Tasty treats from Niagara Falls to downtown Hornell NY
By: Johanna Elattar, pictured is a “cookie monster” from Paula’s Donuts
There’s something about Halloween that brings out the kid in all of us. It’s the perfect time to indulge in sweets, revel in spooky decorations, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. But if you’ve grown tired of the usual bite-sized candy bars, it’s time to discover some Halloween treats made just for grown-ups—and no, you don’t need to live in New York City to experience the best. Western New York has its own thriving scene of bakeries, chocolatiers, and candy shops that can easily rival anything the Big Apple has to offer.
Having grown up in a brownstone in Brooklyn, I know the magic of trick-or-treating in a big city, but since moving to Western New York, I’ve discovered a new way to enjoy Halloween. Beyond the towering skyscrapers, our region has a wonderful collection of sweet shops that go all out for this spooky holiday. From Rochester to Buffalo, and all the charming small towns in between, Halloween treats here are not just about satisfying a sugar craving—they’re about experiencing the artistry and love local businesses pour into their creations.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your Halloween snacks this year, let’s take a delicious journey across Western New York’s best spooky treats.
DiCamillo Bakery: A Niagara Falls Treasure
If you’ve spent time in Western New York, you’ve likely heard of DiCamillo Bakery. This family-owned bakery has been serving up scrumptious baked goods for over a century, and Halloween is no exception. Located in Niagara Falls, DiCamillo’s is known for its old-world charm, and their Halloween treats are just as delightful as the bakery itself.
During the Halloween season, DiCamillo Bakery offers beautifully decorated cupcakes and pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. Their Pumpkin Spice Bread, filled with the warm spices of autumn, is a perfect companion to any Halloween party or cozy night in. What makes DiCamillo special is their commitment to quality and tradition, and their treats remind us that some of the best flavors of the season come from classic recipes done right.
Paula’s Donuts: Buffalo’s Sweet Secret
When it comes to donuts, Paula’s Donuts in Buffalo knows how to make them perfectly. This beloved family-owned donut shop has been serving Western New Yorkers for years, and Halloween is when they really shine. With three locations in the Buffalo area, Paula’s offers a wide variety of themed donuts, including some of the most creative designs you’ll find in the region.
This year, their Halloween Donut Dozen is a must-have. Each box is filled with spooky donuts decorated with ghosts, pumpkins, and spiders. But if you’re more of a classic donut fan, their Pumpkin Spice Donut—a soft, cakey donut with just the right amount of spice—is a seasonal favorite. Paula’s Donuts delivers more than just a sugar rush; it delivers a sweet piece of Buffalo’s culinary heart.
Sweet Jenny’s: A Chocolate Wonderland in Williamsville
Nestled in the charming village of Williamsville, Sweet Jenny’s is a local gem that serves up some of the best chocolates in Western New York. While they’re known for their homemade ice cream and delicious chocolates year-round, Halloween is when Sweet Jenny’s truly comes alive with creativity.
Their handcrafted Halloween Chocolates are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. From chocolate-covered marshmallow ghosts to decadent pumpkin-shaped truffles, Sweet Jenny’s offers gourmet treats that are perfect for indulging in during the spooky season. If you’re looking for something truly special, try their Chocolate Pumpkin Bark—a rich blend of milk chocolate, crunchy candy bits, and a hint of fall spices. It’s an adult take on Halloween candy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Taste of Supreme Bakery: Rochester’s Halloween Haven
In the heart of Rochester, Taste of Supreme Bakery is where you’ll find some of the city’s most delectable Halloween-themed goodies. Known for their elegant cakes and pastries, this bakery elevates Halloween treats to an art form. Their Halloween Sugar Cookies are intricately decorated with festive designs, including witches, skeletons, and black cats, making them almost too beautiful to eat.
But Taste of Supreme doesn’t stop at cookies. Their Chocolate Pumpkin Cake, a rich chocolate cake with layers of spiced pumpkin cream, is the perfect centerpiece for any Halloween celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging on your own, Taste of Supreme delivers the kind of treats that make Halloween in Rochester feel like a magical experience.
Watson’s Chocolates: Buffalo’s Halloween Delight
A true Buffalo classic, Watson’s Chocolates has been crafting gourmet chocolates since 1946, and their seasonal offerings for Halloween are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re in the mood for something sweet but want to skip the candy aisle at the grocery store, Watson’s is where you’ll find sophisticated and unique Halloween chocolates.
Their Buffalo Sponge Candy Ghosts are a fun twist on the region’s favorite treat, combining the signature honeycomb toffee with smooth milk chocolate, shaped like spooky ghosts. Another standout is the Halloween Chocolate Assortment, featuring bite-sized truffles and molded chocolates decorated with festive fall designs. Watson’s is perfect for anyone looking to spoil themselves—or their loved ones—with a little Halloween luxury.
Abbott’s Frozen Custard: A Chilly Halloween Treat
While you might not immediately think of frozen custard when you think of Halloween, Abbott’s Frozen Custard proves that cold treats can be just as festive. With locations across Rochester and Buffalo, Abbott’s brings their seasonal Pumpkin Custard to life every October, offering a creamy, rich fall flavor that’s perfect for any Halloween celebration.
Their special Halloween Sundaes are also worth trying. Topped with gummy worms, candy corn, and chocolate drizzle, these sundaes are a playful, spooky way to celebrate the holiday. And trust me, there’s something undeniably fun about eating frozen custard on a cool autumn night under the glow of a full moon.
Honorable Mentions: Hornell’s Hidden Halloween Gems
While Western New York has plenty of larger cities offering amazing treats, small towns like Hornell also have some hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed.
Sprinkle This Cakery in Hornell is a local treasure, offering beautifully decorated Halloween cupcakes and cookies that are sure to brighten up any spooky celebration. Their intricate designs and delicious flavors have made them a favorite among locals, and their attention to detail makes each bite a little piece of art.
Another must-visit in Hornell is Stone Cottage Cakery, known for their homemade pies and seasonal goodies. Their Autumn Cookies are a standout during the Halloween season—rich, creamy, and full of fall spices. Whether you’re looking for a treat to bring to a Halloween party or just a way to indulge yourself, Stone Cottage Cakery has something special waiting for you.
The Sweet Side of Western New York
What makes Halloween in Western New York so special isn’t just the vibrant fall foliage or the crisp autumn air—it’s the local businesses that go all out to celebrate the season. Growing up in Brooklyn, I had access to some of the best bakeries and sweet shops in the country, but there’s something uniquely charming about the way Western New York does Halloween. Here, it’s about community, tradition, and a deep love for all things spooky and sweet.
Whether you’re savoring a decadent chocolate from Sweet Jenny’s, biting into a perfectly crafted donut from Paula’s, or treating yourself to a handcrafted cupcake from DiCamillo’s, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to celebrate Halloween here. So this year, skip the store-bought candy, support your local businesses, and indulge in some of the best Halloween treats Western New York has to offer. After all, we deserve a little sweetness, too.
Happy Halloween, and enjoy every delicious bite!
