Coffee and pastries are a perfect pairing, and every coffee lover knows the joy of indulging in a flaky, sweet, or savory treat alongside their favorite brew. From buttery croissants to decadent muffins, here’s a ranking of the best coffee shop pastries, their unique charms, and tips to enjoy them to the fullest. These pastries, paired with the right coffee, can turn your coffee shop visit into an indulgent experience that’s worth savoring. Which one will you try next?
Croissant
Details: Buttery, flaky layers that melt in your mouth, perfect with any coffee.
Best Pairing: A cappuccino or a café au lait enhances the rich buttery flavors.
Tip: Warm it up slightly for peak flakiness.
Victor Protasio
Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissant)
Details: A croissant filled with rich, gooey chocolate.
Best Pairing: Goes wonderfully with a dark roast or espresso.
Tip: Choose one with high-quality dark chocolate for a less sugary, more balanced taste.
hannah taylor eddington
Blueberry Muffin
Details: Sweet and moist, bursting with tangy blueberries.
Best Pairing: Try it with a mild latte or a floral Ethiopian coffee.
Tip: Look for muffins with a crumbly streusel topping for added texture.
Emma Fishman
Cinnamon Roll
Details: Soft, gooey, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with icing.
Best Pairing: A chai latte or spiced coffee complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Tip: Heat it up for a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Almond Croissant
Details: A croissant filled with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
Best Pairing: Pairs beautifully with a nutty Americano.
Tip: Opt for freshly baked ones to enjoy the crisp exterior and creamy filling.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Scone
Details: Dense yet crumbly, often flavored with fruits like cranberry or lemon.
Best Pairing: Pairs well with a black tea latte or a flat white.
Tip: Spread some butter or jam to elevate its flavor.
inspiredtaste
Cheese Danish
Details: A creamy, tangy cheese center surrounded by flaky pastry.
Best Pairing: Enjoy it with a vanilla latte or a sweet cold brew.
Tip: Balance the richness with a coffee that has bright, fruity notes.
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Banana Bread
Details: Moist, sweet loaf with a deep banana flavor, often with nuts or chocolate chips.
Best Pairing: Best with a medium roast or iced coffee.
Tip: Toast a slice and spread with a little butter for added indulgence.
Christopher Testani New York Times
Morning Bun
Details: A mix between a croissant and a cinnamon roll, with citrusy notes.
Best Pairing: Perfect with a bright, acidic pour-over coffee.
Tip: Look for one with caramelized edges for extra flavor.
Alex Lau
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Details: A classic treat, soft and gooey or crispy depending on your preference.
Best Pairing: Great with a mocha or a bold espresso.
Tip: Ask for it warmed for gooey chocolate goodness.
Chelsie Craig
Raspberry Bar
Details: A buttery shortbread base topped with tangy raspberry preserves and a crumbly topping.
Best Pairing: A light roast coffee highlights its fruity sweetness.
Tip: Enjoy it as a mid-morning pick-me-up for a quick energy boost.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Lemon Pound Cake
Details: Dense and zesty with a tangy glaze on top.
Best Pairing: Complements a sweetened iced coffee or a mild latte.
Tip: A slice goes a long way—perfect for sharing.
Victor Protasio
Apple Turnover
Details: A flaky pastry filled with spiced apple compote.
Best Pairing: Try it with a spiced chai latte or a caramel macchiato.
Tip: A warm turnover is irresistible.
The Spruce/Bahareh Niati
Coffee Cake
Details: A soft cake with a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping.
Best Pairing: Ideal with a cup of black coffee.
Tip: Look for one with a ribbon of cinnamon swirl for extra flavor.
Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe
Pumpkin Muffin
Details: Seasonal favorite, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Best Pairing: Perfect with a pumpkin spice latte or a robust dark roast.
Tip: Topped with cream cheese frosting for added decadence.
The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga
Biscotti
Details: A crunchy Italian cookie often studded with nuts or chocolate.
Best Pairing: Dunk it in an espresso or cappuccino for the full experience.
Tip: Almond or pistachio varieties are classic and pair well with coffee.
Andrew Purcell New York Times
Chocolate Babka
Details: A rich, braided bread swirled with chocolate and cinnamon.
Best Pairing: Great with a mocha or a strong drip coffee.
Tip: Slightly warm it to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Con Poulos
Madeleine
Details: A small, shell-shaped French sponge cake.
Best Pairing: A delicate pairing with a flat white or light tea.
Tip: These are best fresh, with a slight crisp on the edges.
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Oatmeal Cookie
Details: Chewy and spiced, often with raisins or chocolate chips.
Best Pairing: Pairs well with a caramel macchiato or vanilla latte.
Tip: Check for ones with a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor twist.
Ciara Kehoe
Savory Ham and Cheese Croissant
Details: A buttery croissant stuffed with ham and melted cheese.
Best Pairing: A bold black coffee or a cortado complements the savory richness.
Tip: Ideal for a light breakfast with protein to keep you energized.
The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni
