Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth on Hilton Head Island, SC? Look no further than these 14 delectable dessert spots. In this article, we will guide you through a mouthwatering journey of the island's best sweet spots, offering a variety of indulgent treats to suit every craving.
Whether you're a fan of freshly baked goods, creamy gelato, or gluten-free options, Hilton Head Island has something to delight every dessert lover. From the delightful creations at Hilton Head Social Bakery South to the authentic Italian gelato at Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar, and the delectable treats at The G-Free Spot, this article has got you covered for all your dessert needs.
Jump to places
- Kilwins Hilton Head Shelter Cove
- The Ice Cream Cone
- The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop
- The G-Free Spot
- POPS of Hilton Head Island
- Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar
- Frozen Moo
- Hilton Head Ice Cream
- Cinnamon Bear Country Store
- Frosty's Italian Ices & More
- Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
- The French Bakery & European Cuisine
- Sweet Frog
- The Purple Cow
Kilwins Hilton Head Shelter Cove is a traditional store known for selling chocolates, confections, fudge, and their original recipe ice cream. According to guests, this location stands out as one of their favorites. Visitors appreciate the exceptional customer service provided by the owner, Max, who is known for his friendly and helpful nature.
Despite the challenges faced in staffing over the past couple of years, this place has consistently delivered great experiences. One guest mentions having a waiting line on all three of their visits within a six-day period but assures others that the wait is well worth it.
The staff at Kilwins make themselves available to answer any questions about their ice cream flavors, cones, and toppings, even suggesting trying a candied apple before leaving. Reviewers highly recommend their chocolate shakes, which are served with a generous pound of ice cream.
While the quality is superb, it is important to note that this indulgent treat comes with a price tag of $14. In addition to their shakes, guests also enjoy the turtles fudge, cup of cookies and cream, and homemade waffle cones, where they can witness the enticing process of their creation.
Furthermore, Kilwins Hilton Head Shelter Cove offers a wide selection of other delectable homemade candies to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Kilwins Hilton Head Shelter Cove Full Review
The Ice Cream Cone is a storied and family-owned deli/parlor that stands out among the dessert options in Hilton Head Island. Guests rave about the extensive selection of flavors, making it a must-visit spot for ice cream enthusiasts. People say that the Graham Central Station and Peanut Butter Cookie Dough flavors are particularly delicious.
Despite long lines in the evening, visitors commend the staff for their efficiency in ensuring quick service. Indoor seating is available for those who prefer to enjoy their treats in a cozy atmosphere. However, parking can be a bit of a challenge. One reviewer expressed their love for this ice cream place, claiming it to be the best they've ever had.
Even someone who doesn't typically enjoy ice cream was won over by the smooth texture and top-tier flavors, with the dark chocolate raspberry truffle emerging as a favorite. Additionally, guests appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, who go the extra mile to create a pleasant experience.
People also mention the owner's cool collection of fossils on the wall and the interactive Q&A sessions he does with kids, making it a memorable visit for families. Overall, The Ice Cream Cone is highly recommended for its delicious ice cream, welcoming staff, and unique ambiance.

The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop is a popular dessert spot on Hilton Head Island. With a menu featuring classic American comfort food, drinks, and ice cream, it's a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. People rave about the delicious flavors and variety offered at the shop.
Visitors have expressed their love for the strawberry oreo, butter pecan, and cake batter ice cream flavors. The shop is also known for its tasty root beer floats. While the lines may be long, they move quickly, ensuring a swift and enjoyable experience.
Beyond the delectable treats, The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop offers a unique experience with stores and a cafe. Guests can even take a tour of the ice cream factory located on the other side of the cafe. To avoid a long walk, it is recommended to drive to the far end of the parking lot.
So, next time you're in south beach on Hilton Head Island, make sure to visit The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop for a fun and delicious dessert experience.

The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop Full Review
Located on Hilton Head Island, The G-Free Spot is a cafe that is definitely worth a visit. People say that it is absolutely amazing, especially for those with dietary restrictions such as celiac disease or allergies. Visitors mention that the staff at The G-Free Spot are knowledgeable, accommodating, and friendly, making it a pleasant experience for everyone.
One guest even mentioned driving an hour from Beaufort SC just to come back before leaving, highlighting the exceptional service and delicious food. With a variety of gluten-free goodies on offer, including breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, key lime tarts, lemon bars, and cheesecake, guests rave about the delectable flavors.
The friendly staff are always willing to help customers make the best choices. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, The G-Free Spot is a must-visit bakery and cafe with a great atmosphere and cleanliness that is sure to impress.

If you're looking for a delightful dessert spot in Hilton Head Island, look no further than POPS. This little store is one you do not want to miss! Guests rave about the incredible variety of frozen pops, with flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Visitors especially love the Brownie Caramel Cream Root Beer pop, describing it as absolutely delicious. But POPS is not just about the desserts - it's also about the experience. People appreciate being able to have direct conversations with the owner, who is known for his friendliness and creates a welcoming atmosphere with Christian music playing in the background.
The store also offers a fantastic assortment of nostalgia candies, leading many guests to reminisce and say, "remember this?" The variety of unique and vintage-style candy is another reason why POPS is worth visiting. With friendly and kind service, POPS has quickly become a favorite dessert destination for many.

POPS of Hilton Head Island Full Review
Located in Hilton Head Island, Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar is a gem that dessert enthusiasts won't want to miss. People rave about the owner's expertise and helpfulness, particularly when it comes to accommodating gluten allergies. Visitors appreciate the incredible cones, which are wrapped in white paper to ensure clean hands.
One reviewer even claims that the lavender cone is their personal favorite. Beyond the cones, Nonna Marie's offers a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including unique options like Pear with Fig and Mystical Unicorn, which has an indescribable taste.
Guests also recommend trying the Tiramisu gelato. Additionally, you might even have the chance to meet Chai, the beloved shop dog. With its delicious treats, extensive flavor selection, and friendly atmosphere, Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar is a must-visit for dessert lovers in Hilton Head Island.

Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar Full Review
Frozen Moo is a family-owned dessert parlor that is worth visiting for its wide selection of icy treats. People say that the hot fudge sundaes at Frozen Moo are exceptional, with delicious ice cream and perfectly layered hot fudge. One reviewer highly recommends trying the single scoop hot fudge sundae with chocolate fudge ice cream, describing it as smooth, creamy, and full of flavor.
Another guest shared a heartwarming experience, where one of the staff members saw their three-year-old drop her ice cream cone and promptly brought them a replacement without even being asked. This act of kindness truly astonished and grateful the guests.
Visitors also love the amazing variety of 92 flavors available, stating that every flavor they tried was fantastic. Despite being busy most of the time, the staff at Frozen Moo impressively manages the chaos and provides excellent service with a smile.

Hilton Head Ice Cream offers a wide variety of tasty and creamy ice cream choices that have garnered high praises from visitors. With flavors made on-site, guests can indulge in the deliciousness this long-standing shop has to offer. People have raved about the friendly and quick service provided by the staff, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.
For those with food allergies, this ice cream shop goes above and beyond by listing all flavors with egg, dairy, nut, and gluten allergies. In addition, guests can enjoy their treats in the nice outdoor sitting area, adding to the overall charm of the place.
Despite the slight challenge in locating the shop due to the subtle signage in Hilton Head, visitors are glad they persisted because Hilton Head Ice Cream is truly a fantastic place to satisfy one's sweet tooth.

Hilton Head Ice Cream Full Review
Cinnamon Bear Country Store is worth visiting for its delicious ice cream and friendly service. According to people, the ice cream scoops are huge and reasonably priced, with a triple scoop for just $10. Visitors also mentioned that the store provides extra bowls so each kid can have their own, showing their attention to customer satisfaction.
One guest even mentioned that the single scoop in a waffle cone was the biggest they had ever seen. The prices are fair and the ice cream is described as delicious. In addition to their sweet treats, the store offers a variety of items and candies. The gentlemen working there are friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Though parking may be difficult, those in the area highly recommend Cinnamon Bear Country Store for its delectable ice cream options and fun shopping experience. It should not be confused with the Harbour Town General Store.

Cinnamon Bear Country Store Full Review
Frosty's Italian Ices & More is a dessert place worth visiting on Hilton Head Island. This family-owned establishment offers an array of sweet treats, from ice cream and gelato to fudge and candy. Visitors rave about the quality of their products and the friendly service they receive.
According to one guest, the strawberry banana Italian ice is simply amazing. Another highlights that Frosty's makes their own gelato, with flavors like pistachio and strawberry that are both excellent. The service at Frosty's is consistently praised, with workers going out of their way to be extremely kind and accommodating.
With an assortment of delectable flavors and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Frosty's Italian Ices & More is certainly a dessert destination to return to.

Frosty's Italian Ices & More Full Review
Italian ices & frozen custards star at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a counter-serve chain that offers a range of other cold treats. Guests say that a Gelati from this place is one of the best desserts they have had in a while. The Gelati consists of mouthwatering layers of cherry Italian Ice and creamy vanilla frozen custard.
What makes the experience even more enjoyable is the beautiful seating area right outside the shop, complete with shaded benches and live music from nearby restaurants. Visitors particularly love the wide variety of flavors available, such as mango and strawberry coconut.
One reviewer mentions the friendly and helpful service they received from a young man named "C." Another guest highlights the reasonable prices, noting that their family of five enjoyed a variety of sizes and flavors for only $27, compared to a pricier ice cream stop the day before.
For those who prefer frozen custard over yogurt and ice cream, Rita's is a must-visit dessert destination.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Full Review
The French Bakery & European Cuisine is a charming cafe that locals and visitors rave about. People say that it has some of the best pastries around, with the almond croissant being described as "TOO DIE FOR" and the fruit tart being "absolutely perfect.
" The mocha is also highly praised for its rich flavor. Guests feel like they are in a French countryside patisserie and are grateful for the experience, as they often express their gratitude with a "Merci Beaucoup." In addition to their delectable pastries, the cafe also offers a light menu for breakfast and lunch.
Visitors appreciate the attentive and friendly service, as well as the prompt delivery of their orders. One reviewer mentions ordering the peach crepes with bacon on the side, paired with an iced caramel oat milk latte, while their spouse enjoyed the mixed berry French toast with sausage and orange juice.
They both found their meals to be tasty and satisfying. Overall, The French Bakery & European Cuisine is a hidden gem on Hilton Head Island, offering an amazing breakfast experience that comes highly recommended.

The French Bakery & European Cuisine Full Review
Sweet Frog is a popular dessert spot on Hilton Head Island, known for its vast selection of soft-serve frozen yogurt and sorbet. Visitors rave about the variety of flavor combinations available, making it the go-to place for froyo enthusiasts. Families particularly appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and consider it a perfect spot for a fun outing in the afternoon.
Guests also mention that it's an ideal location to relax and hang out with friends. One delighted guest exclaimed that Sweet Frog is home to the best froyo, highly recommending it to anyone. They especially loved the tart flavor and the abundance of toppings to choose from.
However, not all guests had the same experience. One visitor was disappointed by the small portion size, considering the high price they paid for their order. Another guest found several selections to be icy and slushy in texture, expressing their dissatisfaction with the overall quality.
Despite such negative remarks, Sweet Frog remains a dessert destination that attracts many due to its extensive flavor options and enjoyable ambiance.

The Purple Cow is a bakery in Hilton Head Island that offers an array of baked-to-order donuts, mini cheesecakes, and flavored martinis. Visitors say that this place is worth a visit because of its delicious and beautiful cakes. One guest mentioned how important it was for their family to have a stunning and tasty cake for their husband's birthday, and The Purple Cow went above and beyond to deliver.
Another guest raved about their vegan and regular donuts, praising the quick and efficient service. With tables and chairs available, guests can enjoy their treats on-site. The bakery's one-woman show has received excellent reviews, with guests noting how everything they tried was both yummy and unique, particularly mentioning the warm and freshly baked donuts.
The Purple Cow's cozy and quirky environment adds to the overall experience. Whether one is craving donuts, cheesecakes, or martinis with a twist, The Purple Cow is a dessert destination not to be missed.
