Morning desserts are a universal indulgence. Whether it’s a light pastry with a cup of coffee or something sweet to enjoy alongside a soothing tea, every culture has its morning favorites. Here, we’ve gathered a diverse list of 31 worldwide morning desserts that pair wonderfully with either coffee or tea, offering a delicious start to the day.
1. Cinnamon Rolls (USA)
Soft, sweet rolls filled with cinnamon and sugar, these are perfect for a cozy morning. The soft dough, combined with the rich cinnamon flavor, pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Fun fact: Cinnamon rolls are so beloved that they even have their own day in Sweden, celebrated as Kanelbullens Dag on October 4th!
Popular Spot: Cinnaholic (Various locations in the USA). Average Price: $5-$8.
2. Pain au Chocolat (France)
A buttery, flaky croissant filled with rich chocolate, offering a delightful balance to a strong cup of coffee or a delicate black tea. This pastry dates back to the early 19th century in France, where it became a bakery staple after being introduced by Viennese bakers to Parisian patisseries.
Popular Spot: Boulangerie Poilâne (Paris, France). Average Price: €2.50-€4.
3. Biscotti (Italy) – Since the 14th Century
These crisp, twice-baked cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. Biscotti originated in the Tuscan city of Prato and were first made as durable snacks for travelers. Have you ever dipped biscotti in your coffee? Try it for a satisfying crunch that softens in just the right way.
Popular Spot: Mattei Biscottificio (Prato, Italy). Average Price: €10 for a package of traditional biscotti.
4. Banana Bread (USA)
Moist, sweet bread made with ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it with coffee or herbal tea, the banana flavor combined with spices like cinnamon creates a warm, comforting start to your day. Banana bread gained widespread popularity during the Great Depression in the 1930s when home bakers looked for ways to use overripe bananas.
Popular Spot: Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery (New York, USA). Average Price: $4-$6 per slice.
5. Danish Pastries (Denmark) – Since the 1850s
Flaky, buttery pastries filled with fruit, custard, or cream cheese. Their light sweetness pairs well with the bitterness of coffee or the smoothness of tea.
Popular Spot: Lagkagehuset (Copenhagen, Denmark). Average Price: 35-50 DKK (€4.70-€6.70) per pastry.
6. Almond Croissants (France)
Filled with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds, these rich croissants offer a nutty richness that goes perfectly with coffee or green tea.
Popular Spot: Pierre Hermé (Paris, France). Average Price: €4-€6.
7. Tiramisu (Italy) – Since the 1960s
A coffee-flavored classic, layered with mascarpone and cocoa. Tiramisu originated in the Veneto region of Italy and quickly became a favorite dessert. Its name means “pick me up,” likely due to the energizing combination of espresso and cocoa.
Popular Spot: Le Beccherie (Treviso, Italy) – widely known as one of the original creators of Tiramisu. Average Price: €8-€10.
8. Pastel de Nata (Portugal) – Since the 18th Century
These creamy custard-filled tarts in flaky pastry were created by Catholic monks in Lisbon to use up leftover egg yolks.
Popular Spot: Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon, Portugal) – the legendary shop with a secret recipe. Average Price: €1.20 per tart.
9. Kanelbullar (Sweden)
Swedish cinnamon buns with a hint of cardamom provide warm spice flavors that balance beautifully with coffee or chai tea.
Popular Spot: Fabrique (Stockholm, Sweden). Average Price: 30-45 SEK (€3-€4.50) per bun.
10. Scones (UK) – Since the 1500s
Fluffy, lightly sweetened biscuits often served with jam and clotted cream, these are perfect with English Breakfast tea or coffee.
Popular Spot: Claridge’s (London, UK) – famous for their afternoon tea. Average Price: £5-£8 per scone.
11. Rugelach (Eastern Europe)
Crescent-shaped pastries filled with jam, nuts, or chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect with coffee or tea for a delightful morning snack.
Popular Spot: Breads Bakery (New York, USA) – known for their chocolate rugelach. Average Price: $3 per piece.
12. Shaved Ice (Taiwan)
A refreshing dessert topped with fresh fruits and sweet syrups. It’s a lighter option that pairs beautifully with iced coffee or iced tea on warm mornings.
Popular Spot: Ice Monster (Taipei, Taiwan). Average Price: NT$200-300 (€6-€8.50).
13. Egg Tarts (Hong Kong/Portugal) – Since the 19th Century
These light, flaky pastries are filled with creamy egg custard, making them an ideal morning treat with either tea or coffee.
Popular Spot: Tai Cheong Bakery (Hong Kong). Average Price: HK$10-12 (€1-€1.30) per tart.
14. Mochi (Japan) – Since 794 AD
Soft, chewy rice cakes filled with sweet red bean or matcha.
Popular Spot: Gion Tsujiri (Kyoto, Japan) – known for their matcha-flavored mochi. Average Price: ¥200-¥400 (€1.50-€3).
15. Croissant (France) – Since the 19th Century
The classic buttery, flaky pastry is simple yet satisfying, perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a light white tea.
Popular Spot: Du Pain et des Idées (Paris, France). Average Price: €2-€3.
16. Sticky Buns (USA)
These sweet rolls covered in sticky caramel offer a rich contrast to black coffee or a spiced chai tea.
Popular Spot: The Dutch (New York, USA). Average Price: $5-$7.
17. Madeleines (France) – Since the 18th Century
Light, buttery, shell-shaped cakes that pair beautifully with a light, floral tea or a rich cup of coffee.
Popular Spot: La Grande Épicerie de Paris (Paris, France). Average Price: €1.50-€2.50 each.
18. Palmiers (France)
Crisp, sugar-dusted puff pastry shaped like hearts. The crunch of these delicate treats is perfect for coffee or tea.
Popular Spot: Ladurée (Paris, France). Average Price: €3-€4.
19. Black Forest Cake (Germany) – Since the 1930s
Rich chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream.
Popular Spot: Café Schäfer (Triberg, Germany) – said to be one of the original creators of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Average Price: €4-€5 per slice.
20. Lamingtons (Australia) – Since the Early 1900s
Sponge cake dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut.
Popular Spot: Flour and Stone (Sydney, Australia). Average Price: AU$5-AU$8 (€3-€5).
21. Dutch Baby Pancakes (USA)
Fluffy, oven-baked pancakes, often served with fruit or powdered sugar.
Popular Spot: The Original Pancake House (Portland, USA). Average Price: $10-$12.
22. Chocolate Babka (Eastern Europe)
A sweet, braided bread filled with swirls of chocolate.
Popular Spot: Breads Bakery (New York, USA) – their babka is a modern legend. Average Price: $12-$14 per loaf.
23. Sfogliatella (Italy) – Since the 17th Century
Crisp, layered pastry filled with sweet ricotta.
Popular Spot: Attanasio Sfogliatella (Naples, Italy). Average Price: €2-€3.
24. Zeppole (Italy) – Since 1837
Light, fried doughnuts
dusted with powdered sugar.
Popular Spot: Forno degli Amici (Rome, Italy). Average Price: €1.50-€2 per zeppole.
25. Churros (Spain) – Since the 1500s
Fried dough pastry dusted with sugar and served with chocolate or caramel sauce.
Popular Spot: San Gines (Madrid, Spain). Average Price: €4-€5 for churros with chocolate.
26. Qatayef (Middle East)
A stuffed pancake, traditionally filled with nuts or sweet cheese.
Popular Spot: Habibah Sweets (Amman, Jordan). Average Price: JD 1-2 (€1-€2.50).
27. Pavlova (Australia/New Zealand) – Since the 1920s
A meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.
Popular Spot: The Pav Bar (Brisbane, Australia). Average Price: AU$8-AU$10 (€5-€6.50) per slice.
28. Beignets (France/USA)
Deep-fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar, these delicious pastries are perfect for pairing with coffee or a strong tea.
Popular Spot: Café du Monde (New Orleans, USA). Average Price: $3 for a set of three.
29. Honey Cake (Russia) – Since the 19th Century
A layered cake flavored with honey.
Popular Spot: Café Pushkin (Moscow, Russia). Average Price: 600-800 RUB (€7-€9) per slice.
30. Kouign-Amann (France) – Since the 1800s
A buttery, caramelized pastry originating from the Brittany region of France.
Popular Spot: Maison Georges Larnicol (Brittany, France). Average Price: €3-€5.
31. Khanom Krok (Thailand)
A traditional Thai coconut milk pancake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Popular Spot: Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok, Thailand). Average Price: 20-40 THB (€0.50-€1.20) for a set.
A Global Experience with Coffee or Tea
From the ancient origins of Mochi and Biscotti to the modern creations like Pavlova and Tiramisu, morning treats have evolved over time but still hold a special place at the breakfast table. Whether you’re enjoying the flaky layers of a croissant in a French café or indulging in a sweet sticky bun from a local bakery, these desserts offer a taste of tradition and innovation.
No matter where you find yourself in the world, there’s always a sweet treat waiting to accompany your morning coffee or tea. Why not explore these delicious options and bring a piece of global flavor into your own kitchen? From rich, buttery pastries to light, refreshing fruit-topped desserts, there’s something for everyone in this list of worldwide morning favorites!
