination stop for all things sweet. You can get cookie platters here, featuring flavours such as raspberry almond, chocolate snowballs, mint chocolate chip, cranberry ginger, snickerdoodle, hot cocoa, and pumpkin spice latte chocolate chip. Stop by between Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Loughlin’s Country Store in Mountain
Loughlin’s bakes fresh goods using traditional recipes, just like Grandma. You can get an 8-pack of ginger molasses cookies and conveniently do so by ordering online. Feeding a village? You must check out their holiday box, filled with an assortment of cookies, tarts, and squares for $50—just make sure you put in your order at least 48 hours ahead of your desired pick-up. The Bakery is closed on Mondays but is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every other day, except Sundays, where they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured Video
Related Story Ontario’s best butter tarts, according to you
Related Story Coffee shops near and in cottage country for your morning brew
