This little French bakery’s been sitting on my list for a MINUTE, and I’m kicking myself a little for taking so long to finally go. Sweet Hearts Patisserie is tucked on Forest Drive in Annapolis, and I’m so glad I finally made it out there. I asked what they’re known for, and the cashier said macarons and petit fours. So obviously I grabbed both!
Short answer for anyone wondering if this spot’s worth the stop, yes, 100 percent. Their macarons are a 10/10 for me, the kind that aren’t overly sweet and actually taste like what they’re supposed to. If you’re an Annapolis Nomster with a sweet tooth, or you just need a gift that’ll make someone feel special, this woman-owned spot’s a keeper.
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What Makes Sweet Hearts Patisserie So Special?
Annapolis has plenty of places to grab a cupcake, but a true French patisserie? That’s rarer. Sweet Hearts has been doing this since 2012, and it shows in the little details. Everything in the case looks like it belongs in a magazine, but it’s not style over substance.
The macarons have that delicate, slightly chewy texture that’s hard to nail, and nothing I tried was a sugar bomb, which was a nice change from a lot of macs I’ve had. They do the whole range too, from dainty petit fours to full custom cakes and dessert tables for weddings and events. It’s the kind of neighborhood bakery that can handle a random Tuesday treat AND your big celebration, and that versatility’s what sets it apart.
What to Order at Sweet Hearts Patisserie
Here’s what I got, plus a few things worth knowing for your first visit.
The Macarons ($2.50 each)
These were the highlight for me, hands down. I didn’t want to overdo it so I kept it to three: dark chocolate, pumpkin spice latte, and creme brulee. The pumpkin spice latte and the dark chocolate were the real standouts, and I was honestly so impressed with the texture.
Best part, they’re not overly sweet, so you actually taste the flavor instead of just sugar. At $2.50 each they’re a touch pricy, I won’t pretend otherwise, but macarons are genuinely HARD to make and you can tell they’re using quality ingredients.
The Petit Fours ($13.25 for a box of 4)
If you’ve never had petit fours, picture tiny, perfectly decorated little cakes, and Sweet Hearts is one of the only spots around Annapolis that does them. I got a box of 4 with eight flavors to choose from, so narrowing it down was its own challenge. I went with Triple Chocolate, Strawberry Champagne, Pumpkin Caramel, and Red Velvet.
They were almost too pretty to eat (almost), and every one tasted as good as it looked. The packaging’s adorable too, they even asked if I wanted a ribbon, and obviously my answer was yes, lol. These would make such a cute gift, especially heading into the holidays!
Custom Cakes, Croissants, and More
I only scratched the surface here, because their menu goes way deeper. They do custom cakes and full dessert tables (buttercream cakes start around $8 a slice), plus cupcakes from $3.50, croissants, cookies, quiche, and espresso drinks if you want to post up for a bit.
I’ve already got my eye on their croissants and cupcakes for round two. They also carry Harney and Sons tea in-store, which is a nice little touch, and if you’ve got gluten-free folks in your crew, good news, they offer gluten-free options too.
What’s a Petit Four?
A petit four’s a bite-sized French confection, usually a little sponge or almond cake coated in fondant, ganache, or buttercream and decorated by hand. The name translates to “small oven” in French, a nod to the low heat they were traditionally baked at.
They’re fiddly and time-consuming, which is exactly why you don’t see them at most bakeries, and why a spot like Sweet Hearts gets so much love for doing them well.
The Vibe and Experience
Sweet Hearts is small and, well, sweet, exactly what you want from a neighborhood patisserie. There are a couple of tables inside plus some outdoor seating, so you can grab a coffee and a pastry and sit for a minute, or just pop in for a quick box to go.
Parking’s easy with a spacious lot right there, which, if you know Annapolis, is a legit selling point. It’s the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy, great for a solo treat, a gift run, or stocking up for the holidays. If you’re turning it into a whole Annapolis dessert day, the afternoon tea at Reynold’s Tavern downtown is a lovely pairing.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 1410 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD. Spacious free lot and a wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm, Thursday and Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm. Closed Monday.
- Known for: macarons ($2.50 each) and petit fours ($13.25 for a box of 4).
- Also on the menu: custom cakes, cupcakes (from $3.50), croissants, cookies, quiche, and espresso drinks.
- Great for gifts: adorable packaging and ribbons, plus custom orders for weddings and events.
- Dietary: gluten-free options available.
- See the full menu and order online at their website.
Is Sweet Hearts Patisserie Worth Visiting?
If you love a proper French bakery, Sweet Hearts is worth the trip, and those not-too-sweet macarons alone make the case. It’s a little pricy, sure, but you’re paying for real craft and real ingredients, and it’s exactly where I’d go for a gift or a treat-yourself moment. If you’re making a dessert day of it, the Annapolis Ice Cream Company isn’t far either. I’ll definitely be back.
Have you guys been to Sweet Hearts yet? I’m already planning my next box (croissants, I’m coming for you). Let me know your go-to Annapolis sweet spot in the comments, Nomsters, and save this for the next time you need a gift that actually impresses.