23&co.

This small-batch gourmet chocolate chip cookie company originated on Opinicon Lake and is inspired by the Gill family’s favourite flavours – and their love of hockey. Owner/operator Krista Gill’s husband, Todd, played in the NHL for 19 years and she turned her game-day baking ritual into a thriving business. These sweet treats are available online and they ship across Canada, as well as at some local cafes and retailers. The best part? The cookies from 23&co. are sold by six and they’re packaged perfectly for gifting – or for treating yourself! Score some today; you won’t be disappointed.

Cookie Gift Boxes Photo: 23andCo Facebook Page 

Angela’s Cookie Jar

Angela’s Cookie Jar specializes in delightful sugar cookies, made to order and hand decorated with royal icing. This bakery in Rideau Lakes also uniquely customizes cookies for special occasions or events! Whether it’s Christmas, or birthdays, weddings, or whatever you can dream up, Angela’s Cookie Jar serves up home-baked goodness to help celebrate with artistic, eye-catching designs. For the holidays, Angela is offering gnome cookies, whimsical gingerbread house cookies in a full scene, as well as cookie decorating kits complete with sprinkles, icing and more! Get in touch to watch her make your cookie dreams a reality.

Gnome Cookies Photo: Angela's Cookie Jar Facebook Page

Bastard Coffee House

Cinnamon bun yule logs, blueberry scones, brown sugar muffins…start the car! Sip on a brew while enjoying a baked bite at the Bastard Coffee House. Comfy chairs and couches inspire conversation while the snow swirls outside the big, historic front windows in this special space. Baked offerings vary every day, but one thing is for sure – they are hot out of the oven and made for nourishing your body and soul. Stay a while and enjoy the heritage charm and community in Delta. Watch for live music, crafters circles and board game nights here, too.

 Cinnamon Bun Yule Logs a la French Toast Photo: Bastard Coffee House Facebook Page

Nut Free Gourmet at Hotel Kenney Rideau

The secret ingredient? Real butter! Nut Free Gourmet at Hotel Kenney Rideau, creates irresistible nut-free gourmet raw cookie dough using all butter. We’re talking shortbread, chocolate fudge chip, snappy ginger and more. Taste the difference simple ingredients make: the gems at Nut Free Gourmet are made using all butter – no margarines, oils or artificial flavours. Take the hassle out of your holiday baking and pick up some dough for baking at home!

Nut Free Gourmet Cookies and Dough Facebook Page

Recess Café

This trendy café in Portland is keeping the old school vibes alive with a nod to its location in a former elementary school. What’s more, Recess Café has baked-daily muffins, scones, cookies and squares along with their delicious sandwiches, all day breakfast and salad bowls using fresh, local and natural ingredients. Pop by for the fun atmosphere, great coffee and comforting baked goods.

Photo: Recess Cafe by Marie White

Sunflower Bake Shop 

Spice up your Christmas spread with everything from vintage fruit cake to gingerbread cookies! Located in the historic Forfar Dairy, this bake shop specializes in sourdough breads of all kinds. At this time of year, Sunflower Bake Shop adds seasonal favourites like pumpkin or mincemeat pies, "Kifle" (Cinnamon Walnut Cookies). They even put out some cranberry, white chocolate sourdough bread last week in addition to the local favourite jalapeños and cheese sourdoughs.

 Sunflower Bake Shop Facebook Page

The Pie Bar

A modern twist on traditional baking! The Pie Bar near Westport uses unconventional flavours to create distinctive recipes that combine innovation with deliciousness. Owner Stacy Blair has amassed a large and appreciative international following on Instagram for her eye-catching culinary creations. Alongside the famous pie and pastries, look here for Christmas cookie boxes, incredible croissants, as well as other Christmas breakfast options to help make the big morning even sweeter.

Photo: The Pie Bar Facebook Page

Whether you’re gathering around the table with your family, or dropping off goodies to friends, you can be sure that delicious festive treats are baked for you to enjoy in Rideau Lakes.