National Pastry Day

National Pastry Day, observed each year on December 9, invites people to enjoy the baked goods they often reach for on busy mornings or special occasions. Croissants, danishes, éclairs, and fruit-filled tarts all fall into this category, each shaped by different technique and an emphasis on texture.

The day also draws attention to the craft behind pastries—the handling of dough, the importance of temperature, and the techniques that create flaky or airy textures many people enjoy without thinking about how much skill they require.

What are Pastries?

Pastries are baked goods made from dough enriched with butter or another fat, which creates tenderness and, in some cases, flaky layers. They can be sweet or savory and range from simple crusts to more elaborate layered or filled items. Pastry chefs work with several dough types to achieve different structures and textures.

Five classic pastry doughs in French cuisine include:

• Shortcrust – A tender, crumbly dough used for pies and tarts.
• Flaky – Dough with layers of fat that bake into a crisp, delicate texture.
• Puff – A laminated dough that rises into many airy layers as steam expands during baking.
• Filo – Paper-thin sheets used in dishes such as baklava and other Mediterranean or Middle Eastern pastries.
• Choux – A light dough that forms hollow shells for éclairs, cream puffs, and profiteroles.

Many regions have their own pastry traditions shaped by local ingredients and techniques.

When Is National Pastry Day Celebrated?

National Pastry Day is observed every year on December 9. It’s a moment to enjoy pastries in any form—whether that means picking up a croissant on your morning walk, baking a tart at home, or exploring something new from your local bakery. Since the date stays the same each year, it’s an easy celebration to look forward to.

Fun Facts About Pastries

Pastries aren’t just about taste—they’ve got some intriguing history and science behind them too! Here are a few facts to make you appreciate that next bite even more:

• Puff pastry contains hundreds of layers. A well-made puff pastry can reach more than 700 layers through the repeated folding of dough and butter. Steam trapped between these layers is what creates its dramatic rise.

• Croissants have Austrian roots. The modern croissant evolved from the Austrian kipferl, which was brought to France in the 1700s. Over time, French bakers refined the dough into the laminated pastry known today. There is even a National Croissant Day on January 30.

• Choux pastry relies on cooked dough. Unlike most doughs, choux starts on the stovetop. Heating flour with water, butter, and eggs creates a structure that expands in the oven, forming the hollow shells used for éclairs and cream puffs.

• The first known recipe for doughnuts (which are often considered a form of pastry) dates back to 1803 and was included in an English cookbook. Pastries like doughnuts have evolved greatly since then, with endless variations available today.

• Filo dough is rolled so thin you can read through it. Traditional filo is stretched until almost transparent. Its delicate sheets are layered with butter or oil to create crisp, fragile textures in dishes like baklava and börek.

• Many pastries began as festival foods. In several cultures, pastries developed as part of holiday or seasonal traditions. Examples include Portugal’s pastéis de nata, Germany’s Berliner, and India’s festive samosas made for celebrations.

• Temperature plays a major role in pastry-making. Cold butter helps create flaky layers, while high oven heat sets the structure quickly. Even small temperature changes can affect the final texture, which is why pastry work often requires precise handling.

How to Celebrate National Pastry Day

There are many easy ways to celebrate National Pastry Day, whether you enjoy baking or prefer picking up treats from your favorite shop. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Visit Your Favorite Bakery: Support local pastry chefs by visiting a nearby bakery and treating yourself to a freshly baked pastry. Whether it’s a buttery croissant, a fruit-filled danish, or a chocolate éclair, enjoy the artistry behind each bite.
• Try Making Pastries at Home: While some pastries require advanced techniques, many can be made at home with a bit of practice. Experiment with different doughs and fillings, and challenge yourself to create a pastry masterpiece.
• Explore Pastries from Around the World: Use National Pastry Day as an opportunity to explore pastries from other cultures. Try making or purchasing baklava, churros, or pastéis de nata to expand your pastry horizons.
• Share Pastries with Loved Ones: Pastries make the perfect gift, so consider sharing your favorite pastries with friends or family to spread the joy of this delicious day.