Mary McLeod's Shortbread Shop - If I could I would be there everyday

I grew up eating buttery, crumbly, amazing shortbread made by my very own Scottish Auntie Anne. She would make them for Christmas and every year my family would get a tin or two of those bad boys. Her shortbread cookies were so amazingly good, there would be fights in the house over who got the last one. The very sight of a Christmas cookie tin makes my mouth water. Sadly she is no longer with us and I have never been able to find a replacement for those cookies, until now! Mary McLeod's shortbread, I have to be honest, is not as good as my Auntie Anne's were, however they are a close second (and trust me I have eaten a lot of other shortbread).

(Cute little exterior)

This cute little shop is on Queen St. East and must stop when I am in the neighbourhood. Now of course you can buy these cookies at other stores like Chapters and Whole Foods, but I really suggest going at least once, you will not be disappointed.

The store is pretty small, it reminds me of a small, cute cottage. It is packed with lots and lots of cookies and other goodies. When you enter the shop the first thing that will hit you is the smell, it's heavenly, and it gets you ready for the delights you are about to encounter. 

(Cash with the bright red wall and cookie pictures...drool)

(Lots of variety to choose from)

So after you've entered and your nose has been filled with the aroma of what I can only imagine heaven smells like, you will most likely be offered a free, yes FREE, cookie while you browse (full size from the counter). I must say this is quite the clever sales tactic, while some places will offer you a "crumb" of their product, this place offers you a full cookie, which, well for me anyways, does two things; gives me more than just a taste and I want more, and makes me feel slightly guilty for eating a full cookie and not buying anything (which isn't really an issue cause really, who walks into a cookie store and doesn't buy cookies). Mary McLeod is a smart woman, and man can she bake!

(Cookies all lined up...they didn't last long, I'm actually amazed I managed to get a pic)

The cookies are buttery, slightly crumbly and melt in your mouth, almost as good as my Auntie Anne's.
My absolute favourite cookie is the chocolate crunch. It is the perfect blend between shortbread and chocolate. My second runner-up is the chocolate mint, refreshing mint and that wonderful full chocolate taste.  So go, get yourself a little taster pack (and a free cookie, I really hope they still have those, otherwise you guys might be a little disappointed), enjoy and thank me later! 

Check out the website Mary McLeod's, look at all the pretty pictures, and try to stop yourself from going!

Happy Eating!