What’s your go-to little treat in Greater Boston?

Sometimes a long and hard day calls for a little treat. Whether it’s a gooey cinnamon roll to kick off the Boston work day or a chocolate chip cookie to get you over that midday slump, the time for an impulsively purchased baked good cannot be ignored. 

Little treat culture is not new, but it seemingly hasn’t slowed down, despite economic anxiety. A little treat is a pick-me-up, seen as a more affordable way to buy something when the consumer is feeling stressed or bored. It’s part of a culture of “impulse buying” or “doom spending” that surged during the pandemic. 

In Greater Boston, the places where folks can treat themselves has only grown. The bakery scene has gained new places like Verveine Cafe and Bakery in Cambridge and Niveaux Pâtisserie in Quincy, or expanded with multiple locations of shops like La Saison or Lakon Paris Patisserie. 

What is it about little treats that make them so undeniable? Is it the price point? Sure, $7 for an almond croissant seems high, but it’s obviously a cheaper purchase than a $30 entree at a sit-down restaurant. 

Is it the convenience? Bakeries and cafes are fast-casual, counter-service and are often set up with online ordering for those in need of a little treat quickly.

Or is it that you use bakeries or cafes as a third place, a place to linger and meet strangers while enjoying a coffee?

Boston.com wants to know what’s your go-to little treat, where you grab this little treat, and why. How often do you fit a stop at your favorite bakery into your week? Let us know in the form below, or you can email us at [email protected]. Your answers may be featured in a future article.

Katelyn Umholtz

Food and Restaurant Reporter

Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.