After a finals season full of microwave meals and instant coffee, it's nice to treat yourself once in a while. Though a pint of Ben & Jerry's could do, I like to think of myself as an adventurer.

I'm a firm believer in the dessert-first mindset, and after two years in Minneapolis and two decades in Minnesota, I've found my favorite places for a treat.

Cossetta

My first experience at Cossetta Alimentari was before a Cheetah Girls concert in the early 2000s (thanks, mom!). Many families are familiar with Cossetta's wide variety of Italian food, pizzas and pastas reign supreme for a quick and easy dinner in St. Paul, but tucked between the famous restaurant and their extensive market is the Pasticceria.

The Pasticceria is set up like an old-school candy bar with all the bells and whistles. A long glass case is backed by hundreds of beautiful desserts. Cannolis, gelato, coffee, and macaroons are my favorite picks from Cossetta, but there are endless, and I mean endless, choices of chocolates, cakes, frozen treats, and pastries.

If you're looking for a one-stop shop for decadent desserts (and then perhaps some dinner after?) Cossetta is the place to go.

Mapps Coffee & Tea

Mapps is situated on Riverside at the edge of the University's West Bank. They pride themselves on their direct-trade, environmentally friendly coffee. I adore them for being so close to all of my West Bank classes.

When Java City just doesn't cut it and you're separated from your Dinkytown favorites by a river and a tight schedule, Mapps is great for a quick coffee and a muffin. I prefer the baklava, because even breakfast can be sugar time.

Caribou Coffee

Okay, you've caught me; though my favorite food group is sugar, I can't deny my love for coffee, especially Caribou.

This Minnesota-based coffee chain holds my heart. If you hear someone fervently debating the quality of espresso between Starbucks and Caribou, it's me. After serving a year's time as a member of the Bou-crew in my favorite Minnetonka store, I just can't kick my Caribou habit. I've taken to calling it Cari-bae, which is almost a little too far.

In the summertime, you truly can't beat a Caribou Cooler. They boast flavors like Turtle Mocha, a caramel and chocolate sensation, and Mint Condition, which I prefer with dark chocolate. The Vanilla cooler is a classic if you want something light and fresh. The drinks are a treat in themselves, but Caribou also has coffee-shop staples like croissants and scones. If you're really looking to jazz it up, I'm a big fan of their blondie.

Mel-O-Glaze

Sometimes you just want a donut. Mel-O-Glaze is a cozy, very simple bakery. They don't boast great interior design, but they do have free coffee(!), a one-eyed cat, and the friendliest staff of all time.

Plus, they like to play around with their food. They always have the classics -- sprinkle donuts, glazed donuts, cake donuts -- but every time I go in they're always selling a different kind of sugar cookie. Once, they were Angry Birds. Another time, the classic Minnesota state cut-out with adorable blue icing.

Mel-O-Glaze holds my heart when I just want a donut, and a good one. Plus, the kitty loves me. And free coffee, did I mention that? Free. Coffee.

A Cupcake Social

Funny story: I discovered A Cupcake Social while driving home after a trip to Mel-O-Glaze. We passed the building and I just had to pull over. The cute exterior is just the beginning. Their chandelier, Tiffany-blue accent furniture, and adorable food truck parked out back convinced me that I loved this place before I even saw the cupcakes.

Some say cupcakes have had their day, but A Cupcake Social provides absolutely Instagram-worthy treats, as well as gorgeous biscotti and house made ice cream! I got the Pumpkin Chai cupcake my first time there, and like to try a new flavor every time. I'm hoping to try the Butterfly cupcake next time. It has an edible butterfly on top. I'm not even joking.

A Cupcake Social is like all my childhood tea party fantasies dressed up and made adult-sized. It's the cutest place in town for anybody that needs a little whimsy in their life!