Red Chile Cocoa Elixir from Kakawa Chocolate House; Santa Fe

All of the chocolates at this wonderful little shop are simply divine. But for us, the elixirs are the standout. They are indescribably delicious and what makes this shop famous. Go on a beautiful fall or winter day and enjoy the deep, rich drinking chocolates based on ancient recipes. We love the Red Chile Cocoa Elixir because it adds a beautiful and unique flavor but if this is your first time make sure to ask for samples. By the time you leave you will be so hooked; you’ll have to take a doggie bag home.

Green Chile Fritter from Rebel Donut; Albuquerque

This local donut hotspot was selected to compete on The Food Network's new show "Donut Showdown." They are known for their creative donut flavors and melt-in-your-mouth taste. We love them all but are partial to the Green Chile Fritter. This special treat gets made solely with Hatch green chiles for an authentic New Mexico True experience. The spicy peppers perfectly cut the hot, sugary dough. You will not be disappointed. 

Cherry Ristra Ice Cream from Taos Cow; Taos

This local joint, just minutes away from Taos Ski Valley, serves up downright delicious ice cream with a bit of southwest flair. Taos Cow has fans across the West Coast flocking to their doors or taking large orders. The ice cream is that good. You cannot really go wrong in the way of flavors but we highly recommend the Cherry Ristra. It’s a luscious cherry ice cream with chunks of rich dark chocolate and piñon nuts for that southwest twist. 

Sopaipilla from Dick’s Café, Las Cruces

Dick’s is known for the cheeseburgers, but if you leave without eating one of their warm sopaipillas you will be sorely missing out. These are some of the best sopaipillas in the state. Warm pillows of melt-in-your-mouth dough smothered in honey – you cannot get much better than that.

Green Chile Apple Pie from Tina’s Café; Ruidoso

There is something about the smoky, spicy combination of green chile mixed with the crisp sweetness of apples that really gets us going. Add to it a perfect buttery pastry crust filled with a gooey caramel sauce to cut the heat and you have the perfection that is the Green Chile Apple Pie from Tina’s café. Do not miss this homemade slice of heaven.

Butterscotch Budino from Farina Pizzaria; Albuquerque

Farina is famous for the wood-fire pizzas. But to us, it stands out for this unbelievable dessert. Caramel, sea salt and whipped cream. Need we say more?

Coconut Cream Pie from The Pie-O-Neer; Pie Town

When a town is bold enough to call themselves “Pie Town” you know the pie is damn delicious. And we promise you,The Pie-O-Neer lives up to it’s name. This local gem is a bit off-the-beaten path but if you are a pie lover, it’s worth the trip. The coconut cream pie is out of this world. It won “best pie in the west” from Sunset magazine.

Candied Pistachios from Heart of the Desert; Alamogordo

This is our kind of place - dessert pistachios and wine, a perfect pairing. We love getting big bags of the candied pistachios, though they don’t last long! They also have a great wine selection and plenty of novelty items if you are stopping through and looking for gifts. This is a must-stop if you are in the area.

Chocolate croissants from the Chocolate Maven Bakery & Café; Santa Fe

The Chocolate Maven Bakery & Café is a lesser known, hidden gem, but one of our favorites. If you are in Santa Fe, this spot is worth a visit. All of the baked goods are delicious but we are particularly fond of the chocolate croissants. Delicious simplicity in every bite.

Biscochitos from Golden Crown Panderia; Albuquerque

There is not much not to love about this spot. They serve local beer, great food and give each customer a free biscochito – our favorite part of the experience. We’ve found one is never enough of these amazing state cookies.  They just finished filming with Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

“Pie of the Day” from Passion Pie Café; Truth or Consequences

This adorable community hangout serves up amazing baked goods and coffee in a neat little town. Go lunch but stay for pie. Order a slice of their daily selection - no matter the flavor you will not be disappointed. 

Cupcake Café; Alamogordo

If you love cupcakes, come hungry. This place goes well beyond the name implies but if you ere going to make the stop definitely order a cupcake. We love Death By Chocolate. But be warned: it’s super duper chocolately. 

“Breaking Bad” candy from The Candy Lady; Albuquerque

The Candy Lady has been a New Mexico tradition for over 30 years, but recently exploded in fame from the Breaking Bad series. The Candy Lady was approached early on in the series to develop a prop for the hit show. Her Breaking Bad Blue Ice Candy is still available. If you are a fan of the show or just like rock candy, this is a great little spot to check out. 

Long Johns (AKA chocolate éclairs) from Charlie’s Bakery; Las Vegas

This local favorite is always an unforgettable treat. They have been serving up incredible homemade long johns (aka chocolate eclairs) for over 20 years. These pastries are over 10 inches long, filled and covered with pure deliciousness, giving new meaning to their namesake. If you are just driving through or staying in the area, put this on your must-stop list.