Eight Around the State: Sweets

By Stephanie and Walt Cameron

Publishers Stephanie and Walt Cameron share some of their favorite finds around New Mexico, as they search the state for the best eats and drinks.

Maybe it’s the holidays, or perhaps it’s the pandemic, but there is nothing quite as comforting as sweets. From bean-to-bar chocolate to scratch cookies and buttery pastries to unique boba teas, we have your sweet tooth covered in this edible New Mexico edition of “Eight Around the State.”

Albuquerque

Cravin’ Cookies . . . and More!

What we are eating: Chocolate chip, apricot walnut oatmeal, molasses, pumpkin spice, lemon shortbread, and red chile chocolate cookies

Worth noting: Cravin’ Cookies has been in operation for twenty years. Using original recipes and ones handed down for generations, Barb Hively creates all her cookies and desserts from scratch. She emphasizes local ingredients whenever possible and is always looking for pairing suggestions for her cookies. Currently, orders can be placed online or picked up in the shop.

Find: 10420 4th Street NW, cravincookiesandmore.com

Las Cruces

Hello Cakery & Macarons

What we are eating: Pistachio, chocolate with coffee Swiss meringue, almond with Earl Grey meringue, churro, mango, and confetti cakesicles

Worth noting: One look at their Instagram account, and you will want to order one of their cakes or macaron centerpieces for your next celebration. When we made our online order, cakesicles were the specialty of the week. Hello Cakery & Macarons rotates seasonal offerings along with their weekly macaron selections. Although not available during the pandemic, they also offer macaron cooking classes.

Find: Order online at hellocakeryandmacarons.com for pickup in Las Cruces.

Chama

Wilder Bakeshop

What we are eating: Bostock—a thick slice of housemade bread, dipped in rosewater syrup, spread with French almond creme, sprinkled with sliced almonds, and baked until crisp on the edges but still soft in the middle

Worth noting: Seasonality inspires the sweet and savory pastries. Taking their cues from what they can source locally, organically, and sustainably, Wilder Bakeshop offers galettes, mini pies, croissants, quiches, and more.

Find: 2248 South Hwy 17, wilderbakeshop.com

Taos

Chokolà Bean to Bar

What we are eating: Tanzania Kokoa Kamili 75 percent single-origin bar

Worth noting: Debi Vincent and Javier Abad opened their craft chocolaterie in 2017 just off the Taos Plaza in an attempt to change the way people make and consume chocolate. They make single-origin chocolate bars, truffles, and specialty mousses. All of Chokolà’s chocolate bars come wrapped with art made by local artists; our brightly flavored bar was wrapped in artwork by Jolene Nenibah Yazzie.

Find: 100 Juan Largo Lane, chokolabeantobar.com

Santa Fe

Chainé Gourmet Cookies

What we are eating: Macaron assortment with churro, pistachio, and strawberry rosé macarons

Worth noting: Chainé Peña has created a magical and whimsical space on Water Street in Santa Fe. When you step inside, you feel like you have been teleported to a scene from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Pink and muted pastel-painted walls and décor mimic the macarons that are Chainé’s specialty. Macaron flavors change with the seasons, and other unique items sprinkle the menu. Order online for Saturday pick up from 12–3 pm.

Find: 131 Water Street, chainescookies.com

Silver City

Revel

What we are eating: Flourless chocolate torte with vegan strawberry ice cream

Worth noting: Revel offers from-scratch comfort food with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Although lunch and dinner are the main events, with craft pizzas, seasonal pasta dishes, and more, dessert is worth the trip. Desserts rotate daily, so ask your server what’s on the sweet side for the day.

Find: 304 N Bullard Street, eatdrinkrevel.com

Gallup

CHA’AHH! Milk Tea Café and Filipino Market

What we are eating: Taro Royale milk tea, Buko Pandan milk tea, and passion fruit tea

Worth noting: Their milk teas come in various flavors, like Hokkaido (hint of caramel), Buko Pandan (hint of coconut and pandan leaf), and the bright purple Taro Royale, all with add-ons like boba, coffee jelly, chia seed, and cheese foam. They offer fruit teas and smoothies in unusual flavors like chai, avocado, red bean, and piña colada. The market has an assortment of staples and treats from the Philippines.

Find: 221 W Historic Highway 66, chaahh.square.site