The little box you pick up on the way to someone's house.
The chocolate chip cookie people keep calling the best they've had: soft, chewy and loaded. Smaller sizes let you try more, and there are gluten-free and vegan options.
Pro tip: A box makes a great office treat. Closed Mondays.
835 17 Ave SW · Map for Craig's Cookies
Italian cookies from Alessia Bellusci, whose family is behind Mercato and Sorella. Buttery, beautifully boxed and made for gifting, and now carried at Holt Renfrew too. Their new Market Mall shop makes it an easy stop.
Must try: The Lemon Ricotta.
Erin's tip: Grab a box at Mercato West on your way out of dinner.
From the Sweet Relief team, a cookie shop with big, inventive flavours like PB&J, lemon poppyseed and baklava, with real crunch on the edges and chew in the middle. They make cookie cakes too.
Must try: The Red Velvet, the Chocolate Chip, whatever's new this week.
Pro tip: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30. These are sweet, so share.
1516 6 St SW · Map for Biscettes
Cinnamon buns with a cult following, in full and mini sizes, now with a shop of their own in Montgomery. Couples have served them at their weddings instead of cake.
Must try: Four mini buns so you can try more: the Sticky Bun, Salted Caramel Pecan, Churro, Apple Pie Crumble.
Pro tip: Pick up a box of minis on the way to someone's house.
4537 Bowness Rd NW · Map for The Big Buns Club
The Kensington shop has closed, but these famous cookies live on online and at a stall at the Calgary Farmers' Market West.
Pro tip: They ship across Canada, perfect for a far-away niece or nephew's birthday.
One of Calgary's first doughnut shops and still a favourite, with local ingredients and flavours like peanut butter cup, London Fog and jelly bear.
1414 8 St SW · Map for Jelly Modern Doughnuts
Phil & Sebastian couldn't find the perfect doughnut to go with their coffee, so they made it. Classic vanilla sprinkle to London Fog. Bring a box to your next meeting.
Something about macarons makes any occasion feel fancier. Fresh macarons and custom tea blends to elevate a weekday afternoon.
810C 16 Ave SW · Map for Ollia Macarons & Tea
A little shop just off Macleod Trail that makes only cream puffs, and makes them very well: a crisp shell, filled right to the edges, and not too sweet. Flavours rotate every month, and a box is better than a box of doughnuts.
Must try: The Crème Brûlée (their bestseller), the Blackberry Mascarpone Cheesecake when it's on.
Pro tip: Open Wednesday to Saturday only. Pre-order online for a quick pickup, and ask about a croquembouche for a big celebration.
5524 1A St SW · Map for Crème Cream Puffs