A German pastry similar to a cinnamon roll, Franzbrötchen is especially popular in Hamburg and other cities in northern Germany. Often eaten at breakfast, it can also be enjoyed with coffee or tea later in the day.
The name "Franzbrötchen" translates to "little French breads." Some say it was inspired by French croissants, while others say it was created as a rebellion by German bakers against Napoleon’s occupation.
The pastry is flaky and made with butter-laminated dough, similar to a croissant. One legend says that a Hamburg baker fried a longish "Franzbrot" (French bread) in fat, which is the origin of the Franzbrötchen name. Another legend suggests the pastry was inspired by Scandinavian cinnamon rolls.
The pastry is celebrated with a food holiday called Franzbrötchentag on 21 November.
