Local Winter Treats: Hot Cocoa, Gingerbread & Seasonal Desserts

 

Rich cocoa, spiced gingerbread, and festive sweets are taking over Austin’s bakeries and coffee shops this season. From lakeside mugs of Mexican hot chocolate to maple-infused lattes, buttery saffron buns, and bite-sized holiday pies, the city is brimming with flavors that make winter feel extra cozy. Here’s where to sip, snack, and savor the best seasonal treats around town.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Serve Cozy Hot Cocoa & Mexican Hot Chocolate | Daily | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd | Austin, TX

Warm up lakeside with their thick hot cocoa or spicy Mexican hot chocolate—each blended with high-quality cocoa and marshmallows—for a scenic, relaxed winter vibe 

Edis Chocolates

Decadent Drinking Chocolates & Truffles | Daily | 1520 S Lamar Blvd | Austin, TX

Specializes in drinking chocolates made from single-origin beans, and rich truffles infused with seasonal flavors—a chocolate lover’s paradise 

Upper Crust Bakery & Café

Gingerbread, Hot Cocoa & Mini Pastries | Daily | 4508 Burnet Rd | Austin, TX

Their holiday menu features warm hot cocoa, gingerbread men/cakes, and bite-sized seasonal pastries—wonderful with a cup of coffee .

Cartel Coffee Lab (East Side)

“Canadian Holiday” Maple Latte | Daily | 1813 E 6th St | Austin, TX

Offers a festive maple syrup espresso drink themed around Canadian holidays—perfect for a cold December morning 

Caffe Medici

Gingerbread Latte & Peppermint Mocha | Daily | Multiple Locations | Austin, TX

Home-made ginger molasses syrup lattes and peppermint hot chocolate—rich, spiced, and sure to satisfy seasonal cravings 

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop

Holiday Cupcakes, Eggnog Desserts & Gingerbread Treats | Tues–Sat | 1905 S First St | Austin, TX

They create seasonal sweets like dark‑rum gingerbread cupcakes (with vegan options!), eggnog‑spiced cheesecakes, and macarons in eggnog or mulled‑wine flavors 

Quack’s Bakery

Classic Seasonal Pies & Hot Drinks | Daily | Multiple Locations | Austin, TX

Known for cherry, apple, key‑lime pies—perfect winter fruit pies with a side of warm coffee or cocoa 

Pie Bar

Mini Gingerbread & Holiday-Themed Pies | Daily | 8900 S Congress Ave | Austin, TX

Create-your-own 4″ pies—ideal for a gingerbread pie or custardy pumpkin-pie sampler at home 

The Fika Table (Malone Specialty Coffee)

Swedish Saffron Buns & Gingerbread Dough Kits | Scheduled days | 14735 Bratton Ln, Wells Branch | Austin, TX

Nordic holiday treats like saffron buns and ready-to-bake gingerbread dough—ideal for a DIY winter bake session 

 

Winter in Austin never tasted so sweet—just follow the scent of cocoa and spice, and you’ll find the season’s best treats waiting to warm you up, one delicious bite at a time.