In the age of getting a little treat, sometimes it’s a tried and true classic—but other times, I want to explore something unexpected. 

Vancouver has no shortage of exceptional bakeries. Bakers often have fun with their creations by fusing different types of treats goods or through not-so-common flavours. Here are some of my top choices.

Their There

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For more than what meets the eye, check out Their There in Kitsilano. The simplicity of a good doughnut meets the chewiness of mochi. You can get classic flavours like chocolate dip or old-fashioned glazed or mix it up with innovative flavours like White Rabbit candy and Fruit Loops (topped with colourful rings and a cereal milk glaze).

Cowdog Coffee

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Cowdog Coffee’s hojicha cookie is a must-try for the most devoted tea lovers. After many attempts to determine how chewy versus crisp the perfect cookie should be, Cowdog found a happy medium with its newest menu addition—which can be found at its pop-up inside Dear Gus Snack Bar in Mount Pleasant. Expect chunks of white chocolate and walnuts for added texture and flavour.

Swiss Bakery

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Can’t decide between a croissant or a donut? Why not both with Mount Pleastant-based Swiss Bakery’s frissant? A rotating flavour menu keeps this seasonal treat interesting (it’s currently lychee with goji beer). Expect multiple flakey layers and deep-fried dough. Be sure to plan ahead; this item is only available on Fridays.

Dope Bakehouse

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Does getting a cornflake cookie from Dope Bakehouse (in all of Nemesis Coffee’s locations) count as a balanced breakfast? This cookie is perfectly crispy along the edges and has added crunch from cornflakes, graham crumble, and oats.

Kozak

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Known for its viral cube croissants, Kozak is no stranger to creating delicious and Instagrammable desserts. Just in time for Orthodox Easter, the eatery—with three locations to choose from—added a spring twist to its classic paska: one with sprinkles and raisins, another with a sweet strawberry filling. Are you looking for a real showstopper? The caramel paska has a condensed milk filling with chocolate, dried raspberries, and figs.