All year long, visitors flock to Ridgeland, Mississippi, drawn by the close community atmosphere and ample opportunities to enjoy the scenic nature trails that surround the Barnett Reservoir. But during the holiday season, it’s the town’s extraordinary treats trail that becomes a prime attraction. Besides the sophisticated shopping, upscale hotels and restaurants, and abundant outdoor attractions, the central Mississippi destination is home to a host of independent bakeries crafting intricate and indulgent confections.
There’s something extra special about sweets during the holidays, and when it comes to bespoke bakes, Ridgeland literally takes the cake. Take Bo's Bake Shop, where baker Laura Brown maintains that the holidays aren’t properly underway until the sugar cookies come out of the oven. “The smell of fresh-baked sugar cookies and excitedly waiting to ice and decorate evokes a feeling of nostalgia, particularly around the holidays,” says this third-generation baker. “Whether you are looking for special treats for your family, desserts for parties, or a special gift for a friend or loved one, sugar cookies baked fresh daily and hand decorated with royal icing are perfect for making the holidays special.” Bo’s showcase of seasonal sugar cookies celebrates the turning of the leaves with pumpkin, acorn, and turkey-shaped cookies. When the stockings get hung, Christmas tree and snowman-shaped treats join the offerings, too, proving that when it comes to seasonal designs, the holidays are the sweetest time of all.
Bo's Bakeshop's frosted sugar cookies
The folks at Buenos Aires Bakery would agree. They’ve perfected a show-stopping dessert for your Christmas crowd: a giant cupcake that looks like a Christmas tree. If you’re looking for smaller bites for a party or decadent presents, the petit fours, cake pops, and Christmas tree brownies at Buenos Aires Bakery are a perennial hit.
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Buenos Aires Bakery's holiday sweets
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Buenos Aires Bakery's holiday sweets
Mochinut is keeping Ridgeland’s sweets scene fresh and fun, turning out steaming trays of chewy mochi donuts in rotating flavors, including cookies and cream, yuzu, banana milk, and peanut butter. With new creations each week, there’ll always be a new reason to stop by and have yourself a merry little moment with a donut (or two).
Mochi donuts by Mochinut
Cakes by Chanel brings a different brand of holiday flair to area tables. In addition to custom cakes created for special occasions, their menu offers Grinch-inspired desserts like green and red chocolate-covered strawberries, and “Grinchmas Blend” cake jars. When you’re ready for a cake break, try Chanel’s classic comfort desserts, like strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding.
If you’re interested in expanding your holiday flavor lineup, Scoop Dee Doo at Renaissance at Colony Park has you covered. Not only are the custom cakes here as delicious as they are stunning, the sweet breads, conchas, and churros make inspired additions to any holiday celebration.
Sweet Dreams Desserts rolls out holiday fun on a bun with specialty cinnamon rolls and sticky buns in over-the-top flavors like chocolate chip, Oreo, and cookie butter. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or both, they’re worth saving room for.
Primos Café and Bake Shop drums up a little home-spun nostalgia with buttery pecan pies, lemon ice box pies, and pound cakes so good that you’d swear your mother made them. The banana nut and apple fritter sweet breads here are impossible to resist — especially with a cup of coffee in hand.
Of course, when Santa comes to town, no holiday season is complete without cookies. The Whimsy Cookie Company in The Renaissance at Colony Park doubles the delight, offering unique buttercream cookie sandwiches that occupy a delectable middle ground somewhere between cake and cookie. Swing by on Saturdays to grab a picture with Santa and have it printed on a cookie!
From show-stopping cakes to eye-catching cookies, Ridgeland has a baker to cater to every craving and occasion. Treat yourself this holiday season, and discover more sweet shops, restaurants, shops and events at exploreRidgeland.com/blog/treats-trail.
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