Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels

Chocolate, pumpkin spice, salted caramel.  What could go wrong here?  Sounds like the perfect combo.  Let's see.

This week we're reviewing another Trader Joe's seasonal product: Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramels.

Trader Joe's describes them this way, "Rich Belgian chocolate envelops creamy caramel imbued with the flavor of pumpkin and spices like clove, cinnamon, and ginger, sprinkled with Hawaiian red sea salt."  Ooo, fancy.  The box of 12 caramels will set you back $4.99.


A mom's (my) take: Someone on Instagram warned me that these were not so good.  I have to disagree, I quite like them.  The chocolate is rich and dark, the caramel smooth and creamy, and the pumpkin spice very flavorful and distinct.  There is no mistaking the pumpkin spice here...it's very pronounced.  The Hawaiian sea salt was applied a bit heavy-handedly. I think with a smaller pinch of salt or a smaller flaked salt, these would have been perfection.  The chocolates come in a nice box and would make a sweet Thanksgiving hostess gift (especially with a bottle of Two Buck Chuck.) ;)
Overall rating: 4 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: These caramels are packed with a flavorful punch.  The sea salt brings a bit of an odd taste out when you first bite into it, but it's quickly overshadowed by the luscious chocolate and caramel accented by a great pumpkin flavor.  I could eat a lot of these and not regret it.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramels: a little salty, but mostly sweet! 

Read all of our Trader Joe's dessert and sweet treat reviews!

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Cookies & Creme Cookie Butter

How about a little reprieve from the pumpkin reviews?  I hear there are people who don't enjoy pumpkin...these must be the same people who don't like kittens. ;)

Today, we review Trader Joe's Cookies & Creme Cookie Butter. 

You (hopefully) are familiar with the original Cookie Butter, which is a peanut butter-like spread made from Speculoos cookies.  This one is a chocolate and cream spread.  Trader Joe's describes it as "a sweet spread made from crushed cocoa biscuits and creme filling."  A 14.1 ounce jar costs $3.69.


A mom's (my) take: Unlike original Cookie Butter which has a pronounced flavor, I found this to be a little lacking.  Spread on a graham cracker, all I tasted was graham cracker.  On its own, I liked the crunchy bits in the chocolate portion, but didn't get a big flavor of either cocoa or cream.  This cookie butter isn't bad, just nondescript.
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: This cookie butter doesn't jump out at you; rather, you have to "search" for it. The flavor isn't very strong, and it takes some time before you realize what you're eating. However, when eaten by itself or when you are really trying to taste it, the flavor isn't bad, and adds a delicious touch to whatever you're eating it with.
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars


Trader Joe's Cookies & Creme Cookie Butter: we prefer the original.

Read all of our Trader Joe's dessert and sweet treat reviews!

{I've had a few people ask, so I thought I would address it here...we have no affiliation with Trader Joe's. My local TJ's only knows me as the lady who hoards all things pumpkin. ;)}

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Mini Ginger Pumpkin Ice Cream Mouthfuls

Yes, yes...we continue on with the pumpkin.

This week, kiddo and I review Trader Joe's Mini Ginger Pumpkin Ice Cream Mouthfuls.  In other words, mini ice cream sandwiches. 

Trader Joe's describes these as "pumpkin ice cream between ginger cookies."  A box of 12 mini cookies will set you back $3.99.


I was feeling pretty good about reviewing these since the cashier picked them up and said, "ooooohhhh" in a Homer Simpson-esque manner. 


A mom's (my) take:  Right away, you can tell that these aren't the prettiest ice cream sandwiches you've ever seen...but they might be the tastiest.  Creamy pumpkin ice cream is sandwiched between two of the softest and spiciest gingerbread cookies.  These are tiny, 2-3 bites, but they pack a flavorful punch. I've eaten a lot of treats and sweet from Trader Joe's (you may have noticed), and these might be my favorite so far.  I may go back and buy every single remaining box.  You know when you've had "one of those" day and you need a pick-me-up?  These.  You know when you get happy news and you want to celebrate?  These.  Who am I kidding...you need no excuse to eat these.  Just do it.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars (x 10)

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: These are hands down the most flavorful ice cream sandwiches I've ever had. The flavor of the cookie is not subdued by its coldness or the ice cream within, but rather accented. The ice cream packs one heck of a punch when it comes to flavor and that classic ginger-y spice. I would also eat the entire box in a second.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Trader Joe's Mini Ginger Pumpkin Ice Cream Mouthfuls: you need them.  Or, if you shop at our Trader Joe's, you can leave them for us. ;)


Read all of our Trader Joe's dessert and sweet treat reviews!

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

I have to admit, at one time, I was obsessed with the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin.  I dreamed about those muffins all year, and was at the door of Starbucks on September 1st when they returned.  My obsession has lessened a bit, but I was still so happy to see a Trader Joe's version of the PCCM.

Trader Joe's describes these muffins as "pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a delicious cream cheese filling and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds."  A package of 4 muffins costs $3.99.

A mom's (my) take: The muffins are really pretty...I loved just looking at them in the package.  The pumpkin and spice flavors were right on the money and the ratio of cream cheese to muffin was perfect.  I found the muffins to be slightly dry, though.  Maybe it was just the batch we got...I ate two to be sure. ;)  I'd be willing to try again.
Overall rating: 4 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: I think these are the perfect interpretation of what pumpkin cream cheese muffins are supposed to be like. The substantial, rich muffin is supplemented by a wonderfully flavorful (and also rich) cream cheese. I would not be opposed to having these more often. :)
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: we'd eat more.


Click to read all of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews.

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Pumpkin Joe-Joe's

I remember when kiddo was a baby and he loved eating pureed sweet potatoes and squash and carrots so much that his little nose turned orange.  Well, I'm a little afraid the same will happen to me with all of the pumpkin goodies I've been consuming lately.

This week, kiddo and I are reviewing Trader Joe's PUMPKIN Joe-Joe's.

Joe-Joe's are a filled sandwich cookie...their version of Oreos.  Trader Joe's describes these as "crispy pumpkin cookies with pumpkin cream filling."  A 10.5-ounce box costs $2.99.


When we stopped in Trader Joe's this week, we had a friend with us and decided we needed to break into these babies in the car, hence the box-outside-the-store picture. ;)


A mom's (my) take: The cookies themselves are nice and crispy and there's a good amount of filling here.  Lightly spiced, these cookies are quite tasty.  That said, I'm not sure I'd be tempted to buy them again.
Overall rating: 4 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: A very sweet and flavorful variation of the traditional Joe-Joe. The luscious filling perfectly complements the light cookie. However, I'm not tempted to eat the entire box, either.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's PUMPKIN Joe-Joe's: We liked 'em.

Read all of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews!

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Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: our 5-star reviews

Because we've been reviewing Trader Joe's sweets for 6 months now...and because someone is feeling lazy because it's her birthday...we bring you a round-up of the desserts that have earned 5-stars from both kiddo and me.

Trader Joe's 5-Star Desserts (meaning: go buy them.)  There are some of the best desserts we've found at Trader Joe's. Click the links to read our full reviews.

• chocolate almond biscotti
• meyer lemon thins
• mini chocolate ice cream cones
• pink lemonade cupcakes
• cowboy bark
• fleur de sel caramels
• cherry pomegranate toaster pastries
• chocolate joe-joe's
• chocolate sea salt butterscotch caramels
• mini chocolate hazelnut biscotti
• pumpkin macarons

Read all of our Sweet on Trader Joe's posts!  See you next week!

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Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Pumpkin Macarons

I snapped this picture in Trader Joe's yesterday:

It is OFFICIALLY pumpkin season!  Yay!!!

Today, we review Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons. 

You'll find these in the freezer section, but don't worry, they only take 30 minutes to defrost.  Trader Joe's description of these is "light and delicate, yet abundant with the smooth, warming flavor of pumpkin and traditional pumpkin pie spices..." A box of 12 macarons costs $4.99.


A mom's (my) take: Trader Joe's does macarons right.  A delicate, crisp shell, a chewy interior, perfect little feet, and a flavorful but not overpowering filling.  The pumpkin flavor is just right...you can taste both the pumpkin and the spices, really reminiscent of pumpkin pie.  My only complaint, as it is with all macarons...it's way too easy to eat 6 of them and still want more. ;)
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: These are the best store-bought macarons I've ever had. The light, airy shell is perfectly balanced by the chewy, sweet interior. The pumpkin flavor is not too strong but still enough to taste it. I could also eat several boxes of these.
Overall rating: 6 out of 5 stars :)

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons: it's pumpkin season, y'all.

To read more of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews, click here.  
 

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Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Cowgirl Bark

Our very first Trader Joe's review was Cowboy Bark, so when I spied this bag of CowGIRL Bark on our last visit, I just had to pick it up. 

To tell you the truth, I felt a little bad about buying it.  The base is white chocolate, and I am so not a white chocolate girl, but...the bag is PINK and the name is so cute.  I couldn't help myself.


Trader Joe's describes this as "Cowgirl Bark offers you an unexpected and adventuresome treat...white chocolate with crisp rice, triple ginger cookies, pretzels, cranberries, almonds, and peanuts."  The 8-ounce will set you back $3.69.


A mom's (my) take: As I said before, I am not a white chocolate girl.  This Cowgirl Bark might have just converted me.  I LOVED it.  It's the perfect combination of sweet and salty.  The crisp rice gives extra crunch, while the cranberries add some chewiness.  The ginger cookies and the white chocolate play nicely together.  I'm sold.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: I love white chocolate. I like the texture and overall feel, but there's something about the fruit mixed in that doesn't agree with me. I guess I'm not a big fan of fruit and chocolate together. Or maybe it's because I'm not a "cowgirl". :)
Overall rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's Cowgirl Bark: mosey on over to TJ's and rustle some up for yourself!

Want to read more of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews?  Click here.

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Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

Time to review a little something new this week...one of Trader Joe's baking mixes.

We've never tried a TJ's baking mix before, but I always think it's a good idea to have a brownie mix in the pantry for emergencies. 

Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix makes an 8x8" pan of brownies.  The mix is made with Dutch cocoa and chocolate chips, and the box costs $2.99.

The brownies are easy to mix up, just add eggs and melted butter.


A mom's (my) take: It's hard to make a bad brownie...and these are not bad at all, just not my favorite.  The brownies came out really dry around the edges and on the top.  I like a fudgy, shiny-topped brownie.  (The instructions were very specific about using a toothpick to test for doneness in "several locations." I don't normally do this with brownies, especially ones with chocolate chips like these. I think this is why they came out a bit dry.)  The center was tasty, but I ended up tossing the dry edges.  This mix won't be the one I keep in my pantry for dessert emergencies.
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: Like my mom, I prefer a chewier, softer brownie. However, these brownies are amazing if you are a "dry brownie" person. The chocolate is actually very rich and flavorful, even though the brownies themselves are a bit dry.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix: not bad, not great.

Want to see more of our reviews of Trader Joe's desserts?  Click here.

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Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Chocolate Almond Biscotti

This week's review: Trader Joe's (or Trader Giotto's) Chocolate Almond Biscotti

The only description on the bag is "dipping cookies."  An 8-ounce bag, containing 8 cookies, costs $3.99.


A mom's (my) take: I've been holding out on you guys.  This is the one thing that I buy almost EVERY time I go to Trader Joe's.  Well, that and the sliced mango, but this isn't a fruit review series.  After last week's disappointment, we needed something tried-and-true.  The biscotti...they're nice-sized, super crunchy, and dipped in really delicious bittersweet chocolate.  You'll even find whole almonds in these cookies.  I've actually never dipped them in my coffee, but I'm sure they would be wonderful. 
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: These are the most flavorful, delicious, and satisfying biscotti I've had ever since I can remember. The initial crunch and chocolate provide a nice start, and the great almond flavor packs a powerful punch at the end, leaving a well-rounded biscotti (and a pleasant aftertaste!).
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's (or Trader Giotto's) Chocolate Almond Biscotti: we're betting it will be a regular purchase for you, too. 

Want more Trader Joe's sweets reviews? Click here.

 

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Cookie Butter ICE CREAM

I feel like we should sound the trumpets for this week's Trader Joe's dessert review.  When I posted this picture on Instagram, I think it garnered more comments than any other picture I've ever posted:

This week, we review...Trader Joe's COOKIE BUTTER ICE CREAM!!!  Yep.  It's a real thing.

If you're not familiar with cookie butter (I'm sorry), get yourself to Trader Joe's and buy some, or to your local grocery store and pick up some Biscoff Spread.  Now.


The ice cream is swirled with both cookie butter and speculoos cookies.  A 1-quart container costs $4.49.


I was pretty sure I would love this...note the Valentine tea towel.  I don't break out my Valentine linens for just any ol' dessert. ;)


A mom's (my) take:  I can't believe I'm saying this...I didn't like it.  I didn't get a strong flavor of either the cookie butter or the speculoos cookies.  The ice cream base itself wasn't very creamy.  This is going to save me a lot of calories, but it makes me kind of sad.
Overall rating: 2 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: The ice cream is very sweet, and the cookie/cookie butter bits sprinkled throughout provide for somewhat of a balance... But, I'd have to agree with my mom on this one: there really isn't much of a flavor besides pure sweetness (if you're a fan of that, go right ahead!), and if I hadn't known the name of it, I couldn't have even guessed what kind of ice cream this is. I definitely don't taste any cookies, so maybe TJ's should consider changing the name...
Overall rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter Ice Cream: you might be better off sticking with straight up cookie butter. :(

For more of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews, click here!

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturdays: Ginger Cats Cookies

First, let's address the burning question here.  Yes, these cookies are for people, not cats.  The cookies are shaped like cats.

So, today's review is of Trader Joe's Ginger Cats Cookies (for people).  They are labeled as "lowfat" with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

A 16-ounce tub of cookies will set you back $2.79.


A mom's (my) take: Well, these are certainly cute, especially if you're a cat person like I am.  I enjoyed the flavor of these cookies quite a bit...they have a very strong ginger and spice taste...and a little heat.  The ingredients list on the package lists "ground red pepper;" I love the spice, but I wonder if little ones would.  The texture is what I wasn't crazy about.  They were so crunchy, I felt like they were over-baked.  I was expecting, and would prefer, that Teddy Graham-type texture here. 
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: Of course, I love the cats (having two myself), and the taste is that of a home-baked, authentic gingerbread cookie. I italicized ginger because it is spicy. Really spicy. It does take a minute to deliver the kick, so you have a bit to enjoy the buttery, well-baked taste.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's Ginger Cats Cookies: spicy!

Sweet on Trader Joe's: Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries

In honor of back-to-school time, kiddo and I are reviewing Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries (Cherry Pomegranate flavor) this week.

Trader Joe's has a pretty lengthy description on the box.  Here's a snippet: "A far cry from typical toaster pastries, Trader Joe's organic frosted toaster pastries are made with organic ingredients...without artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors."

Just like a package of Pop-Tarts, you'll get 6 pastries per box, with 2 each in foil packets.  I wish I could tell you how much they cost, but in a hurry to clean out my purse, I threw away the receipt.

Growing up, we never had Pop-Tarts in our house, so with every sleepover invitation, I always held out the hope that there would be Pop-Tarts for breakfast. (It was always such a let down to see that Pop-Tart box and realize they were the Brown Sugar variety.  Ugh.  Does anyone like those?) As a single gal, I may have carried a foil packet of chocolate ones in my purse...you know, in case I was trapped without food for an hour or two.
Needless to say, I was excited about this review.


My take: Trader Joe's hit the nail on the Pop-Tart head with this one.  These were very reminiscent of the toaster pastries of my childhood...thin layer of icing, not too much filling, crispy corners.  I'm impressed with the way TJ's kept these so much like the original, but without the artificial flavors and preservatives. Oh, and the colored sugar on top is the prettiest boysenberry-ish color.  I'll definitely keep a box in the pantry for those rushed school mornings. And, I'll hold out hope for a chocolate variety.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kiddo's take: From the outside, it looks like something out of a commercial -- but the taste actually lives up to its looks. The pastry and icing parts are very sweet (in a good way), and they are perfectly complemented by the fruitiness of the inside filling, which has an absolutely fantastic taste! I hardly ever eat toaster pastries/pop-tarts, but I think I may start to now!
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries (Cherry Pomegranate flavor): Just like the original, only better.

 Want more Sweet on Trader Joe's reviews?  Here are the items we've tried so far:

• cowboy bark
• butter almond thins
• chocolate ganache torte
• caramel bites
• milk chocolate truffle bar
• mini ice cream cones
• milk chocolate peanut butter pretzels
• pink lemonade cupcakes
• dark chocolate chunk and almond cookies
• fleur de sel caramels
• the best ice cream bars
• sea salt butterscotch caramels
• mini triple chocolate bundt cakes
• mini chocolate hazelnut biscotti 
• blueberry cheesecake ice cream wedges
• Joe Joe's  
• meyer lemon cookie thins 
• milk and dark chocolate covered almonds