Valentine’s Day has done it again. Before we knew, it snuck its way onto our calendars, leaving us all crazed to find our special someone a memorable gift. Instead of scrounging around a drug store looking for a generic box of chocolates, why not try out some of Plano’s sweetest stops? Whether your sweetheart is a chocolate nut or a macaron maniac, you can treat him or herto the best homemade desserts, all from locally-owned businesses right here in our own backyard. Here are our picks for the top 12 sweet shops in Plano.
Amazeballz
If your valentine would appreciate a bouquet of cake balls rather than roses, try out Amazeballz in downtown Plano. Jaime Wiggins and her team can hook you up with flavors ranging from red velvet to chocolate-covered strawberry. Don’t forget to try their spirits-infused boozeballz for an adults-only version. Grab a few different flavors to taste at $3 a piece, or walk away with a dozen boozeballz for $25.
Chelles Macarons
This naturally gluten-free treat is made of a pair of airy, almond meringue cookies with a creamy filling. Try out Chelles’ limited edition February flavors like rose and lavender or the creamier chocolate amaretto. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, get $5 off a “mac pac,” which includes a dozen macarons. Jonathan and his team can also hook you up with a “buy two boxes, get one free” deal.
Crave Popcorn Co.
Everyone’s favorite matchmaker has made his way to Blake and Carol Davis’ Crave Popcorn Co. to leave a special sweet behind. Cupid’s mix combines red hot cinnamon with pink and white vanilla candy-coated popcorn. Grab your sweetheart a tin of the treat or order Crave’s Valentine’s Day gift box, which includes cupid’s mix, cheddar cheese and old-fashioned butter popcorn.
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Dude, Sweet Chocolate proves not all chocolates are created equally. Surprise your crush with one of the chocolatier’s new concepts – savory rosebud fudge. Katherine Clapner and her team layer Indian rose petal, mahleeb and orange blossom, inspired by the Indian flavors at one of the best new restaurants in New York. Other non-traditional gifts at Dude, Sweet Chocolate include dark chocolate potions: One Night Stand Potion is made with 100 Anos tequila and Break Up Potion is made with Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon. We’ll let you decide how to end your Valentine’s Day date.
Kate Weiser Chocolate
Although Kate Weiser Chocolate’s temporary pop-up shop will be leaving Plano at the end of February, this chocolatier serves up some of the most beautiful pieces of chocolate in DFW. Kate’s heart-shaped chocolate collection comes in flavors like hazelnut latte, lavender apricot and peanut brittle. Find her sweet stash of goods on the north side of the Shops at Legacy.
Haute Mama Dessert Company
Give your valentine some sugar with Haute Mama Dessert Company’s adorable, hand-decorated sugar cookies. Bakery owner Tiffany makes these cute treats look just as good as they taste. For Valentine’s Day, you can take home a cone full of their mini chocolate chip cookies or mini heart-shaped cookies – both made from scratch. Haute Mama also offers gluten-free cookies.
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream
While ice cream is normally not seen as a Valentine’s Day treat (have you ever tried to save a container of ice cream for the end of the date?), you can never go wrong stopping by Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream for an award-winning Texas-sized scoop. Henry Gentry only includes the finest ingredients in his frozen treats. Whether you stick with his famous vanilla or try out one of the seasonal flavors, you will always walk away from Henry’s with a smile.
Legends Popcorn
Let your sweetie test out a little bit of everything at west Plano’sLegends Popcorn, owned and operated by the Zea family. With the Dallas Style flavor’smix of butter, caramel and cheese, you won’t want to stop eating this sweet ’n’ salty combination until you’ve reached the end of your tin. If you’ve got a popcorn fanatic on your hands, select the Yeti portion and share this sweet treat for days to come.
Moore Twisted Berries
Chocolate-covered strawberries always go hand in hand with Valentine’s Day, but we bet you haven’t seen anything likeMoore Twisted Berries. Traci Moore’s intricate piping and decorative edible jewels will make your beloved go nuts – especially if you give her the “I Scream Love Box.” Mention Plano Magazine in your order, and you may receive discounts on their prices.
Sugar and Spice Bakery
As soon as you walk into Sugar and Spice Bakery, its warm, pink-colored walls and homey interior will make you feel comfortable trying out all of their goodies. While you can’t go wrong with one of Vicki Northen’s cakes or pies, her decorative sugar cookies are sure to show someone that you care. All of the bakery’s treats are made with organic ingredients in small batches, so you know you are getting the freshest pastries.
Sugar Ray’s Bake Shop
Owner Rachel whips up the most moist, flavorful cupcakes at Sugar Ray’s Bake Shop, topped with beautiful frosting decorations. With recipes ranging from milk chocolate molten to bananas foster to carrot cake, you will be able to match one of their rich flavors with your valentine’s taste and personality. Order a dozen of the standard cupcakes for $33.
Toffee Treats and Chocolate Sweets
Treat the provider in your house by bringing home the bacon this Valentine’s Day. That would be ML Dubay’s jalapeño bacon, available at Toffee Treats and Chocolate Sweets. The candied favorite is drizzled with both milk and dark chocolate and makes for a sweet and savory desert. Order a three-piece package for $8.95.
