Craving that amazing dessert you discovered while on vacation? Don’t worry — you don’t have to wait and make a special trip just to be able to enjoy it again.
So many regional favorites, from ice cream and cookies to cupcakes and hot chocolate, now deliver anywhere in the country so you can reminisce about your experiences while enjoying your special treats — all from the comfort of your own couch.
Here are some of my personal favorites:
Jeni’s Ice Cream for Breakfast Collection
Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni’s is a treat any time, which is why the Ice Cream for Breakfast Collection is such a joy. It comes with half a dozen eye-opening pints, like Banana French Toast, Maple Soaked Pancakes and Skillet Cinnamon Roll, all of which just might taste even more decadent than the real thing. There’s also Coffee with Cream & Sugar and, because no Jeni’s collection would be complete without the classics, a pint of Milkiest Chocolate and – my all-time favorite – Brambleberry Crisp. Price: $68
Sprinkles Favorites Dozen Box
It is impossible to be in a bad mood when you see the cheery and immediately recognizable Sprinkles logo. Likely to elicit a Pavlov’s dogs response, this box contains a dozen mouthwatering cupcakes: three each of Sprinkles’ signature Red Velvet, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate and Sprinkle. There’s enough to share – in theory – but you’ll definitely want to grab one in each flavor. The icing on the (cup)cake? Well, it’s the absolute best! Price: $75
Levain Bakery Valentine’s Day Cookie Tin Bundle
Arguably the best cookie in New York City, it’s no surprise there’s always a line outside Levain Bakery. Why wait, though, when you can have them sent straight to your home? This bundle comes with your choice of eight iconic flavors and the cute tin, which is roomy enough to hold the generously sized cookies, can be refilled endlessly. It was designed for Valentine’s Day but will be loved anytime. Price: $64
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Build Your Own Ice Cream Sammie Kit
Can’t decide between ice cream and cookies? Don’t! Santa Barbara-based McConnell’s now offers a kit that gives you the best of both. It comes with three pints of their aptly-named fine ice creams along with enough Brownie Cookies and Chocolate Chunk Cookies to make a dozen sammies. Whether you enjoy them together or separately is up to you. Price: $78
Dominique Ansel Bakery 2 Piece Cronut & 2 Piece DKA Combo Gift Box
Because it is cruel to make someone choose between Dominique Ansel’s mind-blowing Cronut and DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), opt for the combo box that gives you two of each. Even if you do get to his bakeries in New York or Las Vegas, you’ll still have to wait on a long line. Plus, the Cronut of the month usually sells out early so this may be the best way to guarantee you get what you want. Please refrain from grabbing the box out of your delivery person’s hands in your eagerness to dig in. Price: $39
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Starter Kit
The brilliant and beautiful Velvetiser makes the kind of rich, creamy hot chocolate worth traveling to Europe for. It’s super easy to use and is available in a variety of flavors from salted caramel to apple pie to hazelnut praline – although, trust me, you’ll be blissed out even if you stick to the classic 70% chocolate flakes. The starter kit gives you a nice sampling along with a Velvetiser in your choice of four statement-making colors. Consider adding a quarterly subscription to get you through the long, cold winter. Price: $180
Challah Back Girls Double Chocolate Raspberry Chababka
This may be the most creative name of a company ever, which is fitting because their challah is over the top creative, as well. Technically, challah is not dessert but some of their unique flavors – like this delicious double chocolate raspberry Chababka – would beg to differ. This is bread you’ll want to eat every day of the week but that just may inspire a new ritual that makes you look forward to a Sabbath celebration. You can order individually or set up regular deliveries. Plus, in the spirit of breaking bread, the female-founded company is all about giving back and getting people together so you can feel good about buying an extra loaf or two. Price: $15
Hattie Jane’s Creamery Box of 4 Ice Cream Pints
Female-founded in Tennessee, this artisan ice cream company oozes Southern charm, not to mention a variety of sweet and salty accoutrements that take their already rich and creamy base to a whole different level. Customize your own shipment with flavors like Nana Puddin’, Goo Goo Jack, Unicorn Cotton Candy and Malted Milk Cookie Dough. They’ll come perfectly frozen but are so yummy, they’ll melt your heart. Price: $48
Mrs. Bakewell’s Classic Plain Cream Tea Box
Cream tea is a London tradition – and likely to become one in your own home once you experience Mrs. Bakewell’s version. This lovely set comes with half a dozen scrumptious scones, a jar of clotted cream and a jar of strawberry preserves, six tea sachets and an insulated cooler bag for impromptu picnics. It’s the perfect afternoon snack that will make you feel like British royalty yourself. No pinky lifting required. Price: $98
Olivieri 1882 Valentine’s Cake – Rise in Love Panettone
Panettone is a seasonal – and award-winning – Italian favorite that this Veneto-based company has been making by hand for more than a century. A cross between bread and fruitcake, it’s a beloved holiday tradition. This limited edition is heart-shaped and laden with candied wild strawberries and dark chocolate. It’s so tasty, you’ll be counting the days till Christmas, when you can order another one. Price: $54.90
Alec’s Ice Cream Super Sampler
Once you get a taste of flavors like Salted Caramel Latte, Matcha Chocolate Chip and Honey Blueberry Lavender, you’re going to find it hard to stop. Go ahead and indulge because Alec’s is the first ice cream to be made with gut-friendly A2/A2 dairy and certified regenerative organic ingredients. It sounds complicated but all you have to know is it’s easy on your stomach and a delight for your tastebuds. Price: $71.94