Sure you might not know how to pronounce it (even if you do, it somehow still feels wrong?) but here’s your yearly reminder that it’s Paczki Day.
Packzi, pronounced “poonch-key,” is basically a fried ball of dough, similar to jelly doughnuts, only richer and more dense, yet somehow light and fluffy. Generally enjoyed as a pre-Lent indulgence on Fat Tuesday (otherwise known as Mardi Gras) the fried brioche-like pastries are filled with fruit, cream, custard or chocolate, and dusted with powdered sugar. Rightfully so, every shop has their own special spin, and the intersection of cultures lends itself to many different takes on a traditional Polish paczki that range quite a bit in size, filling and whipped cream from bakery to bakery.
We’ve narrowed down a few shops in the western suburbs so you can get your fill.
Kirsten’s Danish Bakery
Purists will appreciate the traditional Polish paczki at this Burr Ridge spot — shaped, fried and filled just like grandma would. While they’ve been taking orders for weeks, Kirsten’s Danish Bakery says a lot of people are just happy to buy paczki on Tuesday, sort of like a big celebration in itself. The variety will be plenty with classics such as strawberry, cherry, custard and cheese, and a newly added Oreo and cream. $2.15-$3.99 per paczki. 94 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge, (630) 655-2066, Kirstensdb.com
Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery
While they strongly recommend ordering ahead, you can still stroll in to grab a 4-pack of paczki which will include custard, chocolate, raspberry and apple. While the paczki are gluten-free, they do include dairy. $3.25 each. 13 W. 1st St., Hinsdale, 630-908-7175, sweetalis.com
Kirschbaum’s Bakery
Kirschbaum’s Bakery will be open on Tuesday for walk-ins, but to fill your paczki craving with the least amount of fuss possible, plan ahead. “If you place the order online, it makes it super easy for pickup because everything is already paid for. So you just come in, we grab it off the shelf and you’re on your way,” said Kirschbaum’s Bakery employee Sarah Hernandez. Take her advice and place your order on kirschbaumsbakery.com. You can choose from flavors like apricot, raspberry, custard, lemon, blueberry, fresh strawberry and whipped cream or chocolate chip and cheese. $1.49 each. 825 Burlington Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-2894.
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Toni Patisserie
If you’re looking for fancier paczki, Toni Patisserie in Hinsdale has flavors like European raspberry preserves, chocolate Bavarian cream and strawberries and white chocolate mousse, which is inspired by their popular white chocolate mousse cake. And a new flavor this year — tiramisu. Depending on your location, they’re also offering delivery via DoorDash. A word of advice from Toni herself: “It’s always helpful to preorder, especially if you’re going to come in later in the day because we might run out of certain flavors.” $3.45-$4.45 each. 51 S. Washington St, Hinsdale, 630-789-2020, tonipatisserie.com
Aracely’s Bakery
Arecely’s Bakery has an easy online ordering system where you can select a pick up location (60 South La Grange Road, La Grange or 9667 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park) and then your choice of paczki. They have all the usual flavors like strawberry, custard, lemon, apple and blueberry, and also a maple bacon twist. $2-$3 each; Pack of 12 $22. 15 W. Harris Ave., La Grange, 708-352-1767, aracelysbakery.net
Orland Park Bakery
This popular Orland Park fixture offers 19 flavors of paczki, and also the option to buy them plain. From fudge, cannoli, apricot, lemon, cherry, custard, prune, Oreo and more, the fan-favorite according to the bakery is the strawberry and strawberry and cheese. $2.50 each. 14850 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park, 708-349-8516, orlandparkbakery.com