“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer
If I had to choose a life motto, Ernestine Ulmer couldn’t have said it any better. She’s pretty much my soul sister. And thanks to her beautiful eloquence, I always have the perfect excuse to eat dessert before dinner. I mean, what if I die and the last taste to ever arouse my oral receptors is something like lima beans? Nope. No way. Not gonna happen. If I die during meal time, I’m damn sure going to have enjoyed some kind of cupcake, donut (doughnut?), or ice cold frozen custard before I choke on a carrot. That’s why I came up with this list of SOME of my favorite sweet spots in Houston. Because let’s be honest… no single blog post could possibly include all of my favorite places to find sugar-filled heavenly delicacies.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, Ice Cream, and Cookies
Sprinkles is pretty much the greatest creation on the planet. They’ve got ice cream, cookies, and cupcakes (in regular and mini sizes) and if you can’t make it during regular operating hours, they have an ATM TO MAKE YOUR OWN CUPCAKES OR COOKIES 24/7. I repeat, the most wonderful cupcakes and cookies. On demand. 24/7. Honestly, what more could you possibly ask for?
SWEET Houston
Located in CityCentre (formerly known as Town & Country Mall) SWEET Houston is exactly as it sounds. Supa SWEET and so satisfying. They’ve got everything from macaroons to cookies to cupcakes to cakes to a variety of coffees, teas, and espressos made fresh and by hand in-house every single day. And they’re usually eaten in-house too because waiting until you get to where you’re going before you start indulging in SWEET’s sweets really isn’t something a mere mortal can do. And what makes SWEET even sweeter is their two sister locations, Tout Suite Memorial, inside the Memorial City Mall and Tout Suite in Downtown Houston!
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
Sweet Paris Crêperie is one of the few eateries that I would be able to die happy even if I only got to the main course and never had dessert – maybe that’s because the main course can BE a dessert – but nevertheless, everything served at Sweet Paris is delicious. With two locations in Houston (Rice Village and CityCentre) and a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes, salads, and sandwiches there’s something or two somethings for everyone. They also partner with the U.N. World Food Programme USA to donate one school meal to a child in need if you order one of their logo crêpes. Definitely a win-win to me!
And now… drum roll, please. For my absolute favorite place to indulge in all things sugary and amazing is
Brain Freeze Sno-Cones & Snacks
Oh. My. Gosh. I don’t know how I stumbled upon this heavenly shop, but I am so glad I did. Brain Freeze Sno-Cones & Snacks is one of the most creative and yummy treat shops I’ve ever been to and well-worth the 30 minute drive each way that I had to make twice (because the first time I went they were closed) to Pasadena. And they’ve got over 20 different menu items to satisfy whatever sweet tooth brings you in – ice creamy, fruity, chocolatey, sugary, candy-y. Just keep in mind it’s cash only and they do not have an ATM on site. Their hours are also a little funky, so I would recommend calling before you make the life-changing journey to try one of their sno-cones or snacks.
P.S. Check out their Instagram and if you’re feeling brave consider ordering their Whole Shebang. Cotton candy bigger than your head, two ice cream bars, lollipops, more candy gummies than a single human being should eat in a month, and a huge rainbow sprinkle-rimmed mason jar filled with vanilla milkshake, it takes 3 or 4 people to eat the whole thing.
Where is your favorite place to satisfy your sweet tooth in Houston? Have you finished Brain Freeze’s Whole Shebang? Tell me about your go-to sweet treats when your sweet tooth is craving some sugar in the comments below!
The Five to Nine Nomad 