Solvang Breakfast at Home: How to Make Danish Kringle from Scratch

If you’ve ever strolled through the charming streets of Solvang, California, you know this little Danish village is a pastry lover’s dream. Among its many sweet treasures, one breakfast treat stands out: the Danish Kringle—a buttery, flaky pastry filled with almond, cinnamon, or fruit and topped with a sweet glaze. The good news? You don’t have to travel to Solvang to enjoy it.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make a traditional Danish Kringle from scratch—right in your own kitchen. Inspired by Solvang’s famous bakeries, this recipe brings together the flavors of Scandinavian breakfast traditions and the comfort of homemade pastry. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or simply craving a cozy morning treat, this guide will walk you through each step, from preparing the yeast dough to glazing the finished Kringle.

Ready to bake like you’re in Solvang? Let’s get started.

🥐 Why You’ll Love Making Danish Kringle at Home

Making Danish Kringle from scratch might sound like a bakery-level challenge, but it’s actually a fun and rewarding way to bring a bit of Solvang’s Danish charm into your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, here’s why you’ll fall in love with baking this flaky, sweet pastry at home:

1. Inspired by Solvang’s Danish Breakfast Culture

Solvang is famous for its rich Scandinavian heritage and charming bakeries lined with Kringles in all shapes and flavors. By baking your own at home, you’re recreating a small piece of that cultural experience—without leaving your kitchen. It’s a delicious way to travel through food.

2. A Sweet and Flaky Pastry for Any Morning

With its buttery layers, sweet filling, and delicate icing, Danish Kringle is the perfect addition to any breakfast table. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or served as part of a weekend brunch, it delivers both comfort and indulgence in every bite.

3. Perfect for Holidays, Brunch, or Cozy Weekends

Danish Kringle isn’t just a breakfast pastry—it’s a celebration treat. Serve it during the holidays, for family brunches, or on slow weekend mornings when you want something extra special. Its elegant appearance also makes it a standout addition to any breakfast spread.

4. Easier Than It Looks—Beginner Friendly!

While the Kringle may look like something out of a fancy bakery window, it’s actually surprisingly simple to make at home with the right guidance. No need for special equipment—just basic ingredients, a little patience, and a desire to enjoy fresh pastry made from scratch.

🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need for a Traditional Kringle

To create an authentic Danish Kringle like the ones found in Solvang’s beloved bakeries, you’ll need a mix of simple pantry staples and a few specialty ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering that signature flaky, buttery texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Key Ingredients – Butter, Yeast, and Almond Paste

At the heart of every Kringle is a soft, rich dough made with cold butter, active dry yeast, flour, milk, and a touch of sugar. The dough is folded and rolled to create delicate layers similar to a light puff pastry.
One of the most iconic fillings is almond paste—a smooth, sweet mixture that adds richness and a traditional Danish flavor to the pastry.

Tip: For a more pronounced nutty flavor, you can mix almond paste with a little softened butter and powdered sugar before spreading.

2. Optional Fillings – Cinnamon Sugar, Berries, or Pecans

While almond is the most classic choice, Kringle is highly adaptable. Popular Solvang-inspired variations include:

Cinnamon sugar for a warm, cozy taste
Raspberry or cherry jam for a fruity twist
Chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch

These fillings can be used on their own or combined for a custom flavor that suits your taste.

3. Icing Glaze and Toppings for the Classic Finish

After baking, the Kringle is topped with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract. For added texture and beauty, many Solvang bakeries sprinkle:

Toasted almonds
Chopped pecans
Festive sugar crystals

The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the Kringle its glossy, bakery-style appearance.

4. Where to Find Authentic Ingredients (Online or Local Stores)

Some ingredients—like almond paste or cardamom—may not be pantry staples. Look for them at:

European or Scandinavian grocery stores
Baking supply shops
Online retailers like Amazon or specialty food sites

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make almond paste at home with ground almonds, powdered sugar, and egg whites.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Danish Kringle from Scratch

Making Danish Kringle from scratch is a rewarding process that combines a few key baking techniques with simple ingredients. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks, especially with this step-by-step guide inspired by Solvang’s iconic Danish bakeries. Follow along to create a flaky, buttery pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

1. Preparing the Yeast Dough Base

Start by making a soft, rich yeast dough that forms the foundation of the Kringle.

Ingredients for the dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 egg
½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and warm milk together, then add to the flour mixture.
Stir until combined, then knead briefly until the dough forms a soft ball. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. How to Roll, Shape, and Fill the Pastry

Once chilled, it’s time to roll, fill, and shape the Kringle into its signature oval form.

To shape:

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
Spread your chosen filling (e.g., almond paste, cinnamon sugar, or raspberry jam) down the center third of the dough.
Cut slits along the edges of the dough (about 1 inch apart), then fold the strips diagonally over the filling to create a braid.
Carefully shape the braided dough into an oval and pinch the ends together.

Tip: Place the shaped Kringle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet before braiding to make transferring easier.

3. Baking Tips for a Flaky, Golden Finish

Preheat your ov e n to 375°F (190°C).
Let the shaped Kringle rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature while the oven preheats.
Brush the pastry with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before glazing.

4. Glazing and Serving Your Homemade Kringle

Make a simple glaze using:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the slightly cooled Kringle. Top with sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or festive sugar sprinkles if desired.

Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with coffee or tea for a cozy Scandinavian-style breakfast.

✨ Tips for Authentic Flavor and Texture

Creating the perfect Danish Kringle isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s also about mastering the little touches that give it that authentic Solvang flavor and bakery-quality texture. These expert tips will help you elevate your homemade Kringle into something truly special.

1. Solvang-Inspired Variations (Cardamom, Raspberry, or Custard)

While almond paste is the traditional filling, bakeries in Solvang often offer unique takes on the Kringle that you can easily recreate at home:

Cardamom spice: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist that’s common in Scandinavian baking.
Raspberry jam: Spread a thin layer of seedless raspberry or cherry jam for a fruity, vibrant center.
Custard or cream cheese: Make a Danish-style custard filling or mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest for a creamy layer.

Pro tip: Layer fillings carefully to avoid leaking during baking—especially with fruit spreads.

2. Secrets to Buttery, Layered Pastry Texture

The signature flaky texture of a Kringle comes from properly layering and chilling the dough. Here’s how to perfect it:

Use cold butter and avoid over-handling the dough to keep it tender.
Chill the dough after mixing and again after shaping to ensure clean layers when baked.
Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen and helps it crisp on the outside.

Rolling the dough thin and evenly also ensures the layers bake consistently and puff up beautifully.

3. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Techniques

Kringle is a great make-ahead option for holiday mornings or special breakfasts. Here’s how:

Prepare the dough a day in advance and chill overnight for even better flavor.
Assemble and freeze unbaked Kringles, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Freeze baked Kringle (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through and then glaze fresh.

4. Avoiding Common Mistakes with Yeast Dough

Even experienced bakers run into dough troubles. Here’s how to keep things smooth:

Make sure your yeast is fresh—expired yeast won’t rise properly.
Use warm, not hot, milk (about 110°F or 43°C) when activating yeast.
Don’t add too much flour—the dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to work with after chilling.

If your dough feels too firm or dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to loosen it before chilling.

🫖 How to Serve Kringle for a Cozy Solvang-Style Breakfast

Once your freshly baked Danish Kringle is glazed and golden, it’s time for the best part—serving it in true Solvang fashion. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, these ideas will help you present and enjoy your Kringle like you’re in the heart of California’s Danish village.

1. Pairing with Scandinavian Breakfast Drinks (Coffee or Tea)

A warm slice of Kringle pairs beautifully with classic Scandinavian beverages. For a true Solvang-style start to your day, consider:

Strong black coffee served in a ceramic mug, just like the local bakeries.
Scandinavian egg coffee, a unique mild brew that complements sweet pastries.
Spiced herbal tea, such as cardamom or cinnamon, for a cozy, fragrant touch.

For an authentic experience, serve your drinks in Danish-patterned mugs or glass teacups.

2. Creating a Danish-Inspired Breakfast Spread

Turn your Kringle into the centerpiece of a beautiful breakfast spread. Surround it with:

Sliced cheeses (like Havarti or Danish blue)
Fresh fruit such as berries, orange segments, or apples
Boiled eggs or soft scrambled eggs
Mini smoked salmon toasts or rye crackers for a savory touch

This balance of sweet and savory reflects the Scandinavian love of contrast and creates a well-rounded meal.

3. Great Ideas for Brunch Boards or Holiday Mornings

Danish Kringle makes a perfect addition to holiday breakfasts or special brunches. Try:

Slicing the Kringle into thin wedges and arranging them on a wooden board with fruit and pastries.
Serving alongside mini Danish pancakes (Æbleskiver) for a full Solvang-inspired menu.
Adding edible flowers or herbs (like mint) for a festive look during spring or Christmas mornings.

Pro tip: Slightly warm the Kringle in the oven just before serving to bring out the aroma of the butter and fillings.

4. Gift-Worthy Kringle: Wrap and Share with Friends

Kringle isn’t just a breakfast treat—it’s also a thoughtful, homemade gift. Wrap it in parchment, tie with baker’s twine, and attach a tag that reads “Fresh from My Kitchen – Solvang-Style Kringle.”
Perfect for:

Holiday gift baskets
Neighbor or teacher appreciation
Bringing to a brunch gathering or potluck

It’s a sweet, meaningful gift that looks impressive but comes from the heart.