That special time of year is officially here! Peppermint and gingerbread and eggnog flavors are everywhere. Cookies, coffee flavorings, and even ice creams are showing their festive nature with these holiday flavors. The San Juan Islands are known for their artisanal bakers, chocolatiers, and chefs who create desserts that border on works of art. While visiting Friday Harbor this Christmas season, don’t miss out on these great holiday treats.
Some people visit Bakery San Juan for the crispy homemade pizza, others go to pick up a fresh-baked loaf of sourdough bread, but no one can leave without one of the sweet and flaky pastries. Pick up a slice of coffee cake or one of their brown butter apple tarts for the perfect holiday treat. You can also select some seasonal cookies for a winter picnic or delectable chocolate mousse cake for a special occasion.
Coho Restaurant is beloved by guests not only for their farm-to-table entrees but the intricately crafted desserts. During the holidays, Coho is hosting two special dinners on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve complete with festive appetizers, mouthwatering entrees, wine pairings, and a decadent dessert to end the night on a high note. For the Christmas Menu, choose between a citrusy mandarin orange olive oil cake with spruce tip ice cream or a classic gingerbread cake with maple buttercream. If you attend their New Year’s Dining Extravaganza, you can choose between a rich triple chocolate mousse cake or a profiterole trio with eggnog, spruce tip, and maple nut ice creams.
Fidalgo Fudge Company in Anacortes:
While Fidalgo Fudge Kitchen isn’t in Friday Harbor, their treats are just too good to pass up. Hit this Anacortes shop on your way to the islands to sample your way around their holiday flavors and stop by on your way back to pick up gifts for your friends and family. They have classic Christmas flavors like candy cane, maple nut, and gingerbread, but you can also find unique holiday concoctions like chocolate-orange swirl, amaretto-chocolate swirl, and cranberry-walnut vanilla. Get a selection of your favorite flavors and you’ll be set long after the holiday season is over.
San Juan Coffee Roasting Company:
Head over to San Juan Coffee Roasting Company for an easy mid-afternoon pick-me-up. From a classic cup of freshly brewed coffee to a rich espresso drink, the coffee is brewed with beans roasted 24-48 hours prior for the freshest cup of coffee you may ever taste. While you are sipping on your coffee, browse their case of homemade chocolates and truffles. During the holiday season, you’ll find fun festive flavors mixed in with their store classics.
Tucker House Inn Afternoon Cookies:
When staying at the Tucker House Inn, you are treated to fresh-baked cookies every afternoon. Cookies vary daily from chewy oatmeal to chocolate chunk with pecans and cherries to chocolate peppermint cookies. Sink into sweet bliss with cookies that would impress Santa himself. Curl up and enjoy your Christmas treats next to the fireplace in the cozy parlor and you’ll be in holiday heaven.
Indulge in Friday Harbor’s incredible sweets this Christmas season. From delicate truffles to eggnog profiterole to chocolate peppermint cookies, you can find the perfect holiday treat during your San Juan Island vacation.
