Spanisch Brötli

Spanisch Brötli is a delightful pastry from Baden, Switzerland, celebrated for its light, flaky texture and scrumptious filling of roasted hazelnuts and apricot jam. Imagine biting into layers of delicate dough with a rich, fruity, and nutty center—pure bliss! The pastry is easily identifiable by the "X" cut into its top, which allows steam to escape during baking, ensuring a flawless finish.

The history of Spanisch Brötli dates back to the 1700s. It was first mentioned by Samuel Hottinger and quickly became a favorite among Zurich's affluent residents. In those days, these pastries were so coveted that servants would embark on a 25-kilometer journey to Baden early in the morning just to fetch them. The opening of the Swiss Northern Railway in 1847 was a game-changer; it reduced the travel time to just 45 minutes and the railway even earned the nickname Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn due to the pastry's popularity.

However, as time passed, Spanisch Brötli's fame dwindled, and by the 20th century, it was nearly forgotten. But in 2007, local bakeries revived this classic with innovative twists to the traditional recipe. Today, you can relish this historic treat under the trademark "Spanischbrödli" a tribute to its rich heritage and enduring appeal.