Best pastries in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a haven for pastry lovers, known for its mouthwatering Danish pastries (or «wienerbrød»), flaky croissants, and a host of other baked delights. From historic bakeries serving traditional recipes to trendy spots experimenting with modern flavors, Copenhagen’s pastry scene is a must-explore for anyone with a sweet tooth. Here’s your guide to the best pastries in Copenhagen and where to find them.

1. Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelsnegle)

a. What It Is

A classic Danish treat, kanelsnegle is a spiral of buttery, cinnamon-infused dough, often topped with icing or sugar.

b. Where to Try It

Lagkagehuset (Ole & Steen)
- Location: Multiple locations across Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Their cinnamon rolls are perfectly balanced—soft, sweet, and just the right amount of spice.
Andersen Bakery
- Location: Islands Brygge 10, 2300 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Their kanelsnegle are famous for being rich, gooey, and generously spiced.

2. Spandauer (The Original Danish)

a. What It Is

The quintessential Danish pastry, a spandauer is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with custard or jam and often topped with a light glaze.

b. Where to Try It

Meyers Bageri
- Location: Jægersborggade 9, 2200 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: This bakery is known for elevating the spandauer with high-quality, organic ingredients.
Skt. Peders Bageri
- Location: Sankt Peders Stræde 29, 1453 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Copenhagen’s oldest bakery (dating back to 1652) serves some of the best traditional spandauer in the city.

3. Cardamom Buns (Kardemommesnurrer)

a. What It Is

A Nordic favorite, these buns are twisted, soft, and infused with fragrant cardamom. They’re less sweet than cinnamon rolls but just as irresistible.

b. Where to Try It

Hart Bageri
- Location: Gl. Kongevej 109, 1850 Frederiksberg.
- Why It’s Special: Run by a former Noma pastry chef, Hart Bageri creates cardamom buns with perfect layers and a balanced spice profile.
Juno the Bakery
- Location: Århusgade 48, 2100 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Juno’s cardamom buns are legendary, with a cult following thanks to their fluffy texture and rich flavor.

4. Wienerbrød (Danish Pastry)

a. What It Is

The classic Danish pastry is buttery, flaky, and often layered with fillings like almond paste, custard, or jam.

b. Where to Try It

Democratic Coffee
- Location: Krystalgade 15, 1172 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Known for their almond-filled Danish pastries paired with some of the best coffee in town.
Holm’s Bager
- Location: Vimmelskaftet 49, 1161 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: A central bakery that offers authentic Danish wienerbrød in a variety of flavors.

5. Tebirkes

a. What It Is

A savory-sweet pastry sprinkled with poppy seeds and filled with remonce (a buttery sugar paste).

b. Where to Try It

Brød Bakery
- Location: Enghave Plads 7, 1670 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Their tebirkes are flaky yet substantial, with a perfectly buttery filling.
Andersen & Maillard
- Location: Nørrebrogade 62, 2200 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Known for its sophisticated pastries, their tebirkes is a crowd favorite.

6. Fastelavnsboller (Danish Cream Buns)

a. What It Is

A seasonal treat, these buns are filled with custard or whipped cream and often topped with chocolate or icing. Traditionally enjoyed around Fastelavn (Shrovetide).

b. Where to Try It

La Glace
- Location: Skoubogade 3, 1158 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Copenhagen’s oldest patisserie serves an indulgent version of fastelavnsboller.
Bageriet Brødflov
- Location: Amagerbrogade 110, 2300 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Their cream buns are light, airy, and filled with seasonal flavors.

7. Rugbrød (Rye Bread Pastries)

a. What It Is

While typically a staple for savory dishes, rugbrød is also incorporated into sweet pastries, like rye bread cakes or cookies.

b. Where to Try It

Ole & Steen (Lagkagehuset)
- Location: Multiple locations across Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Offers inventive twists on traditional rye-based pastries.
Emmerys
- Location: Østerbrogade 103, 2100 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Organic and fresh, their rye pastries are both hearty and flavorful.

8. Chocolate Pastries

a. What It Is

Chocolate-filled or topped pastries are a favorite in Copenhagen, often made with dark, rich chocolate for a more balanced sweetness.

b. Where to Try It

Andersen & Maillard
- Location: Nørrebrogade 62, 2200 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Their chocolate croissants are expertly crafted with high-quality chocolate and perfectly flaky dough.
Leckerbaer
- Location: Ryesgade 118, 2100 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Famous for their small, delicate pastries that feature chocolate in creative ways.

9. Flødeboller (Cream Buns)

a. What It Is

A light marshmallow fluff coated in chocolate, often set atop a wafer or marzipan base. Not a pastry in the strictest sense, but a beloved Danish sweet treat.

b. Where to Try It

Summerbird Organic
- Location: Kronprinsensgade 11, 1114 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Known for their gourmet flødeboller in various flavors like raspberry and licorice.
Magasin du Nord Food Hall
- Location: Kongens Nytorv 13, 1095 Copenhagen.
- Why It’s Special: Offers a variety of flødeboller from some of Copenhagen’s best chocolatiers.

Tips for Enjoying Pastries in Copenhagen

Arrive Early: Many bakeries sell out of popular items by mid-morning, so get there early for the freshest pastries.
Pair with Coffee: Copenhagen’s coffee culture is top-notch, making a pastry-and-coffee pairing a must.
Take Your Time: Danish pastries are meant to be savored—don’t rush the experience.
Try Seasonal Specials: Some pastries, like fastelavnsboller, are only available during certain times of the year.

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen’s pastry scene is a blend of tradition and innovation, offering something for every taste. Whether you’re indulging in a buttery spandauer or savoring the spice of a kardemommesnurrer, these bakeries and cafés will leave you craving more.

For more culinary tips and foodie guides, check out helpful guides to plan your ultimate Copenhagen pastry adventure.

Best pastries in Copenhagen