They’ll definitely ruin your dinner.

But ’tis the season for indulging your inner sugar fiend and with the countdown to Christmas well and truly underway, if it doesn’t contain icing, Baileys, or gingerbread, we don’t want it.

With the staid days of January far, far away in the distance, December is a time to chow down and taste the latest creations that have been thoughtfully dreamed up for us by some of Cork’s leading sugar-slingers.

Here’s what we’re eating first:

1. The Christmas Dozen at Offbeat Donuts

If ever there was a good excuse for treating your colleagues, this is it.

The new Christmas Dozen at Offbeat Donuts includes 12 Christmas-themed flavours, including Christmas Gingerbread, Chocolate Orange, Caramel Rudolf, and White Crispie.

Don’t blame us if it sparks an office romance.

Available in-store on French Church Street, Cork City and online until January 3rd.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Offbeat Donuts (@offbeatdonuts)

2. SOS Cookies at Marina Market

Popping up at The Marina Market this weekend, Limerick’s SOS Cookies is bringing the goods to their fans on Leeside so stock up while you can.

Their White Chocolate Christmas Cookie is a bite of festive heaven, while their chocolate chip giant deep cookie feeds 10 people, making it ideal for a party.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SOS Cookies (@soscookiess)

3. The Orange & Ginger Danish at the Grumpy Bakers

With layers of candied orange and stem ginger sandwiched between croissant pastry and topped with a zingy ginger cream, this festive little beaut’ is worth braving the subzero temperatures for.

Pair it with a Root and Branch coffee at The Grumpy Bakers cafés in Midleton and Washington Street, Cork City.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Grumpy Bakers (@the_grumpy_bakers)

4. The traditional mince pies at Bracken’s 

Every single Bracken’s mince pie is handmade to a secret family recipe, which guarantees that nostalgic blast of Christmasses past in every bite.

Order yours in their Mallow Road bakery shop or call 021 4302 777.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lydia Bracken (@brackensbakery)

5. The Chocolate Croissant at Joes & Bros

If your morning isn’t complete without a freshly baked croissant, head for Winthrop Street at elevenses.

As well as the crispy plain variety, there’s a Pistachio and Hazelnut + Chocolate Paste Croissant too.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joe’s and Bros Winthrop Arcade (@joesandbros_winthroparcade)