Heavenly Seven 

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Banbury Cross Donuts
For a morning sugar rush, you can't do better than Banbury Cross Donuts. The shop has a cult following here in Salt Lake City for its freshly baked doughnuts and doughnut holes. The secret is out: I've noticed Banbury mentioned in Food Network Magazine and a few "Best of" lists. Try the Cinnamon Crumb doughnut or a classic white cake doughnut covered in vivid, colorful sprinkles. The best thing about Banbury Cross Donuts is sharing a dozen with friends, but make sure to snag your favorite first! 705 S. 700 East, 801-537-1433

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Granny B's Cookies
The moment you spot the bright pink frosting and cheerful sprinkles, you can imagine the first bite. The story behind Granny B's Cookies is almost as sweet as the cookie itself—there really was a Granny B, and she really did make cookies. The famous pink sugar cookies were born in a pizzeria in Provo and quickly started outselling the pizza. Distributing the popular cookies seemed like the next logical step, and now they're everywhere, from gas stations to vending machines. Treat yourself the next time you see one, they're just as good as you remember. Multiple locations, GrannyBs.com

Great Harvest Bread Co.
Great Harvest Bread Co. offers many made-from-scratch goodies include fresh-baked cookies, rich brownies and luscious lemon bars. They're all tempting, but my favorite is the pumpkin chocolate-chip bread. Moist, melty chocolate chips and the heavenly aroma of pumpkin make my mouth water in anticipation of the first bite. Stop by for a free sample of bread (did I mention they make killer bread, too?) slathered with butter and jam, and a well-deserved dessert. Multiple locations, GreatHarvestUtah.com

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Arctic Circle
When my inner child is having a meltdown, a visit to Arctic Circle is in order. The chain has been in Utah for 60 years, serving burgers and fries. Their invention of fry sauce gets all the attention, but the Brown Topper is where it's at. It's a simple vanilla soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate that hardens and creates a crisp chocolate shell. Or go the classic route: a tower of pristine vanilla ice cream. Multiple locations, ACBurger.com

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Hires Big H
During Utah's scorching summer, only one thing provides relief: a root-beer float from Hires Big H served in a big, frosted mug. Vanilla ice cream and fizzy root beer are exquisite together. I love how the ice cream freezes a little when it hits the cold root beer. Leaving those first few fingerprints on the frozen glass is pure bliss. A family-friendly restaurant that's big on nostalgia (understandable, since they were founded in 1959), Hires Big H serves American comfort food like hamburgers, fries and onion rings. Eating here is a Utah tradition, and it's easy to see why. Multiple locations, HiresBigH.com

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City Cakes & Cafe
City Cakes & Cafe is a darling bakery, popular for gluten-free and vegan options, but don't let that scare you. Everything tastes so good, you wouldn't guess it's kinda good for you. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is a case full of colorful sugar cookies, beautiful cupcakes and fruit tarts. My go-to is the blueberry-lemon scone with a vibrant lemon flavor, studded with big, juicy blueberries and covered with the thinnest coat of icing. It's heaven with a cup of coffee from the espresso bar. Also, you can buy vegan cookie dough that is safe eat right from the container! 1000 S. Main, 801-359-2239, CityCakesCafe.com

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Hatch Family Chocolates
Hatch Family Chocolates is a popular chocolate shop located in the Avenues known for its delicious family tradition of gorgeous hand-dipped chocolates. With four generations of experience dipping chocolate, Hatch Family Chocolates is one of the most beloved confectioners in Utah. They also make a heavenly caramel from an old family recipe, and easily the best caramel apple you'll find anywhere. Another favorite is the chocolate & peanut-butter truffle topped with sea salt: utterly delicious. 376 Eighth Ave., 801-532-4912, HatchFamilyChocolates.com

From doughnut holes to gluten-free vegan sugar cookies, Salt Lake City has no shortage of sweet treats to comfort you and bring a smile to your face. And to hell with the calories!