There’s nothing wrong with a cupcake piled high with frosting. Nothing. At. All. But the newest bakeries in the DMV are taking a slightly different—and welcomed—approach to dessert. Move over buttercream, these sweet spots hawk everything from cookies to cake pops, that are just right (and mess free) for your little foodie.

Photo: Baked by Yael via Facebook

Baked by Yael
The scoop: Lawyer turned baker Yael Krigman has been whipping up custom cake pops and delivering them across the DMV since 2011. Now, she has the honor of owning D.C.’s first ever cakepoppery, across the street from the National Zoo (sounds like the perfect day out…hint-hint). While cakepops are the focus, save some room for Yael’s bagels, raspberry bars, rugelach, and black and white cookies.
What to try: There are five flavors of cakepops (chocolate, birthday cake, red velvet, cookies n’ cream, and lemon) for $2.95 each. Pick up one (or two) of each.

3000 Connecticut Ave., NW (Woodley Park)
202-480-9235
Online: bakedbyyael.com

Photo: MelLid G. via Yelp

Captain Cookie
The scoop: This brand new cookie shop started out as a bakery on wheels. Owner Kirk Francis operates two cookie-mobiles that still ride around the D.C. metro area hawking irresistible baked goods to office parks and birthday parties. The brick and mortar caters specifically to the Foggy Bottom community, which just so happens to be filled with GW University students…who love cookies. But if it’s not your nabe, don’t let that deter you from popping by for a visit. If you’re within a few blocks-radius, the smell alone will draw you and the kids in.
What to try: Any of the cookies—chocolate chip, Nutella, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, ginger molasses, oatmeal raisin—with a side of Trickling Springs Creamery milk.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.
202-556-3396
Online: www.captaincookiedc.com.

Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Sugar Shack
The scoop: The North Old Town section of Alexandria just got a huge sugar rush in the form of an artisan donut shop. Based in Richmond, Sugar Shack is quickly becoming the donut place du-jour. We aren’t surprised—with handcrafted flavors like maple bacon, strawberry cheesecake (made with fresh strawberries, snatch!), and Samoa, what’s not to love. Bonus: The small shop is covered in chalk paint, so kids can draw a work of art on the walls while noshing on their donut.
What to try: For Junior, chocolate or vanilla sprinkles will rate high. For grown-ups, grab a chocolate porter donut and a cup of coffee (brought in from local-fave Zeke’s).

804 N. Henry St. (Alexandria)
571-406-4734
Online: sugarshackdonuts.com

What is your favorite spot to stop for dessert? Let us know in the Comments!

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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