That iconic heart-shaped box of chocolates filling grocery store displays? It may have been produced last summer, as the large manufacturers prepare their candy as much as eight months in advance. Instead, why not splurge on some good local chocolate for Valentine’s Day? We’ve put together a list of artisan chocolatiers in the Denver area, with information on how to place orders.
Source: Depositphotos
At these retailers you’re likely to find not only a wide variety of flavor profiles, but handmade pieces that often resemble tiny works of art.
Visit each website, and, if available, visit in person, to get the full scope of what’s offered.
Cioccolatier Cherry Creek North
Where: 300 Josephine St. Ste.130, Denver, 80206
Call: 303-550-7780
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Locally made fine chocolates using traditional Italian recipes. Specializes in filled chocolates. Only uses pure, natural ingredients.
Cioccolatier Park Meadows Mall
Where: 8401 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree, 80124
Call: 303-550-7780
Order: Order online or shop in the store
More info: Locally made fine chocolates using traditional Italian recipes. Specializes in filled chocolates. Only uses pure, natural ingredients.
Deiter’s Chocolate’s
Where: 1734 E. Evans Ave. (in the DU area), Denver, 80210
Call: 720-925-5982
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Locally-owned. Handcrafts most everything in-house, including truffles, caramel nut turtles, nut clusters, nonpareils, custom chocolate bars and more. Originally known as Dietrich’s Chocolates until the owner retired.
Enstrom Candies Cherry Creek
Where: 201 University Blvd #118, Denver, 80206
Call: 303-322-1005
Order: Online or shop in the store.
More info: Though best known for its almond toffee, Enstrom’s sells handcrafted truffles and chocolates, too.
Source: Depositphotos
Lift Chocolate
Where: 6395 Gunpark Dr., Suite R, Boulder, 80301
Call: 303-447-1001
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind chocolates.
Miette et Chocolat
Where: 2501 Dallas St., Suite 176 (in the Stanley Marketplace), Aurora, 80010
Call: 303-658-0861
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Handcrafted, artisanal chocolates.
Piece, Love & Chocolate
Where: 805 Pearl St., Boulder, 80302
Call: 303-449-4804
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Sells all things chocolate including cakes and cookies, specializes in handmade truffles.
Roberta’s Chocolates
Where: 4022 Tennyson St., Denver, 80212
Call: 303-824-2069
Order: You can only shop in the store. Not taking online orders at this time.
More info: In business since 1995. Sells handmade chocolates, as well as confections including scrumptious candies, smooth creams, covered nuts and truffles.
Source: Depositphotos
Stargazer Fine Chocolates
Where: 700 N. Colorado Blvd. (near Trader Joe’s), Denver.
Call: 303-394-4000
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More Info: Family-owned and operated. Specializes in the creation of hand-crafted, artisan chocolates. Uses only fair trade, certified, non-GMO chocolate from a fourth-generation supplier. Truffles, chocolate-dipped items, solids and more.
Temper Chocolates and Confections
Where: 2669 Larimer St. (in the Denver Central Market), Denver, 80205
Call: 303-562-1966
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Handmade chocolates. Temper also carries a collection of gourmet chocolates from some of the best American chocolatiers, as well as European favorites.
The Chocolate Therapist
Where: 2560 W. Main St., Littleton, 80120
Call: 303-795-7913
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Handcrafted small batches of chocolate bars, patties and chocolate meltaways with all-natural chocolate ingredients.
Telluride Truffle Artisan Chocolate
Where: 6006 W Alameda Ave., Lakewood, 80226
Call: 720-596-4136
Order: Order online or shop in the store.
More info: Specializes in handmade truffles.
Love this list of resources for chocolate! Roberta’s Chocolates is my year-round holiday chocolates …. and I’ve even shared their Christmas chocolates with Santa who delivers them to many family and friends around the U.S.
Also, Enstrom has another local chocolate shop, serving coffee, smoothies, tea, et al in Arvada–a hidden treasure in this business complex: 6770 West 52nd Avenue Unit C, Arvada 303.215.9905