As Fat Tuesday rolls into Chicago, paczki, the delectable Polish pastries that are a staple of the holiday's indulgence, are making their way into the hands (and stomachs) of eager Chicagoans. With origins tracing back to the 1700s, paczki, described by NBC Chicago as the sweeter, richer cousins of doughnuts, were crafted with a mission to use up lard, sugar, and fruit before the Lent season's fasting began.
This year’s Paczki Day, officially on Tuesday, February 13, was preceded by a weekend of festivities, including an alternative celebration on Thursday, February 8, for traditionalists who prefer the Polish schedule. Although some bakeries have shuttered their doors, the city's love for this puffy, fruit-filled treat persists as dozens of bakeries and grocery stores whip up these specialties. Boasting more than eggs, yolks, and lemon oil, paczki are known for their unique texture that "fluffs right back up," according to Delightful Pastries owner Dobra Bielinski, in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago. Over 30 local bakeries, including favorites like Delightful Pastries and Stan’s Donuts, continue the pastry-making tradition for both newcomers and aficionados alike.
Yet, changes to Chicago's paczki pantheon can be felt. With storied establishments such as Dinkel’s Bakery and Sweet World Pastry now absent, the landscape has evolved. The hunt for the best paczki, however, remains an annual tradition. According to a report by Eater Chicago, Bennison’s Bakery, Deerfields Bakery, and Hewn are among the local joints keeping the paczki pride alive. Bennison’s Bakery, specifically, offers over ten different flavors of paczki, with ordering available online for those who plan ahead.
From the traditional rosehip and plum butter fillings to inventive new flavors such as salted caramel and banana cream, the variety of paczki has exploded to accommodate every palate. Venues like KD Market-Krystyna's Deli cater to traditional tastes, while other hotspots, including Smack Dab Chicago, quickly sell out their pastries, which come with a side of innovation—think raspberry lemon curd and vanilla pastry cream. Those with a taste for the spirit-infused can find solace, and perhaps a sugar rush, in Delightful Pastries’ “Drunken Paczki” offerings, like moonshine and lemon.
As Chicagoans join the lines already forming outside esteemed bakeries, grocery chains from Mariano's to Pete’s Fresh Market also stock up, ensuring the paczki buzz reaches every corner of the city. What was once a Polish specialty has undoubtedly woven itself into the fabric of Chicago's diverse food tapestry, reminding us that food, especially when it's as sumptuous as paczki, knows no cultural bounds.
