My grandmother was an amazing baker and pastry chef. I grew up eating her famous pies, scones, biscuits, muffins, and cookies and, needless to say, developed a gigantic sweet tooth. I’m always searching for the perfect sweet treat to satisfy my craving.
Much to my pleasant surprise, Williamson County is full of talented bakers and pastry chefs who make heavenly confections every day from Fairview all the way to Nolensville! While no one can make pastries quite like my grandmother could these eateries have quite the viable contenders.
So, in honor of my grandmother and National Pastry Day, here is your ultimate list of the eight best bakeries (and best pastries to sink your sweet tooth into) in Franklin and Williamson County!
Cinnamon Rolls at the Amish Feed Mill
Nolensville
I’ve had my fair share of cinnamon rolls (they’re probably one of my favorite things on this earth), but The Amish Feed Mill in Nolensville has, hands down, the best cinnamon rolls ever. They’re dense so you know they’re the real deal and they ooze with cinnamon and icing.
My mouth is watering just thinking about them. The Feed Mill is also known for its chicken salad sandwiches, fresh produce, an array of Amish-made goods, and quite the fantastic Saturday morning breakfast.
Pumpkin Scones at Triple Crown Bakery
Downtown Franklin
The delightful smell of sugar will draw you into this local bakery just off of downtown Franklin’s historic Main Street. The owner and longtime professional pastry chef, Alena Vaughn, highly recommend her fall favorite, the pumpkin scone, which is the perfect blend of sweet with a little bit of spice.
Triple Crown Bakery also has a wide selection of cookies the size of your head along with tarts, muffins, cakes, and savory treats. Plus, the story of this bakery will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside if your pumpkin scone hasn’t already.
Chocolate Butterflies at Merridee’s Breadbasket
Downtown Franklin
Merridee’s is known for its pastries. They were named Best Bakery in Williamson County by Southern Exposure Magazine three years in a row and have been featured on the Food Network’s “Best of Baker’s Show!”
It’s hard to have a favorite here, but I’ve personally narrowed it down to the pumpkin roll (available in the fall) and the chocolate butterfly (available all year). Everything in this bakery is made from scratch daily, and the hard-working staff will make you feel right at home.
Chocolate Scones at Puffy Muffin
Brentwood
This place is like the Disneyworld of bakeries. Puffy Muffin has one of the largest pastry display cases I’ve ever seen, which makes it a bit difficult to choose which treat to indulge.
No matter, anything you select here will be a winner, especially the chocolate scone. They also have a hearty breakfast menu and create beautiful cakes for any occasion.
S’mores Muffin At Mama’s Java Cafe
Nolensville
This charming café is the perfect stop on your way through the historic town of Nolensville, Tennessee. Mama’s Java is known for its yummy coffee with your choice of beans from dark and chocolate roasted to light and silky smooth.
Most notable on their café menu is their famous S’mores muffin complete with a Hershey’s chocolate square to finish it off.
100 Layer Donut at Five Daughters Bakery
Downtown Franklin
If you’re a local, you know all about the famous 100 layer donut at Five Daughters Bakery. If you’re new in town or just visiting, let me introduce you to one of the most interesting, original, and delicious confectionary delights in all the land.
This donut is layer upon layer of satisfyingly sweet dough wrapped in icing and sometimes comes with a sugary cream center. My favorite is the Maple Glaze, but I’ve been meaning to try the King Kong (it’s decorated with bacon).
Biscuits at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
Leiper’s Fork
Obviously, if you’ve read this far, you know I go right for the sweet when it comes to pastries, but at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, I go savory. This Leiper’s Fork “meat and three” is a staple for everyone and so are their biscuits.
Flaky and warm, they go great with just about everything on the menu. I’m a purist, so I get ‘em plain but try the breakfast sandwich or the biscuits and gravy.