Seattle Stops for Sweets

Hello Robin — Capitol Hill, Seattle (best chocolate chip cookies in town)

If you’re walking through Capitol Hill and need a pick-me-up, Hello Robin is our go-to. They’ve perfected the chocolate chip cookie — chewy, buttery, and loaded with chocolate — and we honestly think they make the best cookies in town. With multiple locations around the city, it’s the Capitol Hill spot that’s the easiest for us to pop into between walks. Cookies are portable, perfect for a quick “treat-and-go,” and they pair nicely with a coffee or cold brew for those long dog days.

Why we love it: Perfect balance of crisp edges and soft center; easy grab-and-go for busy walkers; great for sharing (or not).Tips: Ask for a warm cookie if they have them — instant happiness.

Macrina Bakery — 19th and Aloha(community vibes & world-class bread)

Macrina on 19th has that warm neighborhood bakery feel: the kind of place where the staff recognizes regulars and the smell of fresh bread greets you at the door. They make excellent loaves, delicate slices of cake, and adorable mini pies that are ideal for a post-walk indulgence. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down for a minute and enjoy great pastries made with care.

Why we love it: Artisan bread, excellent cakes and pies, friendly local atmosphere. Try a mini pie for easy portability — and bring a napkin (they’re deliciously flaky).

Madison Park Bakery — Cupcakes and creative treats

If you have a serious sugar craving, Madison Park Bakery is a stop worth making. Their cupcake selection is incredible, with classic favorites and unique, rotating flavors you won’t find everywhere. Beyond cupcakes, they carry an assortment of pastries and sweets that satisfy any sugar mood. It’s an especially nice stop if you’re walking the Madison Park neighborhood and want something fun and a little different.

Why we love it: Standout cupcakes, wide assortment, playful flavor options.Tips: Perfect for families and pup-owners who want to bring a special treat home.

Molly Moon’s in Madrona or Salt & Straw near Cal Anderson — Ice cream options for every mood

When the temperature goes up, nothing beats ice cream. For a low-fuss, quick cone with usually no line, Molly Moon in Madrona is a fantastic choice — fresh scoops, classic flavors, and a friendly neighborhood feel. If you want a trendier, more adventurous ice cream experience, Salt & Straw by Cal Anderson is a must-visit. Their rotating, imaginative flavors are Instagram-famous — but be warned: on summer evenings the line can wrap around the block.

Why we love Molly Moon’s: Fresh, classic, fast — ideal for mid-walk cool-downs.Why we love Salt & Straw: Creative flavors and fun pairings — great for special nights out.Tips: Bring a small towel for pups who like to sniff cones; Salt & Straw is worth the wait if you’re in the mood for something memorable.

Lunchbox Laboratory — South Lake Union (shakes that wow)

If you want something truly over-the-top, Lunchbox Laboratory in South Lake Union makes shakes that are practically a dessert meal. These shakes are thick, playful, and generously topped — a perfect post-walk celebration for human companions. It’s a stop we love after a long morning of multiple walks or when the team needs a special treat.

Why we love it: Inventive, indulgent shakes; fun presentation.Tips: Share one shake with a friend — they’re often large and rich.

Quick walking-friendly tips for enjoying sweets with your pup

• Grab-and-go is your friend. Many of these shops are perfect for takeout so you can keep your schedule while still treating yourself.

• Outdoor seating: If your pup is friendly, pick places with outdoor seating or benches nearby — the pups appreciate a quick rest.

• Bring waste bags: A tasty stop is nicer when everyone cleans up after their pup.

• Hydrate the dog: Especially after ice cream or a hot walk, always offer fresh water for your dog.

Final scoop — sweet stops are perk up a walkers day

Seattle’s dessert scene is delightfully varied, and the right sweet stop can turn an ordinary walk into a tiny celebration. Whether it’s the cookie perfection at Hello Robin (Capitol Hill), the community warmth of Macrina on 19th, the cupcake heaven at Madison Park Bakery, a cool cone at Molly Moon’s in Madrona, an adventurous scoop at Salt & Straw near Cal Anderson, or a show-stopping shake from Lunchbox Laboratory in South Lake Union — there’s a sugar fix for every mood and every route.

If you want local walking routes that hit some of these spots or want us to plan a pup-friendly route with convenient sweet stops, send us a message at Trails And Tails — we love designing walks that make both pups and people happy. And hey — tell us your favorite dessert stop in the city in the comments below!