Happy holidays, people! While you’re out hustling and bustling (and shopping and wrapping), bakeries, restaurants, and bars have been churning out some seasonal holiday favorites. Here’s a few of the best holiday-only treats in town.
Struffoli from DiAnoia’s Eatery
This seasonal treat comes from the Naples region of Italy – but you can find it right in the Strip District, courtesy of DiAnoia’s Eatery. Struffoli are small fried dough balls, mixed with honey and topped with tiny sprinkles for maximum sweetness. Looking for something a little more savory? From now through Saturday, December 22, DiAnoia’s is hosting a nightly Feast of the Seven Fishes family-style menu, featuring dishes like Octopus Sugo pasta. DiAnoia’s Eatery (2549 Penn Avenue)
Rudolph Milkshakes at Burgatory
Burgatory’s famous Peppermint Bark Shake is back – at least until Monday, December 24. It’s made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and candy bars, then topped with whipped cream, two adorable little chocolate chip eyes, mini pretzel antlers, and a marashino cherry nose, completing the Instagram-worthy Rudolph look. Burgatory (various locations)
Peppermint Brownie Fudge Milkshakes at the Milk Shake Factory
Looking for something a little more… chocolate-y this holiday season? The Milk Shake Factory’s Peppermint Brownie Fudge milkshake is a season treat made of chocolate ice cream, brownies, chocolate syrup, and hot fudge, with some peppermint candy thrown in for good measure. The Milk Shake Factory (various locations)
Holiday Flavors at Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream has a full lineup of unique (and totally delicious) holiday flavors right now, like Bourbon Maple (using Pennsylvania maple syrup from our favorites at Paul Family Farm), Fig Balsamic, Chocolate Peppermint, Orange-Amaretto Pizzelle, White Chocolate Orange Cranberry and vegan Plum Tart. Because the flavors change so quickly at their scoop shops, if there’s one you want to try, give them a call first before making a trip out. Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream (various location)
Farkleberry Cookies at Oakmont Bakery
Haven’t tried this Pittsburgh classic yet? The legendary Farkleberry Cookies at Oakmont Bakery only come around the holiday season – and $1 from each dozen sold goes to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund. Farkleberry Cookies are soft, orange-flavored cookies made with dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and then dusted with powdered sugar. Oakmont Bakery (531 Allegheny Avenue)
Thumbprint Cookies at Prantl’s Bakery
They’re back, baby! Pittsburgh’s famous Thumbprint Cookies – little round butter cookies, topped with two full inches of icing – first came to existence at the Arcade Bakery in Kaufmann’s downtown. In the years since Kaufmann’s has closed, Prantl’s Bakery stepped up to be the (unofficial) Thumbprints bakery-on-record. But… customers noticed a difference. Not anymore, though! Original Thumbprint baker Kevin Ulrich is using the original recipe now, and churning out hundreds of Thumbprints each day, in dozens of flavors. Prantl’s Bakery (various locations)
Christmas Stollen at Mediterra Bakehouse
Not only is Mediterra Bakehouse’s Christmas Stollen (a cake-like fruit bread that has candied fruits and nuts added, along with various spices) completely delicious, but it also makes a tremendous gift for your favorite foodie. You can pick one up at Mediterra Cafe in Sewickley! Mediterra Cafe (430 Beaver Street, Sewickley)
Snickerdoodle Crepes at Waffles, INCaffeinated
Breakfast, anyone? These seasonal treats from Waffles, INCaffeinated will make any morning (or afternoon!) a delight. Each plate comes with three fresh-made crepes that are filled with custard and toffee sauce, then topped with cinnamon, whipped cream, and cinnamon-vanilla syrup for a straight-from-the-cookie-jar taste. Waffles, INCaffeinated (various locations)
Eggnog at the Butterjoint
You know that all of the Butterjoint’s cocktails are on point – but their eggnog is seriously something else. House-made ‘nog is made with cognac, dark rum, and amaro, and topped with seasonal spices. And you can get it for the rest of December. Butterjoint (214 North Craig Street)
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