Wienerbrød

The epitome of a cozy Sunday breakfast in Denmark is a crispy sweet treat known as Danish pastry. It is made with laminated dough, where the dough is repeatedly covered with butter and folded over itself. The result is a creation that is quite similar to puff pastry. The dough is shaped into different forms and filled with flavorful, creamy fillings. Traditional fruit fillings such as apple and raspberry, vanilla custard, and almond paste are Danish favorites, but due to its popularity, the fillings are usually region-specific. For example, cinnamon is more favored during the winter season, while readily available fresh fruit is occasionally incorporated into Danish pastry during the warmer months. The pastry is often decorated with almond flakes or lemon drizzle, which contribute to a more sophisticated look and provide more interesting flavors and textures. It is believed that Danish pastry was created by Austrian bakers who were hired in Denmark during the bakers' strike in 1850, and they brought a tradition of preparing laminated dough to the country. They modified the recipe by adding more butter to create what is today known as Danish pastry. However, in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway it is referred to as wienerbrød, originating from the name Viennese bread, and in Vienna, it is often called Kopenhagener plunder. Today, this pastry is an internationally recognized baked product that is found in many European countries and both North and South America. With intricate designs and a variety of flavors, it represents a staple pastry of every bakery and a favorite sweet breakfast of many people.