And just like that, it’s almost the most romantic day of the year. You didn’t forget, did you? Whether you plan to celebrate with a new love, a longtime partner, your besties or solo, there always a reason for locally made sweets. Here’s your guide to seven ready-to-devour concoctioneers that’ll keep you from raiding those discount drugstore chocolates. You know the ones.
A woman-owned chocolatier in Huron Village, EHChocolatier puts out Michel Cluziel and Valrhona-based confections snagging Best Of awards everywhere. If chocolate is art, Elaine and Catherine are new masters.
Must get: the rochers, tea-infused bonbons or the ultimate candy aisle sampler, The Big Tasty.
“My favorite so far has been the Earl Gray! They have a magnificent selection featuring some incredibly unique flavors like passion fruit, bourbon caramel, matcha, 5 spice, cayenne, orange, jasmine, and many more!” – Olivia B
Hilliards is a family-run confectioner crafting sweet treats since 1924. Known for their barks and brittles, Hilliards has recently joined forces with Easton’s Shovel Town Brewery for a craft beer collection, including DIPA caramels and crackly beer peanut brittle.
Must get: the craft beer collection, rosé truffles, almond toffee crunch
“The candied apples… $10 of pure joy! Dark chocolate and cashew, dream come true. You’re welcome.” – Suki F
At Serenade Chocolatier, you’ll find a vast selection of truffles, chocolates and freshly-dipped fruits. You’ll also find their signature creation: the piñata cake. This interactive delight is a chocolate shell filled with nuts, crisps, creams and other handmade sweets. Why a piñata cake? You get a wooden mallet to crack it open!
Must get: the viennese hazelnut, the piñata cake
“Chocolate & a mallet — you can’t find a more perfect combo for twin 3-year old boys to go bonkers.” – Thomas A
PureFections knew the salty-sweet combo trend was a-comin’ for years now, and their signature P2C2 – that’s P squared, C squared – paved the way. If Belgian chocolate, caramel, peanut butter and potato chips sound like your kinda snack, seek out this Quincy shop.
Must get: P2C2, brownie pops, giant peanut butter cups
“P2C2 is heavenly. Definitely like an amped up Crunch bar with peanut butter and caramel… and potato chips instead of crunchy rice krispy bits. The chocolate is serious quality.” – Traci K
It started with founder Jason McCrea, boiling up some cream, butter and sugar in his home kitchen, and now McCrea’s Caramels can be found on retail shelves nationwide. Pop in to their Hyde Park factory retail store, or pick up a sampler of his 16 flavors of caramels basically anywhere.
Must get: black lava sea salt, single malt scotch, rosemary truffle
“If you read the ingredients, cane sugar, fresh milk, fresh cream, sugar and butter, you understand the product is made with some integrity. Best candy ever…seriously.” – Steve S
Boasting themselves as “Boston’s oldest chocolatier,” Phillips Candy House has been slathering nutty caramels in high-quality chocolate since 1925. Their signature turtles in an edible basket landed a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2015 – but they’ve been a Boston Yelper fave for decades.
“The salted milk chocolate cashew turtles alone are worth five stars, but there’s so much more to love and the service is always nice. Phillips is an institution.” – Chas K
It may have gotten its start in New York, but L.A. Burdick’s has earned its keep as the hot chocolate spot in Boston. Featuring specialty and single origin chocolates, shaved and steamed with whole milk and cream, this indulgence is an absolute winter staple.
Must get: the drinking chocolate, a box of ganache mice and/or penguins
“If only you could see my face when I took my first sip of their signature milk hot chocolate – I swear I died for a split second, went to heaven, and stared straight into God’s soul.” – Christine B
For more on these and other sweet retailers around Boston, head over to Yelp!
