University is a pretty repetitive process of coming, going, struggling, succeeding and repeat. However, sometimes, when a day lends itself to be a little more magical than the rest, a coffee and cocoa is the doctor’s order! Round up your gals and get ready because here is a list of places to stop by before or after class for your next sweet treat!Â
1. Lindt
Two words: hot chocolate.
It’s gorgeous, decadent and oozes dark amber goodness pooling at the top of a cup. I have been on the hunt for the most beautiful autumn-winter staple beverage that encapsulates the essence of chocolate. I find, with no surprise, that Lindt secured its top spot for the best hot cocoa drink! It was my favourite drink during the fall semester last year, and I am happy to say it follows me into this one.Â
Where: 220 Yonge St CRU #B210A, Toronto, ON
Price: Around $5
2. Courage Cookies
If your sweet tooth transcends the realm of liquids and into something a little more tangible, then get ready to sink your teeth into my favourite cookie spot downtown!
Courage Cookies is a chic, moody grab-and-go cafĂ© to satisfy your cravings for something fresh with a side of yum. They have amazing options that give seasonal takes on the cookie, like Pumpkin Cheesecake or Belgian Chocolate. My personal cookie order is the Birthday Cookie because I like feeling like a special woman.Â
Where: 1561 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ONÂ
Price: $3.50
3. Le GĂ©nie Bakery & Espresso
The magic of Paris in a pastry shop all within Toronto; that’s what Le Génie feels like.
Behind glass displays are lemon pastries shaped like flowers, rich Paris brest iced with pistachio cream, and the best pain au chocolat in Canada. Their array of desserts leaves anyone who comes in spellbound — it’s a true spectacle of pastry artistry.
I just love sneaking in a coffee and croissant before my 10 a.m. classes, and where better than here? Here is to an autumn in Europe without leaving the premises of campus!
Where: 382 Yonge St, Toronto
Price range: $7-$17
4. Roselle DessertsÂ
What looks like its 100-acre-long lines should be enough to convince you of its popularity — and for good reason!
Nestled beside an adorable florist, Roselle has a short and well-curated menu. That’s another way to say that their desserts sell out before you can say “delicieux!”
With coffee madeleines, strawberry and vanilla-oozing shortbreads and creamy eclairs, Roselle offers a magical selection of never-seen-anywhere-else pastries! I tried The Earl, a refined cake layered with white chocolate, citrine bergamot and a divine earl gray sponge, to which I say, “Quel paradis!”
Where: 362 King St E, Toronto, ON
Price Range: $3.50-$8.50
5. Unholy Donuts
Opening earlier this year, Unholy Donuts boasts fine artisanal brioche donuts that you can get as early as 8:30 in the morning!
Offering 24 flavours, there’s a donut for everyone! Would you be interested in a Strawberry Cheesecake? Or maybe a Key Lime pie? How about throwing in their explosive Boston Cream and Nutella Bomb while we’re at it?
With their unique fillings that contain top-notch ingredients, this isn’t your ordinary donut. Instead, it’s a fine culinary experience. Well, as luxurious as you can get before you run to your next class.
Where: 596 Bay St, Toronto, ONÂ
Price: Around $4
Next time you have a gap between classes, be sure to breathe deep and step light! If you know dessert will perk your mood, try out one of these five places. They are guaranteed to add something sweet to your day!