Denver has no shortage of chocolate shops around town. Whether you enjoy single-origin bars, dark chocolate pretzels, decadent handcrafted bonbons, or even the classic chocolate-covered strawberries — these chocolatiers around the Mile High City will satisfy any sweet tooth. With Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14th, pick up something sweet for that special someone to celebrate this annual holiday of love and romance.
DAR Chocolate
Where? 12189 Pennsylvania Street
DAR Chocolate is dedicated to crafting “good-for-you” chocolate that not only delights your tastebuds but is exciting to take in visually. Upon spending a year and a half in Costa Rica taking a crash course on how chocolate is made, from the cacao trees themselves to the various techniques used to produce the final product, DAR Chocolate was born in the Mile High City. At the moment, DAR Chocolate produces dark chocolate and milk chocolate bars, as well as sugar-free and single-origin varieties. The unique Art Bars are designed by local artists and showcase their work on the outer wrapper. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and delicious treat for your date this Valentine’s Day, try the cinnamon & cloves, salted caramel coffee, hibiscus, or almond dark chocolate to sweeten their day.
PRO Tip: Visitors are welcome to visit this boutique chocolate factory, with tours and chocolate tastings available for those wanting to engage with the product and take a closer look at how it’s produced.
Bar & Cocoa
Where? Online Service
Looking to taste the difference between handcrafted real chocolate and the stuff you can buy at the convenience store down the street? At Bar & Cocoa, chocolate fanatics will be able to taste the layers of the cocoa — the star of the show. Their subscription service makes real chocolate more accessible than ever, all while allowing the consumer to support an ethical business that’s better for the environment. The service delivers four chocolate bars each month, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. If you want to take control of your destiny, enjoy a shopping spree on the Bar & Cocoa website. Go on an adventure with the Chocolate Bars of the World box or enjoy a mixed collection of the Michel Cluizel 28-piece chocolate bonbons.
PRO Tip: While there is no physical storefront to visit, you can gift your valentine exquisite Denver chocolates right to their doorstep, choosing from options such as the Nutty Chocolate Bar bundles, the Very Fruity Chocolate bundle, and even a Best of Keto variety.
Colorado Cocoa Pod
Where? Various Pop-Ups
The handcrafted chocolate bonbons produced by Colorado Cocoa Pod are almost too beautiful to eat. Keyword: almost! The team at this chocolate shop can take up to four days to make a single batch of these high-quality artisan treats, with each bonbon being hand painted with bright designs that clue you into the surprise inside. While there is no official retail space to shop for these chocolates, the company frequents pop-ups around town, as well as markets and special events throughout the area. Shipping, local deliveries, and even porch pick-ups are available for added convenience. Show your love this Valentine’s Day with the Valentine Heart Bonbon box or mix and match with chocolate-covered Oreos, vegan bonbons, and Neko hot chocolate spoons.
PRO Tip: Current specials running at Colorado Cocoa Pod include their zodiac animal flavor line for the upcoming Lunar New Year. If you enjoy coconut, then the zodiac rabbit will be just right for you. Raspberry matcha correlates to the snake and there’s a cinnamon cayenne variety for the rooster.
M2 Confections
Where? 6050 West 92nd Avenue #500
M2 Confections specializes in all things sweet, with candies galore and inventive truffles that will have you coming back for more. Their signature truffle gift box is the perfect way to let someone know you care, with the seasonal truffle set being a great way to sample new flavors and enjoy the diverse menu. Tea lovers will enjoy the London Fog, which features Earl Grey tea and milk chocolate. Looking for something fruity and spicy? The Mangonada combines milk chocolate, mango, smoked paprika, chile, and lime for a true flavor whirlwind. Woo your valentine this holiday with dark chocolate cherry cordials, gold-splattered salted caramel bonbons, or even a deluxe hot cocoa set with vanilla bean marshmallows for a romantic date night in.
PRO Tip: Don’t walk out of M2 Confections without trying the Mexican chocolate, which won an award at the Colorado Chocolate Festival in 2022. This truffle combines milk and dark chocolate with cinnamon, ancho, brown sugar, and paprika.
Stargazer Fine Chocolates and Coffee
Where? 700 Colorado Boulevard
Stargazer Fine Chocolates is family-owned and operated, with all confections being hand-crafted in the great state of Colorado. Those who have never had the opportunity to bite into one of Stargazer’s decadent truffles will find assorted collections of up to 32 pieces that allow for a wide sampling of this company’s offerings. Solid chocolate bars are available in multiple chocolate types and sentiments — perfect for any occasion. Want something with a little bit extra? Try the spirit-infused truffles, with amaretto, rum, scotch, and even mimosa. The retail space gives you a personalized experience of hand selecting your confections and you can even enjoy a beverage for dine-in or to-go.
PRO Tip: The Valentine’s Day selection at Stargazer Fine Chocolates and Coffee includes options such as the Sweethearts’ Bar, a chocolate bear, an edible chocolate box filled with truffles, and even chocolate-covered Oreos with decorative sprinkles.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Where? 500 16th Street Mall
Based out of Durango, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has expanded to locations around the US, including in New Mexico, Texas, North Carolina, and even Washington. Their recipes have been thoughtfully developed by master candy makers, ensuring that the final product delights in both taste and texture. Seasonal selections feature assorted gift boxes for Valentine’s Day, as well as additional treats such as berry caramels, a truffle heart box, and gourmet English toffees. Other year-round confections include a nuts and caramel chocolate assortment, caramel popcorn, chocolate mints, and even dipped dog bones!
PRO Tip: For those looking to make a purchase online, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory provides codes for 10%-20% off your Valentine’s Day order, depending on how much you spend. Shop now to ensure that the chocolate arrives in time for your date!
Enstrom Candies Cherry Creek
Where? 201 University Boulevard #118
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s not too late to put in an order with Enstrom Candies. In fact, they have a specially curated holiday selection featuring heart-shaped boxes, almond toffee petites, truffle assortments, cream caramels, and more. Whatever your special someone’s favorite chocolate is, you’re likely to find it on the website. Renowned for their almond toffee, Enstrom Candies has produced an array of sweet confections over the years to tempt the diverse taste buds around town. If you dip into Enstrom Candies and find yourself in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, enjoy an espresso-based beverage or a fruit smoothie while you peruse the shelves for the sweets that catch your eye.
PRO Tip: Planning an event? Enstrom Candies provides personalization for their products, making them the perfect addition to your upcoming corporate meeting, wedding, or birthday event. After all, who doesn’t love something sweet in their goodie bag?
Deiter’s Chocolate
Where? 1734 East Evans Avenue
Looking to surprise your partner with treats they won’t find anywhere else? Deiter’s Chocolate is excited to present their Valentine’s Day offering, featuring a truffle heart box, Valentine’s French mints, foil hearts, and even conversation turtles. Want to cut through the richness of the chocolate? Throw in a bag of the sour smooch lips or the gummy hearts! If you have a difficult time choosing, stop by the shop and one of the friendly team members can provide wisdom on which treats would complement the special occasion best. A few of the best sellers include the almond butter toffee, the dipped Oreos, the sea salt bar, and the Wonderbark, which is a fruity mix of almonds, blueberries, cranberries and cherries that are smothered in chocolate.
PRO Tip: Take advantage of the “order now, send later” option when making a purchase with Deiter’s Chocolate. Simply write “Valentine’s Day” in the Order Instructions section and they’ll ensure that the chocolates get sent out at the appropriate time.
Hammond’s Candies
Where? 5735 Washington Street
Hammond’s has proudly been a family-run business for over a century, beginning in 1920. This dedication to the business is mirrored in the delicious chocolates and candies that this company consistently produces. The chocolate indulgences found at Hammond’s Candies feel endless, from chicken and waffle chocolate bars to peanut butter cups, chocolate almonds and so much more. Delight your partner for Valentine’s Day with a chocolate lovers gift box, featuring some of the most popular items sold by the shop — chocolate popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate caramels, oh my! Keep it classic with an assorted box of chocolates, allowing the recipient to pick and choose which bites they want to enjoy first and save for last.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it into the shop, order your confections online. All orders over $75 receive complimentary domestic shipping. This offer can’t be combined with other discounts.
See’s Candies
Where? 1685 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite T
The See’s Candies location in Denver sells an abundance of American-made confections, while also specializing in bulk sales and fundraising events. At See’s, you can always get a free sample and customer service is friendly and helpful. With the Denver location being a Volume Savings shop, customers can head to the candy counter to create a custom mixed box of chocolates and treats. This allows you to craft an individualized gift for birthdays, holidays, and other life events for the people you love. See’s Candies knows that Valentine’s Day is a big event in the chocolate industry, which is why they make it easy to buy the perfect gift. The Double Decadence box features truffles and caramels and the Sweet Nothings heart-shaped tin has an array of bites such as mint molasses chips, a dark chocolate peanut butter heart, a milk raspberry heart truffle, and a dark chocolate buttercream.
PRO Tip: Those looking to take control of their destiny can choose up to 10 different chocolate varieties for their custom mix — with the one-pound box being able to hold around 26 pieces total.
Temper Chocolates
Where? 2669 Larimer Street
As opposed to just selling chocolate, Temper Chocolates is dedicated to crafting an experience as well for customers. Their selection ranges from confections from some of the best upcoming American chocolatiers, as well as a range of well-loved European favorites. With flavors such as the Betty White, which is a soft coconut cream caramel in a dark chocolate shell, and the Crazy in Love with white chocolate hibiscus lemonade in a white chocolate shell, it can be difficult to narrow down your selection. Chocolate bars hail from Barcelona, Italy, New Jersey and beyond. Other confections, such as espresso beans, brownie bites, praline peanuts, and Holland mints, all make great additions to any gift box.
PRO Tip: Want to earn bonus points with the Swiftie in your life? Add the Lover bonbon to their box, which features guava and strawberry white chocolate ganache, or the Lavender Haze bonbon with lavender, blueberry, and a lemon white chocolate ganache.
Miette et Chocolat
Where? 2501 Dallas Street Suite 176
The story behind Miette et Chocolat begins with David Lewis, a renowned pastry chef and chocolatier. David has won various awards and worked as the Executive Pastry Chef at the Brown Palace Hotel before pursuing his latest endeavor at crafting some of the best chocolate in town at Miette et Chocolat. This Valentine’s Day, say “I love you” with the bean-to-bar chocolate box or a selection of almonds, dragées, and mendiants. The Snikkers box is an especially popular option, as it features a gourmet remake of the infamous Snickers bar using high-end ingredients and chocolate from South America.
PRO Tip: Wandering into Miette et Chocolat in the Stanley Marketplace is a treat on its own. Peruse the selection of bars, bonbons, cookies, macarons, and more while you decide on your final selection.