How can something named after an slimy bug taste so good? The Danes have managed it with their famous kanelsnelge (cinnamon bun). Enjoy one for breakfast-dessert (that’s a thing! After you eat your eggs) or with your afternoon coffee.
A dough base rolled and twisted with cinnamon, sugar and plenty of butter is universal, while a topping of chocolate, sugar glaze (glasur) or powdered sugar is optional. Though you can get a kanelsnegle at almost any bakery or supermarket, the best ones can be found at a few choice locations around the city.
Here are our favorite, dare we say the best, cinnamon buns or kanelsnelge in Copenhagen:
Skt Peders Bageri
Copenhagen’s favorite bakery makes a mean version of the city’s favorite treat. The star of the show is their beloved Onsdag Snegle (Wednesday Snail), a larger roll that’s specially priced on Wednesdays only (15 DKK!). They’re fluffy, fresh-baked and packed with cinnamon.
Features |
Crunchy sugar crystals on top, not too sweet, strong cinnamon flavor |
Dough |
Bread-like |
→ Skt Peders Bageri
Sankt Peders Stræde 29
1453 København K
Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun Closed
Det Rene Brød
An organic bakery that does not skimp on the taste (or the sugar), these flaky beauties are almost dripping with cinnamon-buttery goodness. Make note: this kanelsnegle disproved our theory that height is necessary for the best taste.
Features |
Soft in the middle, crunchy on the outside, not too sweet, buttery flavor |
Dough |
Flaky |
→ Det Rene BrødRosenvængets Alle 17 |
Østerbrogade 103 2100 København Ø Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun 6:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Godthåbsvej 45 2000 Frederiksberg Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 6:00 am – 7:00 pm Sat & Sun 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Nørrebrogade 42 2200 København N Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Fri & Sat 6:00 am – 7:00 pm Sun 6:30 am – 6:00 pm |
Nørrebrogade 176 2200 København N Opening Hours: Everyday 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Kronprinsessegade 62 1306 København N Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun 6:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Meyers Bageri
A gooey, chocolatey option that you won’t want to miss, the Meyers Bageri cinnamon snail is a slightly more dessert-like take on the classic. All the important parts – the light crunch of the buttery pastry, the cinnamon – are there too.
Features |
Chocolate glaze on top, strong caramelized sugar and butter flavors |
Dough |
Flaky but sturdy |
→ Meyers BageriAmagerbrogade 48 |
Classensgade 33 2100 København Ø Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun 7:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Jægersborggade 9 2200 København N Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun 7:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Gl. Kongevej 103 1850 Frederiksberg Opening Hours: Everyday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
St. Kongensgade 46 1264 København K Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun 7:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Kgs. Nytorv 13 Basement at Magasin du Nord 1095 København K Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 10:00 pm Sat & Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
Andersen Bakery
A mainstay on the Danish pastry world for over 50 years, Andersen’s two locations are constantly producing fresh, handmade pastries. Their kanelsnegle are tender, flaky and delicious.
Features |
Cinnamon glaze on top, very sweet |
Dough |
Flaky but sturdy |
→ Andersen BakeryBernstorffsgade 5 Opening Hours: |
Gl. Kongevej 148 1850 Frederiksberg C Opening Hours: |
Lagerkagehuset
Lagkagehuset has bakeries all over the city, so you’re never far from your next kanelsnegle. They tend to stay traditional, but that doesn’t mean their offerings are boring.
Features |
Very sweet, sugar glaze on top |
Dough |
Flaky |
→ LagkagehusetFrederiksborggade 6 Opening Hours: |
Frederiksberggade 21 1459 København K Opening Hours: |
Torvegade 45 1400 København K Opening Hours: |
Il Buco
Il Buco, the bakery and cafe in Islands Brygge, makes a strong case for the crunchy, flaky dough kanelsnegle. Their delicious iteration, topped with a caramelized sugar that’s not cloying, is life changing when had freshly baked (and they’re always freshly baked).
Can’t make it out to Il Buco? You can grab their kangelsnegle at La Dispensa and La Banchina, and many of the bakeries goods at locations around the city – they’re bread and other pastries are also excellent. But the real joy is having one of these right at their cafe with a cup of coffee and a few minutes to yourself. The bakery becomes a wonderful Italian eatery and wine bar in the evening!
Features |
Crunchy outside. Thick, not too sweet cinnamon sugar filling |
Dough |
Flaky |
→ Il Buco
Njalsgade 19C
2300 København S
Opening Hours:
Every day 7:30 am – midnight
Also available at La Dispensa and La Banchina.
Honorable Mentions
→ Holms Bager
→ Vedels Konditori & Bageri
→ Emmerys
Did we miss your favorite kanelsnegle in Copenhagen? Tell us about it!