December 16th, 2011 
Although the Holidays are all about the festive, the spiced, and anything in the form of a cookie, the classic cupcake still holds a special place in my heart. New York City, famous for it’s thousands of unique restaurants and bakeries, has many that specialize in cupcakes. How can one choose the perfect treat?
Billy's Cupcakes
Cute, quaint, and so very Chelsea. With sunshine yellow walls and pastel pops of color, this cupcake eatery looks as sugary sweet as it tastes. Stop in for a coffee or a treat. For it’s various locations and hours, please visit
Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery
With various locations around the city, Magnolia Bakery is one of the foundation bakeries in NYC. Although the baked goods are delicious, it is more well known for it’s banana pudding. Gooey and decadent, it transports you back to your childhood in a spoonful. For those traveling home or by train, they even have one located in Grand Central Station.
Crumbs Cupcakes (Photo Credit: LAist.com)
With equal parts cup and cake, crumbs bakery is known for its off beat cupcakes and treats. The Hostess Cupcake looks exactly like the smaller version with it’s famous brown and squiggly white frosting. The Babba Booey, a peanut butter and chocolate decadent cupcake, was named after a Howard Stern personality. The cupcakes are gigantic, and have the flavor to match.
bakedbymelissa.com
If you’re a person of indecision, this bakery specializes in minature “bite size” cupcakes. The pancake and maple bite tops my list, while the s’mores flavor comes in a hard second. With it’s small size and big flavor, you can feel guilt free having one, two, or even four! They are perfect for a work party, and the varieties of flavors will please everyone in the crowd. Like Magnolia Bakery, Baked by Melissa has a shop located on the outside of Grand Central Station. To get into the Holiday Spirit, try their Snow Covered Pretzel flavor!
