Hot Cocoa, Warm Cookies, Cold Winters
It’s that time of year when Kansas City transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The Country Club Plaza lighting, ice skating at Crown Center, and the Mayor’s tree lighting each give me those warm fuzzy feelings– but what really gets me in the holiday spirit is sippin’ down on rich, creamy, hot cocoa and munchin’ down on warm holiday cookies! So I went on a quest to curate a list of my favorite spots to grab a hot cocoa and enjoy a holiday cookie (or 3).
MESSENGER COFFEE CO + IBIS BAKERY
Image courtesy of Hannah Verboon - @christinaposerr
Grab a mug of Messenger Hot Cocoa and venture to their rooftop patio. I love to venture up here not only for the views but to snuggle up to this swoon worthy fire pit!
Located at:
1624 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
MCLAIN’S BAKERY
Photograph by Katie Thompson.
McLain’s Cupcookies are my go to when I need last minute holiday party cookies - $9.99 for 1 Dozen. Bonus: McLain’s offers a holiday cookie box stuffed with their seasonal treats and a custom gift message or company logo printed on a festive box.
You can check them out in Overland Park, Waldo, and Lawrence, Kansas
10695 Roe Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66207
201 E. Gregory Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64114
MONARCH COFFEE
Photograph by Katie Thompson.
I was already a fan of Monarch’s Hot Chocolate but the charred local marshmallows from the Modest Mallow is what really makes this hot chocolate one of my faves.
Located at:
3550 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
CHRISTOPHER ELBOW CHOCOLATES
Photograph by Katie Thompson.
If heaven were sipping chocolate I imagine that’d be Christopher Elbow Sipping Chocolate. These rich sipping chocolates come in a variety of flavors including Peanut Butter, Venezuelan Spice, Dark Chocolate, and Chinese Spice.
Pair with any of their signature bonbons or truffles.
Located at:
1819 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
DOLCE BAKERY
Photograph by Anna Petrow.
How cute are these mini cookie decorating kits? Great for all ages if you ask me.
Located at:
3930 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208
HOLIDAY DECORATING COOKIE CLASSES
I’m always looking to enhance my cookie decorating skills! There are countless decorating classes available throughout the holiday season but my personal favorite is Sweet Ideas by Rachel. The upcoming class is scheduled for Sunday, November 25th at Flying Pig Mercantile.
You will learn quick cookie decorating tips step by step instructions plus decorate some on your own.
Classes are $35 and can be booked via Flying Pig Local Mercantile:
221 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108
HI HAT COFFEE
Photograph by Katie Thompson.
I didn’t know this was a thing but Hi Hat coffee offers a spicy hot cocoa, Aztec Hot Cocoa. This hot cocoa is made with Aztec Chocolate shavings from their Westwood chocolatier neighbors, Annedore Fine Chocolates. I love this hot cocoa for daring to be different plus it’s located in one of KC’s cutest coffee shops.
Located at:
5012 State Line Rd, Westwood Hills, KS 66205
ANDRE’S CONFISERIE SUISSE
Photograph by Katie Thompson.
I go for their signature hot cocoa over here at Andre’s but honorary mentions go out to Andre’s Ginger Spice, Chili Spice, and Grand Cru Hot Cocoas. Pair with any of the numerous baked goods or chocolates available from the bakery.
Located at:
5018 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
PANACHE CHOCOLATIER & CAFE
For all you non-hot drink lovers this one is for you. Panache offers this tasty version of hot cocoa in frozen form! Stroll the plaza lights and swing into their plaza location shop to grab one of these bad boys.
Located at:
418 Nichols Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Photograph by: Katie Thompson
BONUS - GINGERBREAD FUN:
Stroll more than 300 gingerbread house creations located in Gingerbread Village at Crown Center
Join the Webster House on November 29th to check out exquisite gingerbread homes created by local chefs. Proceeds benefitting Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired.