What is it that draws you into a locally owned bakery? The aroma of freshly baked goods as soon as you open the door? The sight of exquisitely decorated cakes and pastries promising pure indulgence? Or perhaps the nostalgia that brings back memories of baking in grandma’s kitchen, especially during the holidays?
Whatever it may be, follow us on a journey to experience all that and more! Satisfy your sweet tooth and start your own tradition with something handmade and lovingly made at one of these local bakeries in Orange County.
We begin with a few Chapel Hill favorites.
Life is better with fresh-baked cookies according to Tonya Council! Tonya comes from a rich history of culinary tradition – she is the granddaughter of Mildred Council or better known in this area as Mama Dip. After numerous tries at making a cookie that tasted like her grandmother’s pecan pies, she achieved perfection with her Pecan Crisps. Two-time recipient of Oprah’s Favorite Things; first those famous pecan crisps in 2021 and in 2024, her Cream Cheese Pound Cake, which melts in your mouth with its luscious buttery flavor, perfectly balanced by a bright zing of lemon. Umm, yumm! Tonya’s Bake Shop makes everything from tarts to character cupcakes to pies and donuts.
While Tonya is inspired by a Southern style, this next bakery follows traditional European baking methods.
Bringing a taste of Europe to Chapel Hill, Guglhupf Bake Shop specializes in artisanal breads, pastries, and desserts. From the classic German Heidesand cookies to the rich Mandelhoernchen, each item reflects the bakery’s roots in Munich. All goods are delivered fresh multiple times a day from their Durham headquarters.
From Chapel Hill’s celebrated sweet spots to Carrboro’s newly opened confectionary.
Another great story rooted in a grandmother’s magical kitchen, baker, cake artist and Chef Meital Cohen continues her passion with creations that inspire joy, creativity and memories. And as one of our own staff members said "The most amazing things ever! So good!" She was talking about the Apple Crumb Tart, and the Chocolate Fudge with Salted Caramel Tart. She also tried the Alfajores - dulce de leche cookie sandwich – her words: “Excellent”. Currently Even Dough is taking pre-orders only. Oooh, maybe you can learn some of Chef Meital’s secrets in one of her baking classes. Sign up today.
From Carrboro on to Hillsborough, once there, you won’t have to walk far to visit both.
Hillsborough Bake Shop & Pasta Company
This neighborhood bakery, café and restaurant is run by Chef Aaron Vandemark, owner of the former Panciuto and nominee for Best Chef in the South by the James Beard Foundation many times over. The bake menu is ever changing so you’ll always be surprised when you stop in for breakfast. But here’s a sample of what might be in the case; Sourdough Chocolate Babka, Liege Waffles, Mexican Chocolate Cakes (GF), and Savory Danish Braid. Walk right in and make yourself comfortable – no reservations required!
As we mentioned earlier, the next bakery is just a few doors down.
Every cake, pie and sweet treat is baked with love and local ingredients by owner Kimberly Mayer and her pastry wizards. Offerings change daily here but it’s safe to say you can always find donuts every day and fritters on the weekends. And here are some mouthwatering teasers you can look forward to, blackberry pop tarts with blood orange glaze, banana walnut scones and chocolate butterscotch brownies. When you walk through this door, you’ll smell cinnamon and spice and everything nice!
Plan Your Bakery Crawl
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, these bakeries are ready to welcome you with open arms and delicious treats. Share your adventure on your social channels and be sure to tag us @visitchapelhill. Let’s spread the joy, one bite at a time!
Bonus
Weaver Street Market Co-op in Carrboro and Hillsborough also offers delightful baked goods. Add them to your bakery crawl for a truly comprehensive tour of local flavors. Check them out here. https://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/food/our-bakery/
