As a family and senior photographer in Arizona, one of the top tips I share with my clients to help their session go smoothly actually doesn’t happen at the photoshoot! It's all about planning a little something to look forward to afterwards—a sweet reward!



And as a self-proclaimed sugarholic, I'm always on the hunt for the best dessert spots in the East Valley, AZ. Whether you're in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Tempe, or Scottsdale, I’ve rounded up 25+ of the best treat spots to enjoy after your photo session (or any day, really!).

Why Plan a Treat After Your Photoshoot?

Whether you love being in front of the camera or not, photo sessions—especially with kiddos or extended family—can take a lot of energy. You've put in the effort to get dressed up, smile through the chaos, chase littles around in a field, and stay patient through all the posing. So why not celebrate with a well-earned treat afterwards?!

If you're donut obsessed like me, you have to try Outcast Doughnuts in Mesa. My husband’s aunt brought me a box after I had my second baby, and it was the best welcome-home treat ever. They're creative, fresh, and just pure happiness in every bite!

Try out this fun tradition after your next photo session, it's a great way to make photo day something the whole family looks forward to!

Gilbert, AZ

• SodaRush – 1522 S Gilbert Rd Suite 107 & 1495 N Higley Rd #107

• Topo – 301 N Gilbert Rd

• The Toasted Mallow – 1034 N Gilbert Rd Unit 2

• Twisted Sugar – 1440 S Higley Rd Suite 104 & 2904 S San Tan Village Pkwy #103

• Scoopwell’s Dough Bar – 325 N Ash St Unit 101

• Salt & Straw – 3150 E Ray Rd Ste 178

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – 1672 E Guadalupe Rd

• Chunk Cookies – 4331 E Baseline Rd Unit 106

• Swig – 4311 E Baseline Rd Ste. 101A & 2919 S Market St #101

• Rise Up Bakery – 861 N Higley Rd Unit 109

• Eegee’s – 3535 E Baseline Rd & 3640 S Val Vista Dr

• Sodalicious – 1245 N Gilbert Rd

• Jeremiah's Italian Ice - 85 E Warner Rd Unit 104

Mesa, AZ

• Crème & Chocolats – 1744 S Val Vista Dr

• Piefection – 6731 E Brown Rd #104

• Sweet Retreat – 445 E Main St #101

• Twisted Sugar - 10851 E Baseline Rd Suite 102

• Outcast Doughnuts – 104 W Main St Suite 103 (My absolute favorite!)

• Pied Piper Bakery – 1356 S Gilbert Rd Suite B1

• Dolce Vita Gelato & Grocery – 5251 E Brown Rd Unit 104

• Swig – 2010 E Brown Rd

• Dirty Dough Cookies – 1920 S Stapley Dr Suite 111

• Eegee's - 1460 S Crismon Rd

• Crave Cookies - 2733 N Power Rd Unit 105

Tempe / Scottsdale, AZ

• Joe’s Italian Ice – 2019 S McClintock Dr, Tempe

• Piefection – 9015 E Via Linda #103, Scottsdale

• Sugar Bowl – 4005 N Scottsdale Rd

• Handel’s – 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1062 & 6137 N Scottsdale Rd

• Urban Cookies Bakeshop – 8776 E Shea Blvd Unit 108

• Sprinkles Cupcakes – 4501 N Scottsdale Rd Unit 101

• Sweet Republic - 410 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 105

Chandler, AZ

• Piefection – 2100 W Chandler Blvd #33

• Swig – 1020 E Ray Rd

• Milkshake Factory - 4955 S Alma School Rd Suite# 4955-13



• Insomnia Cookies - 250 S Arizona Ave

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream - 50 E Warner Rd

• Pie Snob - 250 S Arizona Ave Suite #4

• Paris Baguette - 3450 W Chandler Blvd Suite 3450E

Queen Creek / San Tan Valley, AZ

• Twisted Sugar – 24750 S Ellsworth Rd #101 & 2510 E Hunt Hwy Suite 21

• SodaRush – 40815 N. Ironwood Rd. #100

• Piefection – 20311 S Ellsworth Rd #113

• Bahama Buck’s – 21137 E Rittenhouse Rd Suite 101

• Handel’s – 21182 Ellsworth Loop Rd Suite 104

• Sodalicious – 20850 E Heritage Loop Rd

• Jeremiah's Italian Ice - 20784 E Victoria Ln Unit 107

Make It a Celebration!

No matter what kind of photoshoot you have coming up next, planning a post-shoot stop for something sweet turns the whole experience into a fun memory. I mean, if you’re going to smile for an hour straight, you deserve a cookie (or two)!