There’s no shortage of fabulous, fabled chocolate shops here in Wisconsin. We’re quite spoiled with places that have been making delicious, delectable treats for decades and pretty much everywhere you can go in the state, you can find award-winning sweets to tempt your tastebuds. But there’s one spot up in Ashland that’s unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been. Gabriele’s German Cookies, Chocolates and Gifts is the most spectacular shop full of goodies influenced by owner Gabriele Block’s life in Herzogenaurach, Germany before she came to Wisconsin. Not only will you find the kinds of old-school cookies you remember your grandma making at the holidays, but you’ll find a huge supply of chocolates – many of which incorporate liquor – that are unlike anything you’ve had the pleasure to sample before. Cherries soaked in vodka for three months before getting wrapped in chocolate? You bet! Truffles stuffed with pina colada, moscato, rum, amaretto and more? Get your chocolatey drink on! Gabriele’s has you covered.
This adorable chocolate shop and bakery looks like something straight out of a fairy tale or fable. You could almost imagine Hansel and Gretel coming right out these doors with an afternoon treat.
The inside is just as adorable and you'll want to follow your nose, which will pick up the scent of this place from a block away. Inside, you'll find a magical array of treats that will make it nearly impossible to choose.
Owner Gabriele Block was born and raised in Germany and even went to university to become a home ec teacher. Lucky for us, her story brought her to Wisconsin where she shares her knowledge of nostalgic, old-world German cookies and breads along with a rather unique - and boozy - take on chocolates.
In fact, you never know quite what you'll find in the cases here every time you visit. She promises at least a dozen choices year round, but in the summer, you'll find even more options as the area picks up for the tourist season.
The cookies case looks like something straight from Oma's kitchen, with cookies you remember having when you were young and thought you'd never have again.
The holidays were a big deal in Gabriele's house growing up and you'll find the feeling of celebration in her store no matter the time of year. You'll find homemade jams and jellies on the shelves as well as in cookies like the raspberry molasses cookies. You'll always find Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies), Linzertorte (Almond spice cake with raspberry), Stollen (German Christmas bread/cake and Hutzelbrot (German Fruitbread).
The chocolates here could be on the plain side and stick to peanut butter, nuts and caramel and still be some of the best you've ever tasted. But it's never that simple in Gabriele's kitchen. She's always finding ways to incorporate liquor and liqueur flavors to create some of the most unusual, wonderful, boozy bites you've ever imagined.
All the magic you see in the front of the store is made right on site here. There are no imported, pre-made, frozen, or boxed cookies. These are scratch-made from historic family recipes that make for counters full of amazing bites.
Gabriele's is the kind of chocolate shop and bakery you wish was right down the road. You won't be able to resist picking up a treat when you're visiting and maybe taking a few to go, as well.
Whether you head in for a treat for your sweetie, to fill a stocking or basket or to have a fresh stollen for your table, you will not be disappointed at Gabriele's.
Learn more about this delectable destination and even order some goodies online from their website. To see even more scrumptious treats and get up to date information, check out their Facebook page.
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