Looking for places to satisfy your sweet tooth in Athens, Georgia? Look no further! If you're looking for the best sugary bites in the Classic City, check out this list of spots that are sure to keep you coming back. Make sure to bring your appetite, because these treats are irresistible.
Alumni Cookie Dough
Get ready for the a spoonful of yum at Athens' first cookie dough cafe, Alumni Cookie Dough! The homemade, gourmet cookie dough comes by the scoop, in a sundae, blended with ice cream into a milkshake, or have the gourmet cookie dough infused into ice cream for their famous Dream Creme! It's available in flavors including chocolate chip, mint chocolate, red velvet, peanut butter cup, gluten free oatmeal and chocolate chip, vegan chocolate chip, birthday cake, s'mores and more, so there's a flavor for every palette. They also serve Jittery Joe's coffee so you can have a hot java with your Dream Creme (or whatever treat you choose!). Prefer your dough baked? You can take it home and do just that!
Condor Chocolates
The first specialty chocolate shop opened in Athens, Condor Chocolates produces bean-to-bar Ecuadorian chocolates right in historic Five Points, just down Lumpkin St. from downtown, and as of 2021 at their downtown cafe! The shop was opened by brother duo, Nick and Peter Dale who wanted to pay tribute to their parents' love story, which began in their mother's home country of Ecuador. This country is famous for their cacao and just one bite of a Condor chocolate will prove just why. Along with the rich Ecuadorian cacao, ingredients made from local products are used in these tasty treats, like Georgia pecans and locally made chili pepper. Condor Chocolates serves everything from chocolaty drink to pastry items to savory chocolate pieces. If you're looking for something even sweeter, I recommend pairing the sipping chocolate with a brownie...it's chocolate heaven in your mouth.
Kilwins
Step into a nostalgic world of sweetness at Kilwins, located right in downtown Athens. This old-fashioned confectionery is known for its handcrafted chocolates, creamy fudge, and made-fresh-daily waffle cones. The smell of caramel and chocolate greets you at the door, and it’s impossible to leave without trying something.
Watch as they paddle creamy fudge on marble slabs or dip apples into bubbling caramel behind the counter. The shop is a go-to for ice cream lovers, offering rich, indulgent scoops in flavors like Toasted Coconut, Sea-Salt Caramel, and New Orleans Praline Pecan. The best part? You can get it all served in a warm, freshly made waffle cone. Whether you’re after a sweet souvenir or just a scoop on a summer day, Kilwins is a treat-yourself kind of stop.
Sweetie Pie by Savie
For small-batch, artisan-style sweets with a unique twist, look no further than Sweetie Pie by Savie, tucked away on Whitehall Road. This cozy, family-owned bakery blends classic Southern charm with Asian-inspired flavors, thanks to owner Savie’s Thai roots.
Their signature Japanese cheesecake is light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. You’ll also find matcha cupcakes, Thai tea macarons, and a rotating selection of pies and cookies, all made from scratch. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, like stopping by a friend’s kitchen. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Savie herself behind the counter, always happy to recommend her latest creation. It’s a hidden gem for adventurous dessert lovers—and totally worth the detour.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
It’s all in the name—Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams truly lives up to its title. Located in Five Points, this ice cream shop is all about bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a vibe that’s as cool as the ice cream itself.
Jeni’s is known for inventive flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, and the crowd-favorite Gooey Butter Cake—all crafted with milk from grass-grazed cows and no synthetic ingredients. Every scoop is impossibly smooth and packed with flavor, served in crunchy, buttery waffle cones or compostable cups.
Whether you’re team classic or team experimental, Jeni’s has something that’ll wow your taste buds. Pro tip: Sample a few before you commit—they’ll gladly let you try!
Insomnia Cookies
If you’ve ever been to Athens, you know Insomnia Cookies is the spot to get a late night treat. Located in the heart of Downtown Athens, Insomnia is the perfect place to get your sugar fix.
The cookies are served hot and fresh and they taste even better when paired with a cold bottle of milk. Want to spice up your treat? Order an ice cream cookie sandwich or one of the chocolatiest brownies you can imagine.
Pro tip: If you have your order delivered or take it to go, heat up your cookie before consuming, it will completely change your experience.
