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Popular Holiday Treats In L.A.

Kelli Shiroma |
December 18, 2013 | 9:27 p.m. PST

Food Editor

“Chocolate Peppermint” and “Vanilla Peppermint” are two of the seasonal flavors currently at Sprinkles Cupcakes (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
“Chocolate Peppermint” and “Vanilla Peppermint” are two of the seasonal flavors currently at Sprinkles Cupcakes (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
Restaurants, bakeries and stores all around L.A. are decking their shelves with delectable, seasonal treats.

Here’s where you can get your fill of seasonal sweets this Christmas.

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES – “Chocolate Peppermint,” “Vanilla Peppermint” and “Eggnog Spice”

Sprinkles Cupcakes is all ready for the holiday season with its winter cupcake flavors. “Chocolate Peppermint” features a Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and peppermint candy pieces. The “Vanilla Peppermint” cupcake includes a Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cake adorned with vanilla-peppermint frosting and peppermint candy pieces. “Eggnog Spice” features a fragrant spice cake topped with rich, eggnog cream cheese frosting and a festive holiday tree fondant. “JOY Boxes”—available from Dec. 1-24—include “Chocolate Peppermint,” “Red Velvet,” “Coconut” and “Vanilla Peppermint” cupcakes in a festive ensemble with “JOY” fondant decorations. 

RED ROBIN – “Gingerbread Shake” and “Mint Chocolate Cheesecake”

The seasonal “Gingerbread Shake” at Red Robin features a gingerbread milkshake topped with whipped cream and tasty graham cracker crumbs. The eatery is also featuring a seasonal “Mint Chocolate Cheesecake” on its dessert menu, comprising a slice of cheesecake topped with Oreo cookie crumbles, Hershey’s chocolate and mint syrups, whipped cream and a sprig of mint. 

BEVERLY HILLS BROWNIE COMPANY – Holiday Brownies

A variety of seasonal treats are currently in stock at the Beverly Hills Brownie Company. “Chocolate Mint Chip” features a dark chocolate brownie infused with mint candies and is adorned with green and brown snowflakes, and “Gingerbread” features a blend of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, topped with a vanilla extract glaze and gently whipped cream. Gift boxes and pre-set packs make the perfect stocking stuffers or holiday presents. 

CHICK-FIL-A – “Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake”

The seasonal treat at Chick-Fil-A features the chain’s signature “Icedream” soft serve with both peppermint and chocolate chip flavors and topped off with whipped cream and a cherry. 

ISABELLA’S COOKIE COMPANY – Seasonal Cookies and Gift Boxes

Isabella’s Cookie Company features a variety of seasonal cookies this month. Some of these Christmas treats include: “Choco La La La”—a double chocolate cookie with white chocolate mint chips and red, white and green holiday sprinkles—“Abominable Snowball,” which is a chocolately chocolate chip cookie filled with coconut, topped with marshmallow frosting and topped with toasted coconut; “Little Baby Ginger,” a chewy gingerbread cookie topped with a sweet vanilla glaze; and “Peppermint Sugar Rush,” a soft sugar cookie topped with vanilla frosting and sprinkled with pieces of peppermint candy. A variety of cookie gift sets are also available this holiday season, including those named after every one of Santa’s reindeers.

“Winter Red Crème” and “Candy Cane” Oreos signify the official start of holiday treats (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
“Winter Red Crème” and “Candy Cane” Oreos signify the official start of holiday treats (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
OREOS – “Winter Red Crème” and “Candy Cane” Oreos

Oreos, like Pop Tarts, always have seasonal treats. “Winter Red Crème” Oreos feature a cherry-red sweet filling in between the chocolate sandwich cookies, while “Candy Cane” Oreos feature a red-and-white striped crème topped with crunchy sprinkles

POP TARTS – Limited Edition Holiday Flavors

The “Limited Edition Red Velvet” Pop Tarts feature a red velvet crust, sweet cream cheese-flavored filling, vanilla icing and sprinkles. Meanwhile, the “Limited Edition Sugar Cookie” Pop Tarts feature a vanilla-flavored crust with sugar cookie dough-flavored filling topped with white icing and wintery images. 

DAIRY QUEEN – “Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat”

The seasonal “Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat” at Dairy Queen features creamy vanilla soft serve blended with choco chunks and peppermint candy cane pieces. 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY – “Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake”

The “Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake” at The Cheesecake Factory is available all year long, but is especially popular during the holiday season. This decadent treat features moist layers of red velvet cake interspersed between layers of the restaurant’s original cheesecake and the entire slice is coated in cream cheese frosting. 

JAMBA JUICE – “Eggnog Jubilee” 

Eggnog fans will celebrate the return of this seasonal favorite. Boasting “iconic winter spices and flavors,” Jamba Juice’s limited-time indulgence will bring back nostalgic holiday memories. 

YUMMY CUPCAKES – Christmas Cupcake Collection

The variety of Christmas-themed cupcakes at Yummy Cupcakes is astounding. This month’s available flavors include: “Candy Cane,” “Egg Nog,” “Peppermint Cool,” “Maple Gingerbread,” “Holiday Spice,” “Hot Chocolate,” “Figgy Pudding” and “Spiked Egg Nog.”

“Gingerbread” and “White Chocolate Peppermint” M&Ms are now available (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
“Gingerbread” and “White Chocolate Peppermint” M&Ms are now available (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
M&Ms – “Gingerbread” and “White Chocolate Peppermint” Flavors

For a limited time only, these “Gingerbread” M&Ms are available during the holiday season. The latest flavor of M&Ms to be released, these milk chocolate candies get a seasonal twist. “White Chocolate Peppermint”-flavored M&Ms are also available exclusively at Target. 

SEE’S CANDIES – Christmas Candies Galore

The confectionary provides a variety of Christmas treats for candy fiends everywhere. The “Egg Nog Truffles  offered this holiday season features hints of nutmeg and vanilla in these white chocolate-covered delights. “White Mint Truffles”—featuring peppermint, rich cream and white chocolate—are also popular. The regular lollipops get a holiday makeover with “Mint Cream Lollipops,” and marshmallow treats are available in a tree shape. See’s Candies also offers a variety of gifts for the ultimate chocolate lover. 

BASKIN-ROBBINS – “Peppermint Bark in the Dark” Ice Cream

December’s “Flavor of the Month” at Baskin-Robbins is “Peppermint Bark in the Dark.” This sweet concoction is a medley of creamy chocolate ice cream and crunchy peppermint bark with a peppermint candy and white chocolate-flavored ribbon. 

DYLAN’S CANDY BAR – Variety of Christmas Confections

An abundance of Christmas confections abound at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Whether it’s a “Peppermint Brownie Crunch” chocolate bar, a “Gingerbread”-flavored milk chocolate bar, or chocolate-covered sunflower seeds in the shape of holiday lights, all your Christmas goodies from this store are sure to be merry and full of the spirit of the season. 

YOGURTLAND – “Gingerbread” and “Peppermint Hot Cocoa”

Yogurtland is known for its unique flavors like “Double Cookies & Cream” and “Fudge Brownie,” but the yogurt store also features seasonal flavors. “Gingerbread” and “Peppermint Hot Cocoa” are just some of the holiday flavors featured right now.

The “Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie” is a sweet, chewy, Christmasy treat (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
The “Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie” is a sweet, chewy, Christmasy treat (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
PANERA BREAD – “Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie” / “Holiday Bread”

Panera Bread is known for its soups, sandwiches and salads, but also for its freshly baked breads and pastries. The “Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie”—inspired by the beloved red velvet cake—is a seasonal treat that features a soft, brownie-like cookie filled with cream cheese-flavored chips and rolled in powdered sugar. The “Holiday Bread” currently available features a sweet egg dough mixed with golden raisins; dried, sweetened cranberries; honey; and semi-sweet chocolate chips; is filled with cinnamon sugar and chunky apple filling; then baked with a crumb topping and finished with a drizzle of icing. 

CRUMBS BAKE SHOP – Variety of Christmas Cupcakes 

Crumbs Bake Shop features a variety of Christmas-themed sweets that are sure the delight the cupcake fanatic. The “Specacular Chocolate Candy Cane” features chocolate cake with a peppermint chocolate filling topped with peppermint buttercream, chocolate chips, marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, peppermint candy and a candy can stick. “Gingerbread Boy” includes a gingerbread cake filled with vanilla cream cheese and is topped with vanilla cream cheese mixed with gingerbread crumbs and a gingerbread cookie. “Egg Nog” features a vanilla cake filled with eggnog buttercream frosting and is adorned with eggnog cream cheese frosting, a hint of nutmeg and a white chocolate drizzle. “Christmas Tree” includes a vanilla cake filled with green-tinted vanilla buttercream and is topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting, nonpareils and a Christmas tree-shaped sugar cookie. “Peppermint Hot Cocoa” highlights a chocolate cake filled with peppermint buttercream covered with peppermint cream cheese frosting mixed and topped with crushed peppermint candies. Can’t decide between cupcakes? The festive “Holiday Signature Collection” at Crumbs Bake Shop features six of the store’s seasonal treats, including: “Christmas Squiggle,” “Gingerbread Boy,” “Vanilla Christmas Sprinkle,” “Chocolate Christmas Sprinkle,” “Christmas Tree” and “Christmas Squiggle.”

MCDONALDS – “McCafe Egg Nog Shake” and “Holiday Pie”

The seasonal “McCafe Egg Nog Shake” at McDonald's features a creamy egg nog-flavored shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Meanwhile, the “Holiday Pie” features a pastry with a flaky, buttery crust filled with creamy, smooth, vanilla custard that is topped with rainbow sprinkles and glazed with sugar.

Classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups take on a new shape for the holidays (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy)
Classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups take on a new shape for the holidays (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy)
REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS – Christmas Tree-Shaped Candies

To celebrate the season, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups features King-Sized candies in the shapes of Christmas trees. What better way to enjoy the peanut butter-and-chocolate treat?

PORTO’S BAKERY & CAFE – “Eggnog Smoothie”

The “Eggnog Smoothie” at Porto’s Bakery & Café—acclaimed for its fresh pastries and sweets (the cheese rolls, in particular)—is only available for both November and December. 

DK’s DONUTS – Christmas O-Nuts

The “Red, White and Green Sprinkles O-Nut,” “Jon’s White Chocolate Candy Cane O-Nut” and “Gingerbread O-Nut” are three new flavors this Santa Monica-based bakery is featuring for the holidays. “O-Nuts”—the bakery’s spin off the Cronut—come in many flavors at DK’s, but these three flavors just debuted the week of Dec. 8. According to co-owner Mayly Tao, “Jon’s White Chocolate Candy Cane” O-Nut was named after Jon Moreno from KIISFM. 

JACK IN THE BOX – “Egg Nog Ice Cream Shake” 

The seasonal “Egg Nog Ice Cream Shake” at Jack in the Box features creamy vanilla ice cream, egg nog syrup, a whipped topping and a maraschino cherry.

IHOP – “Eggnog Pancakes” and “Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Pancakes”

Some of the seasonal holiday treats at IHOP include “Eggnog Pancakes”—fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a whipped frosting, butter rum sauce, and a layer of velvety eggnog cream with cinnamon and nutmeg—and “Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Pancakes,”  buttermilk pancakes with white chocolate chips and a raspberry topping, a drizzle of cream cheese icing and a fluffy whipped topping. “Salted Carmel Flavored Hot Chocolate  is another new item that presents a sweet, warm solution to the chilly weather.

The “Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops” and “Gingerbread Loaf” are just some of the seasonal treats at Starbucks (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
The “Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops” and “Gingerbread Loaf” are just some of the seasonal treats at Starbucks (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
STARBUCKS – Variety of Holiday Treats

All holiday drinks aside, Starbucks features an assortment of holiday treats on its food menu. The “Cranberry Bliss Bar” features a blondie cake base that’s topped with tart, dried cranberries, sweet cream cheese icing and a white orange drizzle. The “Frosted Snowman Cookie” is a hand-decorated, shortbread cookie in the shape of a snowman—complete with white chocolate icing and a milk chocolate hat—while the “Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop” features a peppermint chocolate cake mixed with candy cane pieces and buttercream, dipped in white chocolate and covered with candy cane bits. 

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY – “Peppermint Bark Cheesecake” 

This seasonal holiday delight at The Cheesecake Factory features a white chocolate cheesecake swirled with chunks of chocolate peppermint bark and is adorned with white chocolate mousse and chopped peppermint chunks. 

CHUNK-N-CHIP COOKIES – Winter “BOO-Yahs”

Chunk-n-Chip Cookies, an Orange County dessert truck, is known for its “BOO-Yahs” — the company’s unique take on artisanal ice cream sandwiches. Some of the newest additions to the “BOO-Yah” menu—all in the spirit of the season, of course—include “Dirty Snowflake,” which is made with eggnog with bourbon and toffee ice cream sandwiched between two scrumptious snickerdoodle cookies; “The Great Pumpkin,” consisting of pumpkin spice cookies and maple ice cream loaded with smoked candied bacon; “Grandma Mae,” featuring apple pie ice cream (including caramel apple swirls) and warm, chewy snickerdoodle cookies; “Breakfast of Champs,” featuring French Toast ice cream between maple pecan cookies; and “Hansel & Gretel,” a treat made with lemongrass ginger ice cream and gingerbread cookies. 

MENCHIE’S – “Candy Cane” and “Egg Nog” Flavors

The delicious seasonal flavors currently available at Menchie’s include “Egg Nog” and “Candy Cane.” December’s highlighted flavor is the “Cocoa Minty Holiday Cookie,” which features rich chocolate cookies swirled into a blend of mint and creamy white chocolate ice cream. 

SWEET E’S BAKE SHOP – Christmas Cookies, Cupcakes and Cake Pops

A variety of Christmas treats are available at Sweet E’s Bake Shop. Christmas cookies are available in a variety of shapes, and Christmas-decorated cupcakes are sure to please your taste buds. Christmas character cake pops make these little treats fun,, as do Christmas whoopie pies

GOLDEN SPOON FROZEN YOGURT – “Peppermint,” “Gingerbread,” “St. Nick’s Mint” and “Egg Nog” Flavors

The sweet seasonal flavors available at Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt include “Peppermint,” “Gingerbread,” “St. Nick’s Mint” and “Egg Nog.”

MILK JAR COOKIES – “Peppermint Candy Cane” and “Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate” 

Milk Jar Cookies, located in the Los Angeles Miracle Mile district, is currently featuring two seasonal cookies on its menu: “Peppermint Candy Cane” and “Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate.” The former features chunks of peppermint candy canes throughout the chewy cookie, while the latter features a cookie with lots of personality and texture. 

DUNKIN’ DONUTS – Christmas Donuts

From Dec. 2, Dunkin’ Donuts started featuring its limited-time holiday treats. The “Gift Box” Donut features a square, yeast shell donut decorated with red icing, a green and white icing ribbon and a bow design, while the “Tree” Donut features a round, yeast shell donut with white and green icing, as well as red icing “ornaments.”

“Candy Cane”-flavored HERSHEY’S KISSES are now available … perfect for including in cookies (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
“Candy Cane”-flavored HERSHEY’S KISSES are now available … perfect for including in cookies (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
HERSHEYS – Seasonal Holiday Products

HERSHEY’S KISSES has launched a variety of holiday products, including “Candy Cane”-flavored kisses, “Dark Chocolate Filled with Mint Truffle”-flavored kisses. The regular HERSHEY’s flavors—like “Milk Chocolate” and “Milk Chocolate with Almonds”—sport Christmas-colored candy wrappers.

GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE – Variety of Christmas Cupcakes 

Georgetown Cupcake has a plethora of sweet holiday options. For starters, “Chocolate Egg Nog” features a Valrhona chocolate egg nog-infused cupcake adorned with nutmeg-infused vanilla cream cheese frosting and a fondant snowflake. “White Chocolate Peppermint” introduces a white Callebaut chocolate peppermint-infused cupcake topped with a candy cane-striped white chocolate buttercream frosting. The “Chocolate Peppermint” has a Valrhona chocolate cupcake topped with a rich peppermint-infused Callebaut chocolate ganache adorned with crushed peppermint candies. “Gingerbread” features a gingerbread cupcake with a cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and a fondant gingerbread man. “Snowball Coconut” features a holiday twist on the classic coconut cupcake topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes. “Rudolph Red Velvet” features the bakery’s traditional red velvet cupcake adorned with a fondant red-nosed reindeer, while “Snowy Vanilla” includes a blue fondant snowflake on top of the classic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla cupcake. “Christmas Caramel” features a caramel cupcake with a salted caramel-infused buttercream frosting topped with caramel drizzle and a green fondant Christmas tree. “Holiday Lava Fudge” includes a fudge star drizzle and a green fondant Christmas tree atop a Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a rich fudge center. “Cranberry Spice” is the bakery’s version of the traditional English Christmas spice cake, complete with fresh cranberries and orange zest and topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and a fondant holly leaf. “Santa’s Chocolate Chip” features a fondant snowflake atop a vanilla chocolate chip cupcake with whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting, and “Sticky Toffee Pudding” is a modern twist on the traditional English sticky toffee pudding with a toffee cupcake, sticky chocolate pudding filling, chocolate toffee-infused frosting and a chocolate toffee star drizzle and a fondant holly.

Milano “Peppermint” Slices are perfect for any late-night noshing (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
Milano “Peppermint” Slices are perfect for any late-night noshing (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
MILANO COOKIES – “Peppermint”

The chocolate wafer cookies take on a seasonal spin this Christmas with “Peppermint” flavors. 

KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS – “Holiday Sprinkle,” “Red Velvet Cake” and “Snowman”

The holiday doughnuts available at Krispy Kreme this Christmas include: “Holiday Sprinkle,” “Red Velvet Cake” and “Snowman.” “Holiday Sprinkle” is a chocolate-iced doughnut covered in holiday-colored sprinkles; the “Snowman” is a snowman-shaped doughnut frosted in white icing with a red icing scarf; and the “Red Velvet Cake” is a covered with cream cheese icing and red velvet cake crumbles. 

TCBY – “Chocolate Peppermint Bark”

A variety of delicious soft serve flavors are available at TCBY, but “Chocolate Peppermint Bark” is a seasonal flavor. This flavor contains just the right mix of sweet chocolate and the cool bite of peppermint. 

GOLDFISH – “Holiday Vanilla Cupcake” and “Hot Cocoa”
Though Goldfish is known for flavors like “Cheddar” and “Parmesan,” it features several different flavors this holiday season. “Holiday Vanilla Cupcake” sports crackers with red-and-green sprinkles, while “Hot Cocoa” features a light, chocolate flavor.

A variety of seasonal PEEPS are available for the holidays (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
A variety of seasonal PEEPS are available for the holidays (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).
PEEPS – Seasonal Marshmallow Treats

Marshmallow PEEPS are all decked out in their holiday splendor. “Candy Cane” features candy cane-flavored marshmallows dipped in chocolate, while “Sugar Cookie” features fresh baked sugar cookie-flavored marshmallows dipped in creamy milk chocolate. Not to be outdone, “Gingerbread” includes gingerbread-flavored PEEPS in the shapes of cute gingerbread men, and “Peppermint Flavored Marshmallow Stars” will make bright additions to any Christmas gift. “Chocolate-Covered Mint-Flavored Marshmallow Trees” are perfect for any chocoholic who loves the taste of fresh mint, and “Marshmallow Trees,” “Marshmallow Snowmen” and “Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Reindeer” add to the holiday fun. 

Reach Kelli Shiroma here or follow her on Twitter.



 

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