The best bakeries & sweet shops in Traverse City

“Four generations in since 1929, Potter's Bakery is still cranking out legit donuts, photo-worthy custom cakes, buttery danish, breads, muffins and cookies using original recipes with local ingredients... the kind of treats that vanish at the office and make weeknights feel special.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Common Good Bakery is that neighborhood spot turning out from-scratch croissants, crusty loaves, panini, and coffee drinks. Grab breakfast, brunch or lunch, then plan a Friday Pizza Night with beer, wine or cocktails, because doing good tastes even better when you bring friends.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Sweet Tartlette turns everyday cravings into little celebrations with artisanal pastries, glossy macarons, delicate chocolates, and custom cakes that look like art and taste like a warm hug. When you need a pick-me-up or a showstopper for birthdays, showers, or office heroics, this bakery quietly delivers joy.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Since 1964, Doug Murdick's Fudge has been turning cane sugar, fresh cream, and real chocolate into seriously creamy, 100% homemade slabs you can literally watch them make in downtown TC. Flavors run from salted caramel to peanut butter, and nearly all are gluten free... perfect for gifting or a just-because treat.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bakery offering donuts and other treats, plus coffee and espresso.”

“Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert Co. turns ethically sourced, organic cocoa into small‑batch, single‑origin bars with that extremely satisfying snap. Pop in for truffles, grab‑and‑go sweets, or a full espresso bar starring house‑made flavors, real slow‑cooked caramel, and mochas blended with homemade chocolate ganache.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Third Coast Bakery turns out cakes, bagels, scones, and brownies that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and 100% tasty, plus solid espresso and tea. For birthdays or vegan weddings, their custom bakes hit that sweet spot between inclusive and indulgent.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Bay Bread Company turns out over 40 kinds of bread daily with Old World techniques, including a sourdough starter fed since 1996. Swing by for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, drip coffee, sandwiches and sweets that actually justify carbs... cinnamon rolls included.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Milk & Honey churns handmade ice creams from local, natural, organic, GMO free ingredients, bakes its own tuille cones, and keeps actually-good vegan and sugar free options. Pro move, snag an ice cream cake or rotating gelato quart with wild combos you cannot find anywhere else in town.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Slabtown Cookie Co. runs a self-serve cookie stand stocked with playful bakes like The Chunk, Sleeping Bear, and the gloriously Michigan Euchre Night. The menu changes daily on Instagram, they sell out fast, and yes, they'll ship or build custom gift boxes when you text ahead.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Retailer offering a huge selection of candy & bottled sodas in innovative flavors.”

“Common Good Bakery keeps Traverse City carb-happy with hand-crafted breads, laminated magic, coffee and a breakfast-lunch menu that never phones it in. Swing by this week for croissants in the morning, panini, then Friday Pizza Nights with beer, wine and cocktails... plus a Bread Club for a reliable loaf pipeline.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 21, 2026

“JoJo's Cookie Co. is the local fix for small-batch cookies that actually taste like dessert, with rotating flavors like s'mores, cake batter, lemon, and the Brown Sugar Pop-Tart. Build your own box for pickup, or snag a monthly specialty before it disappears.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Since 1964, Doug Murdick's Fudge has turned all-natural ingredients into creamy, handmade slabs starring local sweet cherries, pure maple syrup, and real vanilla. Pop in to see it made, then treat yourself... every fudge flavor is gluten free except Cookies & Cream.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Woodland Sweets & Eats is the rare spot where a crisp, locally sourced pizza meets a scoop of Moomers Ice Cream. Grab a pie this week, then follow it with one of Moomers’ over 150 flavors made with milk processed at their Traverse City farm creamery, an easy family win.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Candy shop with a wide range of sweets, including handmade fudge.”