June 21 marks the official first day of summer. While it feels like summer is already upon us (evidence: the toll this sweltering weather has taken on my non-air conditioned, sweatbox of an apartment), what better way to celebrate the longest day of the year than with a sweet treat in some air conditioned establishments? Frankly, we could all use a treat. And these sweet treats are guaranteed to be just as outrageous and obscene as these hot, steamy days.
MN Nice Cream
Ice cream, by far, is one of the most perfect treats during the summer. Cold, refreshing, and deliciously sweet. And MN Nice Cream has taken the perfect treat and somehow made it even more perfect. They added glitter and popcorn and puppy chow and bacon, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, and donut ice cream sandwiches. MN Nice Cream is all about over-the-top soft serve ice cream creations. You choose your standard vanilla, chocolate, or swirl, (vegan soft serve available) and then pile on whichever outrageous toppings speak to you. They continuously play with their decadent flavor and topping combos so you’ll definitely want to return for seconds (or thirds).
Glam Doll Donuts
These donut creations are simply works of art. Careful thought and attention goes into each flavor pairing, filling, and icing. Glam Doll Donuts goes beyond your standard donut shop creating flavor combos for the more adventurous donut connoisseur. Try out the savory Girl Next Door donut, filled with havarti and muenster with a beer glaze and brown butter crumb, or go for the Flirty Frenchie made with espresso cream cheese and chocolate icing. If you’re more in the mood for a proper meal, Glam Doll Donuts also offers donut sandwiches such as The Sloppy Jo-Nut which includes slow simmered hand seasoned ground beef and pickles topped on a glazed donut or The Hot Chick where they put fried chicken on a waffle donut.
T-Rex Cookie
Creator of T-Rex Cookie Tina Rexing had the most brilliant idea: to bake cookies the size of your face. And no, I’m not exaggerating. These monstrous cookies start at a solid half-pound and for those with an iron stomach, they will make you an enormous five-pound cookie. T-Rex Cookie has taken the classic treat to the next level, and not simply because of size. Their flavors are just as indulgent. From their rich Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chip (my personal favorite) to their Key Lime Pie, spicy El-Nino, Jalapeno, and Strawberry Rhubarb cookies, you will definitely find the right cookie flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nadia Cakes
If you’re even the least bit indecisive, you might want to prepare yourself as Nadia Cakes has the most incredible selection of delectable and well, simply imaginative cupcakes. Nadia Cakes always offers its standard dozen cupcake flavors but also showcases four daily flavors that include the more unique creations like Unicorn Poop Cupcakes, Cookie Dough Monster, Lucky Charms, and for the brave, the ever controversial Dew-Rito (A Mountain Dew cake topped with Mountain Dew frosting, rimmed in Dorito crumbs. Yup, actual Mountain Dew flavor.) And everyone can enjoy Nadia Cakes as they provide gluten-free options, vegan cupcakes, and even a Doggie Cupcake that’s made special for your four-legged friends. Be sure to check the Nadia Cakes website to know exactly when the more exotic flavors will be available. And mark the date as the Dew-Rito cupcake will be available on August 17.
Dough Dough
I always love to bake but somehow whenever I attempt to bake cookies, the dough never actually makes it in the oven. Honestly, it’s too good not to eat. Dough Dough knows this and decided to provide us with the ultimate guilty pleasure: cookie dough by the scoop that yes, is actually safe to eat. Instead of using eggs, Dough Dough makes their edible cookie dough with pasteurized flour making it safe for everyone to devour. You can try several flavors including Salted Caramel, Monster, S’more, Puppy Chow, Strawberry Milkshake and more.
Here’s to a sweet summer.
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