The best bakeries & sweet shops in Northampton

“Northampton’s sweet tooth HQ, Herrell's Ice Cream & Bakery still slow churns its scoops in-house and pairs them with the hot fudge Serious Eats crowned #1. Plenty for everyone too, from No-Moo oat milk flavors and vegan hot fudge to kosher baked cookies, brownies, and legendary brookies.”

From the Northampton newsletter, October 15, 2026

“Wake the Dead Donuts roams Western Mass with a mobile mini donut setup, appearing at fairs, festivals, and private events with hot, fresh, funky minis that vanish fast. Keep an eye out around Northampton, grab a bag, and accept that someone will call dibs on the last one.”

From the Northampton newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Absolute Zero handcrafts Thai rolled ice cream right in front of you, using fresh ingredients and plenty of personality. Bring your sweet tooth for the theatrical Dragon's Breath, the quirky Light Bulb Drink, and Japanese crepes that turn a casual sugar run into a minor neighborhood event.”

From the Northampton newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Whether you’re on a quick ice cream run or plotting birthday dessert strategy, Flayvors of Cook Farm has been churning ice cream right on their working family dairy farm since 1998. They also do ice cream cakes and a farm store with raw milk and meat... genuinely local, reliably delicious.”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Lemon Bakery does homemade, locally sourced baked goods you can actually feel good about stealing the last bite of. Think made-to-order cakes (gluten-free options, too) plus pastries popping up at West St. Coffee and Tea, Tunic Coffee, and Dave's Natural Garden...”

From the Amherst newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Laid-back eatery with baked goods, sandwiches, burgers, salads and coffee drinks.”

“Whether you're after truffles or dairy-free bites, Sweeties Fine Chocolate stocks vegan chocolates, Massachusetts bean-to-bar favorites like Boho and Taza, and even comically oversized gummy bears. It’s a longtime Northampton standby with thoughtful gift extras when you need something sweet without overthinking it.”

From the Northampton newsletter, September 30, 2026