Trader Joe’s Seasonal Favorite Makes a Comeback — Don’t Miss Out!

Wandering through Trader Joe’s during the holiday season is an experience unlike any other. On a recent trip, I found some adorable felt garland, my children’s preferred butter cookies, several hot cocoa spoons perfect for our stockings, and the highlight of our holiday traditions, the almond kringle.

Whenever you’re unsure about a product at Trader Joe’s, don’t hesitate to ask their amiable staff for advice. During my last visit, I was on the hunt for the kringle but couldn’t find it initially.

It’s usually a centerpiece at the front, but this time, a jovial staff member guided me to its location in the bread section, not without first expressing that it was her favorite store offering—a big compliment considering the store’s extensive selection of festive goods. Then, at checkout, both my cashier and the bagger made sure my kringle was carefully packed, avoiding any damage.

My Adoration for Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle

Their cheers were not unexpected, yet always a thrill. The kringle has been a family favorite for many years. This Danish-American pastry boasts 36 layers of buttery dough, filled with rich almond paste, and shaped into a festive wreath. It’s finished with a simple icing that I sometimes enhance with seasonal sprinkles when hosting.

Serving Suggestions for the Celebrated Almond Kringle

From my ample experience, the kringle is sublime when lightly heated in the oven. This method crisps the pastry layers while making the filling and glaze wonderfully gooey. Additionally, a warm glaze is perfect for topping with sliced almonds or decorative sprinkles, enhancing its festive appearance.

The kringle available at Trader Joe’s is sourced from O & H Danish Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin, renowned as the kringle heartland of the U.S. This bakery has been crafting kringles by hand for over seven decades. While O&H sells these kringles online for $24.49 plus shipping, Trader Joe’s offers them for only $9.99.

Despite a recent price increase from $7.99, the $9.99 cost at Trader Joe’s still presents substantial savings. The painstaking three-day process to handcraft these pastries justifies their price.

Upon their store arrival, typically around mid-November, I make it a point to buy several to freeze. I traditionally serve one for our Thanksgiving breakfast and another during our Christmas tree decorating. This ritual not only honors my Danish roots but also simplifies my holiday baking.

Consider making this kringle a part of your holiday traditions too; pick up a few on your next visit to Trader Joe’s!