PEC's Top 3 Holiday Treats You Have to Try

The holidays in The County aren't just about the scenery and the shopping, there's some seriously good food happening. Local bakeries, farms, and food makers go all out with seasonal treats that you won't find any other time of the year.

Here are 3 holiday treats that all worth the drive and calories, and remember: support local producers as you indulge!

1. Cinnamon Buns at Slickers County Ice Cream (Picton & Bloomfield)

(with locations at 232 Picton Main St. and 271 Bloomfield Main St.)

Slickers County Ice Cream is famous for its over-the-top cinnamon buns. These loaves are giant, gooey, and perfectly balanced (not too sweet) the dough-to-cinnamon-to-icing ratio is spot-on. They’re baked fresh daily when the shop is open and when you're there get some ice creams too!

Important: Slickers operates seasonally (spring through early fall) both shops close for the winter so you must visit before late October. (Once winter hits, you’ll have to wait until spring for these.) In-season, arrive early on weekends: the buns sell out fast. Prices run roughly $5–$6 each. Pair a warm bun with Slickers’ rich hot coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.

2. Apple Cider Donuts at County Cider Company (Waupoos)

(657 Bongards Crossroad, Waupoos)

County Cider Company presses its own apple cider and puts it to delicious use. Every autumn they roll out fresh cider donuts made with real County cider, cakey doughnuts lightly dusted in cinnamon sugar. It's juice really comes through these donuts taste like apple season in donut form.

Buy them hot off the fryer at the tasting room café for maximum effect. A half-dozen goes for roughly $8–$10. Enjoy them alongside a mug of the cidery’s hot spiced cider or coffee for a quintessential County fall/winter snack.

(Tip: If you take them home, pop one in the microwave for a few seconds)

3. Holiday Cookies from Local Bakeries (Various locations)

Forget grocery-store cookies, the County’s home bakers knock it out of the park with holiday cookie trays. Many local bakeries and cottage bakers offer special seasonal cookie boxes (gingerbread, sugar cookies, shortbread, etc.) in November/December.

For example, Bloomfield’s Prince Edward County Bakery (on Main Street) is a hot spot year-round and they churn out fresh loaves, tarts and cookies daily. During the holidays you’ll find beautifully decorated sugar cookies and spice cookies made with real butter and local ingredients. Since quantities are limited, pre-order if you have a party or gift need, many places take holiday orders in advance.

Honorable Mentions

Local Honey Cakes: Various PEC market vendors and cottage bakers sell honey cakes (dense, moist loaf cakes sweetened with County honey). These pop up at farmers’ markets and holiday markets, great with tea or coffee.

Hillier Creek Estates Preserves: The Hillier winery offers small-batch fruit preserves in seasonal flavors (think spiced pear, cranberry-orange, etc.). These make a lovely addition to a cheese board or homemade breakfast toast.

Barley Days Whiskey Fudge: A smooth old-fashioned fudge spiked with a bit of whiskey. Usually available around the holidays from local candy-makers or at market booths. Rich, boozy, and dangerously easy to eat.

Holiday Treat Hunting Tips

Call ahead. These items (and especially specials like holiday cookies or limited cheeses) often sell out fast. A quick phone call or email can tell you if they have what you want or let you reserve it.

Go early. Bakeries and markets restock early morning. Plan to arrive soon after opening – the freshest goods (warm buns, donuts, etc.) won’t last.

Buy a little extra. Treats freeze or share surprisingly well. If you like something, grab an extra to stash in the freezer or give as a surprise gift. You’ll thank yourself later.

Eat them now. Holiday treats are meant to be enjoyed in season, not in the back of the freezer until St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy them at peak freshness with family or friends.

Share the joy. Bring treats to gatherings, divide them among neighbors or coworkers, or gift-wrap a box of cookies. It spreads holiday cheer and supports our local makers.

Try new things. Don’t just default to your usual favorites. Ask bakers and cheesemongers what they recommend this season. You might discover a new favorite (and most makers love helping you find the right treat).

The Local Difference (Why It’s Worth It)

Yes, these goodies cost more than store bought sweets and that’s on purpose. Local artisans pay fair wages and use high-quality local ingredients. You’re not just buying a snack; you’re supporting PEC families and businesses.

Plus, the difference is tasteable: these treats use real butter, fresh cider, premium flour, local apples, etc., rather than industrial substitutes. In other words, they’re worth the splurge. Besides, the holidays are stressful, a warm cinnamon bun or a rich torte won’t solve problems but they will make your day better. So go ahead and indulge a little!

By planning ahead and sampling boldly, you’ll make the most of PEC’s festive flavors. Happy eating and happy holidays!

What holiday treats are we missing? Drop your favorites in the comments!

Happy eating!