Chicago Bakeries Celebrate Paczki Day with Traditional Polish Pastries

Chicago bakeries are abuzz with excitement as they celebrate Paczki Day, a beloved tradition for many in the city.

Weber’s Bakery, an iconic establishment in Chicago, opened its doors early to cater to eager customers looking to indulge in the traditional Fat Tuesday donuts.

The owner of Weber’s Bakery, Rebecca Weber, mentioned that the preparation for Paczki Day has been a week-long endeavor, with non-stop mixing, filling, and frying of dough.

At Weber’s Bakery, customers can choose from a variety of flavors, including custard, jelly-filled, creme-filled, powdered sugar, and strawberry.

Delightful Pastries in Portage Park, run by Dobra Bielinski, also saw a surge in customers lining up early in the morning to get their hands on the Polish pastries.

Bielinski highlighted the differences between traditional American doughnuts and Paczkis, emphasizing the richer and denser dough of the latter, along with its fruit preserve fillings and light glaze.

Joseph Litza, a customer at Delightful Pastries, serenaded the bakery with his family’s special Paczki song, underscoring the authenticity of the pastries.

Paczki, pronounced “puhnch-kee,” has a rich history dating back to the 1700s when it was a way to use up luxury ingredients before the Lenten period of fasting.

As Chicagoans commemorate Fat Tuesday, many are relishing the opportunity to enjoy these decadent Polish treats that have become a staple on Paczki Day.

The paczki tradition has transcended cultural boundaries, attracting a diverse array of people who appreciate the unique flavors and textures of the pastries.