Sweet Madrid: Where to Find the Best Churros, Pastries, and Traditional Desserts
Madrid is paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth—churros, pastries, and old-school treats seem to pop up on every block. You can sample legendary churros with thick chocolate at iconic spots like Chocolatería San Ginés, or wander into beloved bakeries such as Horno de San Onofre for classic Spanish pastries.
From timeworn pastelerías to new-wave dessert shops, you’ll stumble across both local favorites and unexpected twists. Whether you’re ducking into a hidden sweet shop or making a beeline for a famous bakery, Madrid’s dessert scene always seems to blend tradition and flavor in every bite—sometimes in ways that surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- Madrid’s desserts: churros, pastries, and classic sweets
- Both famous and under-the-radar bakeries offer unique flavors
- Traditional and modern dessert experiences are easy to find
The Churros con Chocolate Tradition
Churros con chocolate stands out as one of Madrid’s most cherished treats. People—locals and travelers alike—gather at cafés for these crisp, golden pastries dipped in thick hot chocolate. It’s woven into daily routines and special moments.
History of Churros in Madrid
Churros have been around in Spain for centuries. Some say Spanish shepherds first cooked them over open fires because they were simple and filling. By the late 1800s, churros had really caught on in Madrid, especially in local cafés or “churrerías.”
Pairing churros with hot chocolate took off with the arrival of places like Chocolatería San Ginés, which opened back in 1894. Churros became a morning staple, popular for breakfast or even as a late-night snack. Madrid’s churros are usually thin and lightly crisp, not quite like the fatter ones you’ll find elsewhere in Spain.
How to Enjoy Churros con Chocolate
If you want to do churros like a true Madrileño, order a plate of piping-hot churros with a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate. The churros themselves aren’t overly sweet and taste best fresh from the fryer. Spanish hot chocolate is so thick it’s almost pudding—perfect for dipping.
A classic spot like Chocolatería San Ginés serves churros 24/7, so you’ll see crowds at breakfast and after a night out. Some folks sprinkle sugar on top or go for porras (bigger, fluffier cousins of churros). The whole thing feels social and a little indulgent—a true part of Madrid’s sweet tradition.
Famous Chocolaterías in Madrid
Madrid’s chocolaterías have a reputation for serving some of the best churros con chocolate in Spain. These cafés offer rich hot chocolate paired with crunchy, fresh churros, and they’re kind of a must for anyone hooked on sweets.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Chocolatería San Ginés has been around since 1894, tucked near Puerta del Sol. It’s probably the most famous place in Madrid for churros con chocolate. The vibe is classic—white marble tables, green wood walls, and a feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
People show up at all hours since San Ginés is open nearly 24/7. Locals and tourists alike come for the simple menu: crisp churros and a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate.
The café is woven into the city’s food culture and just about every guidebook recommends it. Many say these are the best churros in Madrid, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine skipping it if you’re chasing the churros con chocolate tradition.
Other Must-Visit Hot Chocolate Spots
Madrid doesn’t stop at San Ginés. Chocolatería Valor is famous for its silky chocolate and a tempting pastry selection. Los Artesanos 1902 is family-run, friendly, and known for specialties like filled churros and house-made dipping chocolate.
La Antigua Churrería uses a recipe that’s been in the family for four generations. Each café has its own spin, but thick chocolate and hot, fried dough are the main event.
If you’re wandering near the center, Churrería Madrid 1883 brings an old-world vibe and sits close to Plaza Mayor. With so many hot chocolate stops, you can sample both the old and the new. For more ideas, check out this list of top places for delicious churros in Madrid.
Traditional Pastelerías and Bakeries
Madrid’s historic bakeries are all about tradition, unique recipes, and a real devotion to quality. Many have served locals for generations, still offering classic Spanish sweets and pastries in places that feel like a trip back in time.
El Riojano
El Riojano opened in 1855 and quickly became one of Madrid’s icons. Founded by a royal pastry chef, it sits right in the city center and draws both locals and curious visitors. The wood-paneled interior and vintage charm make it easy to imagine Madrid from another era.
El Riojano is famous for its wide range of Spanish pastries and baked goods. Some favorites: pastas de té (tea cookies), rocas de chocolate (chocolate rocks), and cream-filled classics. During the holidays, their roscón de reyes is a big hit. Many folks love sitting in the tea room, coffee in hand, taking in the original pastry displays.
They stick to traditional methods and recipes that haven’t changed much over the years. El Riojano is still a must for anyone chasing Madrid’s pastry legacy.
Antigua Pastelería del Pozo
Antigua Pastelería del Pozo has been around since 1830—one of the oldest cake and pastry shops in Madrid. It’s tiny and cozy, just steps from Puerta del Sol in the city center.
Their specialty is the empanada de cabello de ángel, filled with sweet pumpkin or squash threads. Come Christmas, locals line up for roscón de reyes and turrón. Most treats are still handmade and baked in stone ovens, keeping old techniques alive for today’s customers.
Antigua Pastelería del Pozo has a reputation for quality and authenticity. Locals turn to it for special occasions, and it’s always mentioned in conversations about Madrid’s traditional sweets.
Casa Mira
Casa Mira started in 1855 and is a staple for anyone who loves turrón, the classic Spanish nougat. The place gets especially busy at Christmas, with families picking up boxes of turrón and marzipan for gifts or celebrations. Marble counters and old-school décor add to the charm.
The star here is turrón de Jijona—a soft almond nougat—but you’ll also find turrón duro (hard nougat), marzipan animals, and candied fruits. Recipes have stayed in the family for generations, and they’re serious about keeping the flavors traditional.
If you want classic Spanish sweets made with care, Casa Mira won’t let you down.
Classic Pastry Offerings
Madrid’s traditional bakeries serve up pastries that really show off local tastes and history. Some classics:
- Rosquillas (anise or lemon donuts)
- Napolitanas (filled puff pastry—usually chocolate or cream)
- Palmeras (big, crispy pastries shaped like palm leaves)
- Bartolillos (triangle-shaped, custard-filled pastries)
- Pestiños (honey-coated fried dough, especially at holiday time)
Most bakeries use recipes that haven’t changed much in a century. Some keep the classics year-round, others bring out special treats for festivals or holidays. Sampling these pastries at a historic pastelería is a pretty tasty way to get a feel for Madrid’s food traditions.
Seasonal and Festive Sweets
Madrid has a sweet spot for special treats tied to holidays and festivals. These desserts run deep in the city’s culture and usually pop up at certain times of year. Each one brings its own flavors, textures, and stories.
San Isidro Rosquillas
San Isidro rosquillas are a must during the San Isidro festival in May. They’re small, round, and often glazed or dusted with sugar. You’ll find different types: “tontas” (plain), “listas” (glazed), “de Santa Clara” (with meringue), and “francesas” (with almonds).
People buy them by the dozen at bakeries and street stands. Eating these rosquillas is part of honoring Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. Factories and historic bakeries keep their recipes close, but every version has a crisp bite and gentle sweetness.
San Isidro rosquillas aren’t just a snack—they’re a yearly ritual. The flavors are simple, but for lots of families, sharing them is a tradition that brings everyone together.
Roscón de Reyes
Roscón de Reyes is a big, ring-shaped sweet bread eaten every January 6th for Three Kings’ Day. It’s topped with colorful candied fruit and sometimes filled with whipped cream or custard.
Bakers tuck two surprises inside: a little trinket and a dry bean. Whoever finds the trinket gets to wear a paper crown, and whoever gets the bean buys the next roscón. Friends and family gather to eat it and mark the end of the Christmas season.
Roscón de Reyes shows up in supermarkets and traditional bakeries in Madrid right after New Year’s. Its soft, citrusy dough and festive look make it a favorite for all ages.
Exploring Madrid’s Modern Dessert Scene
Madrid’s dessert world isn’t stuck in the past. New bakeries and chefs are putting fresh spins on classic sweets—think bold designs, unusual flavors, and global influences. These days, you can find creative desserts and eye-catching displays all over the city. There’s always something new to try, and honestly, that’s half the fun.
Contemporary Bakeries and Cafés
Modern bakeries in Madrid mix sleek interiors with a tempting parade of pastries. Some of these places are as much about the look as the flavor—every tart or cake behind those glass cases seems designed to catch your eye. Rows of glossy cakes, jewel-toned tarts, and perfectly layered viennoiseries fill the counters.
Popular Picks:
- Macarons with a Spanish twist
- Mini-cakes topped with whatever fruit’s in season
- Gourmet brownies and cookies
The city’s favorite bakeries, like La Duquesita and La Mallorquina, pull in crowds by updating old-school breads and sweets just enough to keep things interesting. Locals seem to stick with their favorites, but food tourists are always hunting for the best bakeries in Madrid.
Ambience:
Tables don’t stay empty for long in these trendy spots, so showing up early or booking ahead is a good idea. Staff usually greet you with a smile, and open kitchens let you peek at the bakers in action.
Fusion and Innovative Pastries
Madrid’s new patisseries love to shake things up. You’ll see Spanish desserts remixed with flavors from all over. Cheesecakes might get a hit of Mediterranean lemon, churros show up filled with matcha cream or dunked in Belgian chocolate, and croissants sometimes ooze with local honey and almond cream.
Creative highlights include:
- Churros reimagined as pastry bars
- Cronuts & cronuts stuffed with Spanish jams
- Tarts loaded with tropical fruit or a dash of unusual spices
Menus change with the seasons—whatever’s fresh or trending tends to show up. You’ll spot gluten-free or vegan sweets, and honestly, most taste just as good as the originals. If you’re in the mood for something new, Madrid’s dessert scene never seems to run out of surprises, especially as pastry chefs push boundaries with bold designs and unexpected combos.
Tips for Experiencing Madrid’s Best Sweets
Madrid’s got a long-standing passion for pastries and sweets. Picking the right spot at the right time—and knowing a few local habits—can make every treat taste even better.
When and Where to Indulge
Morning is prime time for churros dunked in chocolate. Locals hit up classic cafés like Chocolatería San Ginés early, especially on weekends. Then there’s merienda, late afternoon, when bakeries like La Mallorquina buzz with folks grabbing pastries and coffee.
Most bakeries close for a midday break and come back to life in the afternoon. If you want the freshest sweets—especially the seasonal ones—go when they open. Try both the famous bakeries and the little neighborhood spots; each has its own specialties, and honestly, hopping around is half the fun.
Local Customs and Eating Etiquette
People in Madrid often eat sweets standing at the counter. Sharing is normal, especially with churros or those massive pastries. You’ll see folks pairing their treats with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
It’s polite to say hello to bakery staff and ask for suggestions if you’re not sure what to order. Some desserts only show up during certain festivals, so don’t skip the traditional stuff. Takeaway is easy, but if you can, stay and soak up the vibe—it’s part of the experience. Just a heads-up: some cafés charge extra for table service, so it’s worth checking before you sit down.
Conclusion
Madrid’s got a wild variety of sweet treats to try. From crispy churros with thick chocolate to delicate pastries, there’s honestly something for everyone.
Popular Churro Spots in Madrid
- Chocolatería San Ginés
- Los Artesanos 1902
- La Antigua Churrería
These places get a lot of love for sticking to classic recipes and bold flavors. Still, plenty of shops aren’t afraid to put their own spin on things.
Beyond churros, you’ll find cakes, tarts, and cookies all over Madrid. Pastries like napolitanas and rosquillas are pretty much local staples—look for them in cafés and sweet shops everywhere.
If you’re hoping to sample a bunch of specialties, places like La Mallorquina and Chocolatería Puerta Del Sol have a huge selection. Most pair perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of treats to look for:
| Dessert | Where to Try |
|---|---|
| Churros con Chocolate | Chocolatería San Ginés |
| Napolitanas | La Mallorquina |
| Violetas (candies) | La Violeta |
| Rosquillas | Various local bakeries |
Wandering into a local dessert shop is probably the easiest way to get a taste of Madrid’s food culture. Many stay open late, so squeezing in a sweet bite is never a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Madrid’s packed with spots for churros, classic pastries, and old-school Spanish sweets. Some bakeries are famous for their signature treats, and a few desserts make solid souvenirs to take home.
What are the top churro spots to visit in Madrid?
Chocolatería San Ginés almost always tops the list for churros—people rave about the thick chocolate. Chocolatería Puerta Del Sol is another local favorite, always busy with folks craving churros con chocolate.
El Riojano, a historic bakery near Puerta del Sol, serves up churros along with a bunch of traditional pastries.
Which pastries are considered a must-try at La Mallorquina?
La Mallorquina is best known for napolitanas—sweet pastries stuffed with chocolate or cream. Don’t miss the trenza de crema (a custard braid) or milhojas, that flaky, layered pastry.
People also talk up their ensaimadas, a pillowy, sugar-dusted spiral bun.
Where can one find the most traditional Spanish desserts in Madrid?
El Riojano stands out for classics like rosquillas (ring-shaped pastries) and bartolillos (cream-filled turnovers). La Mallorquina and La Violeta have been serving the city’s favorite desserts for generations.
Old-school cafés sometimes offer torrijas—a Spanish take on French toast, usually around Easter.
What are the best places near Plaza Mayor for churros?
Close to Plaza Mayor, Chocolatería San Ginés is just a quick walk and is always a safe bet for churros and chocolate. El Riojano is nearby too, and folks praise it for both sweets and history.
Plenty of cafés and bakeries around the square serve churros, but these two usually top the recommendations.
Which desserts should you definitely bring back from Madrid?
La Violeta’s violet candies come in pretty boxes and make a unique Madrid souvenir. Marzipan, turrón (nougat), and traditional cookies from places like El Riojano are easy to pack and last well.
Polvorones (crumbly almond cookies) and mantecados are holiday favorites and sold in gift tins.
When is the typical time to enjoy churros in Madrid?
People in Madrid usually grab churros for breakfast or as a snack after a long night out. Honestly, locals can’t resist them as a late afternoon treat either, especially when they come with that thick, rich hot chocolate.
You’ll spot folks munching on fresh churros at cafés or from street vendors all day long, but if you ask anyone, the early morning just feels like the real deal.
