Growing up, my brother and I organized trick-or-treat trade sessions that made the NBA look basic. After returning home with bags full of complex sugars, we’d dump everything out and strategically swap Milky Ways for Milk Duds and Skittles for Swedish Fish. Though we stopped trick-or-treating years ago, I’ve never lost my penchant for bartering or sweets. So when I went on a hunt for fall confections, I decided to trade up and go for the good stuff from local chocolatiers and candy shops. Trust me, you won’t want to trade any of these treats.
Cinnamon apple marshmallows ($8 for eight pieces) at Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage Ave. 773-245-1630
Pillows of cinnamon-sugar marshmallow are layered with Seedling Farm’s apple cider caramel to create the perfect treat to plop in a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy solo.
Apple cider caramels ($10 for 4 ounces, $17 for 7 ounces) at Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage Ave. 773-245-1630
Honey-vanilla caramel gets an upgrade with caraway-infused apple cider from Seedling Farms. These chewy, gooey golden nuggets capture the essence of fall in a single bite.
Pecan, bee pollen and turbinado sugar caramels ($10 for six pieces) at Vosges
Find all Chicago locations at vosgeschocolate.com
Forget pecan pie. The popular nut gets remixed with bee pollen and turbinado sugar in this six-piece box that will go faster than you can say “hocus pocus.”
Reishi mushroom and walnut super dark chocolate bar ($7.50) at Vosges
Find all Chicago locations at vosgeschocolate.com
The Chicago chocolate shop is known for its unexpected flavor combinations, but this one really piqued my interest. The savory bar melds mushrooms, walnuts and super-dark chocolate for a treat you’ll have to taste to believe.
Mini passion fruit marzipan pumpkins ($2 each) at Chocolat Uzma Sharif
1823 S. Halsted St. 312-492-9866
These hand-carved and painted treats are crafted from dehydrated passion fruit puree, making them almost too cute to eat. Psh, who are we kidding?
Boo meringues ($3 each) at Magnolia
108 N. State St. 312-346-7777
Crunchy, chewy meringue cookies are decorated with ghostly faces for a cute edible morsel that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Spider web bars ($12) at Veruca Chocolates
2409 N. Western Ave. and 3420 N. Southport Ave. 773-998-2462
I doubt even an arachnophobe would have trouble downing these stunning chocolates. Each set includes three bars: dark chocolate with cacao nibs and sea salt, milk chocolate with popping candy and crunchy flakes, and plain milk chocolate.
Homemade marshmallows ($6) at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-1747
These fluffy housemade marshmallows have long graced the Wicker Park restaurant’s menu, but now you can buy them to eat at home (aka straight from the bag and into your mouth).
Pixies caramel apple in pumpkin box ($9.99) at Fannie May
Find all Chicago locations at fanniemay.com
Tart Granny Smith apples are blanketed in chewy caramel, crunchy pecans and chocolate. Add in the adorable pumpkin box, and you’ve got a treat that’s fit for fall.
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Witches Brew Body Parts ($17) at Dylan’s Candy Bar
445 N. Michigan Ave. 312-702-2247
The popular downtown shop is full of Halloween treats, but a paint can full of fudgey, caramel-filled body parts? Yes, please!
Haunted Halloween s’mores ($5.25) at Dylan’s Candy Bar
445 N. Michigan Ave. 312-702-2247
Coated in creamy milk chocolate and sprinkes, these s’mores squares trump just about everything in the office candy bowl.