Spanish desserts are like something out of a children’s dream: rich, decadent and most importantly, sweet. With the variety of different shops and unfamiliar desserts in Madrid, we know it can be a daunting task to start seeking out the best sweet treats in Madrid. So, here is a list of some of the best places to get you started:
Chocolatería San Ginés
Ubiquitous in Spain, churros are an absolute staple. A quick google search on the best churros in Madrid will lead you to San Ginés, a true darling of international media—with good reason. Both locals and tourists alike flock here for their signature churros, which are both rich and buttery, with enough bite on the outside while retaining a soft, fluffy chew on the inside. These have held against the test of time since their opening in 1894, a testament to their quality. Give the porras, a thicker, more doughy version of the churros (think along the lines of an ang moh you tiao) a try as well. Remember to get a cup of hot chocolate a la taza to dunk these delicious deep-fried treats in. The chocolate is slightly sweet and luxuriously rich, pairing beautifully with the freshly fried dough and elevating it to another dimension (tip: when we say the chocolate is rich, we mean really rich—a cup is more than enough for two people, so order wisely!). The best part? It’s open 24 hours, all year round, so pop in anytime you have a hankering for something sweet and satisfying.
La Mallorquina
Like San Ginés, La Mallorquina was opened in 1894, and is one of the oldest and most established pastelerías in Madrid. Their flagship store on Puerta del Sol is always crowded. With pastries and cakes of all shapes and sizes filling up the displays, you’ll simply be spoiled for choice. The best time to go would be 8.30am when it opens, but even then, the shop fills up fast. Their napolitanas and ensaïmadas are fan favourites, but do try the milhojas—another traditional Spanish dessert featuring alternating sheets of puff pastry and cream.
La Casa de las Torrijas
Many Spanish desserts are tied to religious holidays, and one of such being torrijas. These sweet, fried breads with a faint waft of cinnamon are every bit as decadent and delicious as you might (similar to French toast, but dare we even say better?), so much so that it is quite impossible to fathom how the Spanish only eat them around Easter, once a year. Luckily, not only do the folks at La Casa de las Torrijas serve these all year round, they also happen to be some of the very best that the city has to offer. Served in a variety of different flavours such as milk or sweet wine, these are sinful but they are truly worth every single calorie.
Los Artesanos 1902 Chocolate
Another popular spot for churros con chocolate, the family-run Los Artesanos take pride in the blend of their chocolate, made up of a blend of 3 different South American cacaos. Get the floretas (available covered in chocolate, honey or sugar and cinnamon), a Los Artesanos exclusive. Vegan, lactose and gluten-free options are available here as well—meaning everyone can be part of the dipping action.
Rocambolesc
What, an ice cream shop? Yet at Rocambolesc, you won’t just be getting any ol’ ice cream. For one, it just so happens that its owner is the youngest of the famous Roca brothers, who run the three-Michelin starred El Celler de Can Roca. While the menu is limited to just six different flavours at a given time, with flavours like baked apple and fig, its offerings are anything but boring. You can choose three toppings to pair with your flavour of choice, or leave it to the experts at the counter who will recommend the best combinations. The ice cream is similar to a soft-serve, but intensely elevated with the myriad of different toppings. The panets, a hot brioche bun filled with ice cream are also worth a try, giving contrast between hot and cold. A must-visit stop for something different and unforgettable.
Casa Mira
This humble looking confectioner is famous for its turrón (nougat), which is still handmade according to a traditional recipe from 1855. It is especially popular during Christmas as part of the festivities, and luckily, available in Casa Mira all year round in a variety of different flavours. The turrón here is so good that it was once the supplier to the Royal Household, and may very well be the best turrón in Spain. While not exactly the cheapest, the quality more than makes up for it. They also make for excellent souvenirs to bring home. A variety of sweet treats are also available here, all handmade the traditional way. Many have recommended the pan quemado (burnt bread), a breakfast bun similar to a sweet brioche bun.
El Riojano
Another stickler for tradition, El Riojano produces mainly traditional Spanish cakes and pastries. In particular, give the pastas de los consejos (council cookies), small C-shaped, lemon cakes, a try, named as such as they were usually served when the Consejo de Estado (Council of State) was held. If you’re visiting around New Year’s, this also makes an excellent stop to sample roscon de reyes, another holiday-exclusive treat that is only available around Three King’s Day.
