One (and maybe the only) advantage to the days getting shorter and colder this time of year is that it leaves more time for dessert. And, thankfully, the holidays give us an added excuse to bake cookies, craft gingerbread houses and give in to sweet indulgences. Our cravings tend toward the deliciously rich and drool-worthy. Luckily, even the sweetest of teeth will be satisfied by these pastries found in local sweet spots. We sampled a few that will be sure to be crowd-pleasers this holiday season.
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TAZZA|$3.99 Available at D’Amici’s Bakery, 500 Eastern Ave., Lynn
BEAR CLAW|$4.75 Available at Esposito Bakery, 323 Main St., Saugus
RICOTTA CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI|$3.25 each; SFOGLIATELLA (LOBSTER TAIL) | $4.25 Available at D’Orsi’s Bakery, 197 Washington St., Peabody
RUM BABA|$2.75; ITALIAN ALMOND COOKIES|$0.50 each Available at Spinelli’s, 10 Newbury St., Peabody
