Krakeling – Europe

Krakeling is a brittle, usually sweet pretzel-shaped pastry native to Northern Europe. Krakeling has a long history in Denmark and is still widely available in modern bakeries. In contrast to the traditional kringle and pretzel shapes, Krakeling is typically manufactured today with just one crossing rather than two. Puff pastry (like Danish pastry) or yeast dough may be used to make Krakeling, which is then dusted with coarse sugar, nut flakes, or icing and filled with marzipan, and raisins, or both.

The history of Krakeling’s unique shape can be traced to when local bakers laboring late into the night warned the city in defense of the approaching enemy when Vienna was under siege by the Turkish Ottoman army in 1529. The Pope later recognized these brave bakers for their efforts by permitting them to include a crown in their kringle guild insignia.