What it is: This California-based confectionery uses only the finest raw ingredients.

Why we love it: Think creamy brown sugar covered in rich, dark chocolate, with chocolate rice on top. The richness is enough to kick any craving for cocoa ($20.40 per 1-lb. box).

What it is: Baci means “kiss” in Italian—a fitting name for a chocolatier based in the romantic city of Perugia, Italy.

Why we love it: Not only are these dark-chocolate-coated hazelnut pralines out of this world, but each is wrapped with a note inscribed with a quote or proverb on love or friendship ($5.99 per 9-piece heart box).

What it is: The sisters at Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey in Massachusetts (the oldest monastery in the U.S.) make these chocolates by hand.

Why we love it: This variety of sweet treats includes dark-chocolate butternut munch, dark-chocolate almond bark, chocolate-walnut fudge and maple-walnut penuche ($52 for the 4-lb., 12-oz. variety).

What it is: Chef Jacques Torres was one of the first artisan chocolatiers in the U.S. to make his own chocolate from cocoa beans. His chocolate chip cookies are chock-full of oozing, luscious dark chocolate. 

Why we love it: This French Kiss mix brings Jacques right into your kitchen. After one bite, you’ll understand why it’s Torres’s most popular cookie ($13 per boxed mix).

What it is: These chocolates are made by the Kras company in Croatia, combining European confection with Oriental flavor.

Why we love it: Between two layers of chocolate is a hazelnut-almond nougat filling. Cooks have tried replicating this dessert with recipe variations, but they’re not the same as the real thing! ($10.99 per box.)

What it is: Bissinger’s sources its cocoa beans from West Africa and Nigeria to create the freshest gourmet confections.

Why we love it: Our editor says all her relatives living in the Midwest adore this St. Louis–based chocolatier! Try the generously sized hand-decorated chocolate petits fours layered with chocolate icing, or the vanilla cakes with raspberry jam ($32 for 20 pieces).

What it is: A simple creation for hot-cocoa lovers! Dip the wooden stick in a cup of hot milk, and the block of real Belgium chocolate dissolves.

Why we love it: This product combines innovation with the highest-quality chocolate. Available in milk, dark chocolate, hazelnut or Cointreau ($2.95 per stick).

What it is: The label gives away the origin of this bar: It’s a classic Greek chocolate favorite.

Why we love it: One of our editors swears this is the best chocolate of all time! You may have to go on a hunt to track it down, but once you do, stock up on the variety of flavors ($2.99 per bar).

What is it: This Oregon-based chocolatier uses only the freshest local ingredients to create a variety of truffles, sauces and chocolate-covered delicacies.

Why we love it: The company combines two of our favorite things in their box of wine truffles, made with local Oregon Cabernet, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir ($21.95 for a box of 15).

What it is: This Parisian chocolate company creates each product in the finest French tradition.

Why we love it: The glazed chestnuts make the perfect cold-weather treat. They melt in your mouth, leaving a delicious sweet taste in their place ($52 for a 10-piece box).

Click here for dessert, candy and drink recipes from famous chocolatiers and pastry chefs.

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