Atlanta, December 24, 2025
News Summary
As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta’s local bakeries are gearing up for a busy period of cookie sales. A list compiled by Yelp highlights the top 10 bakeries in the Atlanta metro area, showcasing diverse cookie preferences that differentiate Georgia from its neighboring states. Notably, spritz cookies have emerged as a favorite among Georgians. Experts emphasize mindful eating practices during the holidays, focusing on enjoyment rather than guilt. The community spirit during this festive season is more important than ever, fostering connections and cherished memories.
Atlanta Embraces Holiday Baking Season with Top Bakeries
The smell of fresh cookies will be prominent in kitchens around Atlanta this holiday season as many people may choose to buy cookies from local bakeries instead of baking at home. According to Yelp, a list of the top 10 recommended bakeries for Christmas cookies in the Atlanta metro area has been compiled, reflecting the city’s distinct tastes during the festive season.
Cookie Preferences in the South
Data from Google’s 2025 search trends reveals that Georgia has different Christmas cookie preferences compared to neighboring southeastern states. In Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, peanut butter balls ranked as the top searched Christmas cookie recipe, highlighting a regional favorite. In contrast, Georgians searched more for spritz cookies, a buttery, shortbread-like cookie with German origins. Interestingly, while other southeastern states prefer ornament or Christmas tree shapes, Georgians show a clear preference for star-shaped cookie cutters.
Addressing Holiday Eating Concerns
Dr. Lindsey Beauboeuf, a lifestyle medicine practitioner in Atlanta, addresses the stress and guilt associated with holiday eating. She notes that worrying about food during the holidays can be counterproductive and promotes enjoyment instead. Viewing cultural holiday food as a celebration of heritage and community rather than just calories is essential for mental well-being. Dr. Beauboeuf highlights that enjoying holiday meals can boost mental health by focusing on experiences and memories over calorie counting.
Mindful Eating Strategies
To help combat potential overeating during holiday parties, Dr. Beauboeuf recommends eating something high in fiber or protein beforehand. Hydration is also crucial, especially when anticipating alcohol at gatherings. Furthermore, she encourages mindful eating, suggesting individuals take time to savor favorite foods without distractions, enhancing their dining experience. Movement and exercise also play an important role during the holiday season; activities like dancing or taking walks help maintain well-being.
Building Community During the Holidays
Celebrating connections and community is essential during the holidays, particularly in light of the isolation experienced during the pandemic. The festive spirit can be amplified through activities involving family and friends, reinforcing bonds and creating lasting memories.
Top Bakeries to Visit in Atlanta
Among the highly regarded bakeries in Atlanta are:
- Evergreen Butcher & Baker, known for holiday pastries and traditional sweets.
- Colette Bread and Bakeshop, which distributes pastries through various coffee shops in Atlanta.
- Flour + Time, specializing in vegan baked goods for the holiday season.
- Chef Christian Castillo from THE CHASTAIN, bringing traditional Argentinian sweets to Buckhead.
- Friendship Market and Henri’s Bakery & Deli, also offering a selection of holiday baked goods.
- Alon’s Bakery & Market, which provides a variety of holiday flavors and treats.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to order holiday treats in advance as stock may vary closer to the holidays. This ensures that everyone can partake in the delightful offerings of Atlanta‘s best bakeries.
FAQ
What are the top bakeries for Christmas cookies in Atlanta?
According to Yelp, a list of the top 10 recommended bakeries for Christmas cookies in the Atlanta metro area includes Evergreen Butcher & Baker, Colette Bread and Bakeshop, Flour + Time, Chef Christian Castillo from THE CHASTAIN, Friendship Market, Henri’s Bakery & Deli, and Alon’s Bakery & Market.
What Christmas cookie is most popular in Georgia?
In Georgia, spritz cookies, a buttery, shortbread-like cookie with German origins, ranked higher in search than other cookies.
How can individuals manage holiday eating?
Dr. Lindsey Beauboeuf advises that worrying about food during the holidays can be counterproductive. She suggests eating high fiber or protein foods before holiday parties, staying hydrated, and practicing mindful eating.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Top Bakeries | List of recommended bakeries for holiday cookies in Atlanta. |
| Cookie Preferences | Distinct cookie preferences in Georgia compared to other southeastern states. |
| Holiday Eating Tips | Advice on managing holiday eating and fostering enjoyment during meals. |
| Community Focus | Emphasis on celebrating connections during the holidays. |
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Christmas Cookies in Atlanta
- AJC: Enjoy Holiday Treats Guilt-Free
- Tiny Beans: Where to Snag Christmas Cookies in Atlanta
- Atlanta Magazine: Outsource Holiday Baking
- Discover Atlanta: Holiday Pastries and Baked Goods
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Google Search: Christmas Cookies
- Google Scholar: Holiday Baking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas
- Google News: Holiday Baking
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
