Winter is officially upon us, and if you’re feeling a bit blue as a result, we might have a tasty solution for you.

Midwest Sad, a bakery founded on the notion that tasty baked goods can lift even the lowest of spirits, has been serving up a slate of delectably uplifting treats since opening its doors at 770 N. Jefferson St. (in the basement level cafeteria area near Shah Jee’s) in May of 2024.

Pop in on any given day and you’ll find any number of treats, from cheer-inducing funfetti cookies and mood-lifting pistachio and banana puddings to indulgent shortbread and delicious cinnamon rolls. 

Here are six additional delicious options - both sweet and savory, in no particular order - that are sure to bring a smile to your face. (And if that’s not quite enough motivation, you can also feel good about uplifting one of Milwaukee’s small food businesses. In the case of Midwest Sad, they strive to provide a living wage for five full-time and four-part-time employees.)

1. Carrot cake blondie 

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Love carrot cake, but willing to try something a bit different? This mash-up between carrot cake and a traditional blondie might be just what you’re craving.  More dense than cake with a touch of that buttery almost caramel-like flavor. You also get a pop of salt from the delicious cream cheese frosting (plus a smile from the sprinkling of stars on top). $6

2. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Roll 

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I ate a Cheddar Bacon Ranch Roll for breakfast over the weekend. Composed of rich, butterty pastry layered with ranch-flavored cream cheese, applewood smoked bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, this pastry eats like the best breakfast sandwich you’ve never had.  Price: $7

3. Almond Matcha Cookie 

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If you love almonds, be sure to grab one of these Almond Matcha Cookies. They’re light and crisp on the exterior and soft on the inside (a bit like a macaron) with a flavor that conjures all the deliciousness of marzipan. The bright green color (and antioxidants) from the green tea are just a big old bonus. Oh, yeah - they're also gluten-free!  Price: $5

4. Oreo Brownie 

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Need the lift of some deep dark chocolate? Try these Oreo Brownies on for size. They’re thick and fudgey with a bold chocolate flavor, pieces of Oreo throughout and a light crispy sugar coating on the exterior. Price: $6

5. Fluffernutter Cookie  

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Love peanut butter cookies? Then you’ll love these fluffy, chewy cookies that take things up a notch. There’s still plenty of peanut butter flavor, but every bite also offers a bit of chewy marshmallowy bliss to boot. Pick up a dozen for the office! Price: $5

6. Pesto Monkey Bread 

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There’s nothing like the smell of pesto to perk up a winter day. These warm, rich, buttery pull-apart breads are chock-full of flavor from olive oil, basil, parmesan and pine nuts and enriched by a pat of honey butter. They make a great mid-day snack; but they’re also the perfect complement to that Italian fare you’re planning for dinner. Price: $7

Midwest Sad is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6  p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New!  You can also find a variety of their treats (along with savory dishes), including the Almond Matcha Cookie, Fluffernutter Cookie and Oreo Brownie at Gathering Place Brewing’s Tosa Taproom, 7208 W. North Ave. The taproom is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.