23 Sweet Dessert Places Around Chicago

This no-frills shop all the way in Roseland is worth the trek. The owner, Buritt Bulloch, works in the front window of the shop and customers get piping hot donuts straight from being frosted. The apple fritter is a must, but be prepared to share this gigantic masterpiece. Please note it's cash-only and it is not recommended to eat in, as lines are long and the shop can get crowded.

Gina I.:  A classic donut shop, Dat Donut is famous for its giant glazed donuts (Big Dat) and reasonable prices. They also make a nice variety of hearty breakfast sandwiches. Best of all, they are open 24-hours, so you can satisfy your donut craving anytime day or night!

Kelly R:  This was our go-to place for cupcakes when we lived in the neighborhood. The award-winning treats are baked from scratch throughout the day. Molly's is known for the center-filled cupcakes, or you can create your own cupcake combination that they will make right in front of you. I love that a portion of their profits is donated directly to schools in the community.

Gina I.:  With close to 40 amazing donut varieties on the menu, it's hard to choose! Their specialties include everything from pistachio glazed, blueberry fritter and coconut cream to chocolate buttermilk bar, lemon curd, and glazed orange old fashioned. You really can't go wrong! Be sure to try their famous dough boy's best! We like the peanut butter banana pocket.

Gina I.:  Do-Rite Donuts might not boast as many fancy flavors as some of the other donut shops, but what they do, they do-rite! Generously sized and reasonably priced, you won'd find a better old fashioned donut anywhere! What sets them apart is that they are one of the few places you can find vegan and gluten-free Donuts. And watch out, they will close early if they run out of donuts to be sure to plan accordingly.

Gina I.:  The theme? Sugar! Where else can you get away with ice cream for dinner? The Sugar Factory features a delicious assortment of sweet & savory cuisine, including their enormous signature drinks (also available without alcohol), chocolate martinis, and more. The menu offers everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and burgers. But the real star is the actual dessert menu with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats...every kid's dream come true!

Sarah Calamita:  This is a milk shake bar with totally over the top milkshakes. Your child may only eat a few bites, but it is Instagram worthy and your kids will think they are just so fun!

Gina I.:  With donut varieties like maple glazed pineapple & bacon, butterscotch praline, malted milk ball & peanut butter cup, you're in for a real treat at Firecakes Donuts! As a compliment to their delicious donuts, they offer an excellent assortment of coffee and espresso, as well as fresh pressed OJ & lemonade. Donuts are available for Chicagoland delivery or next-day pickup. Just be sure to place your order by 3 pm one day prior (one dozen minimum order). Be sure to try their ice cream donut sandwich....just grab some extra napkins!

Sarah Calamita:  The best doughnut shop in the city is in an old bank vault off a little side street in River North. Plan to wait in line, but they are fresh and to die for. (If you can't make it there, Fire Cakes and Stan's are the 2 runner ups!)

Erin P.:  Doughs Guys is a great bakery with fun and delicious cupcake flavors! They also make great birthday cakes to match almost any party theme that you have in mind! They have two main locations and several smaller outposts at local Metra stations -- perfect for the parent on the go!

Yoli B:  Run, don't walk, to the West Loop and order any bombolini (hole-less italian donut) from Bombobar! The cream filled bombolini range in flavors from vanilla to nutella and every bite is exceptional. Bombobar is located at the side window of Bar Siena and also serves coffee, gelato, and shakes but the bombolinis are definitely the star here!

Kristy Pepping:  Smallcakes offers cakes, cupcakes and ice cream. If you are looking for a specialty cake, they can create any design you desire. Or if you want custom cupcakes, they offer mini sized cupcakes or full size. They also carry gluten-free options. Want a few cupcakes, but do not want to wait? They have pre-made cupcake options baked daily: salty caramel, chocolate, vanilla and a stuffed cupcake. Many locations throughout Chicago.

Dinkel's is a full service bakery and cafe with many items, but their donuts really stand out among the fritters, coffee cakes, and danishes in the pastry case. Expect both classic and seasonal donut varieties at this quaint bakery.

Erin P.:  This place has been serving Chicagoland for over 40 years. They carry a full line of doughnuts, doughnut holes (or, as my kids call them, "doughnut balls"), and sweet rolls. They also make a 10″ round raised doughnut that can be decorated for any occasion. (Must be ordered one day in advance.)

Gina I.:  Established in 1930, Weber's Bakery is one of Chicago's oldest bakeries. Everything is baked from scratch using the finest ingredients. So, whether you get the banana split torte, a hand decorated birthday cake, or their famous buttermilk poundcake, you won't be disappointed! Be sure to try their carrot cake! As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of carrot cakes, I can confidently say this is one of the best!