A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Madrid

Are you a chocolate lover? Then, believe it or not, Spain is the country for you! Though the Spanish are more known for their wine and amazing ham, there are numerous Spanish sweets that will help all chocolate lovers get their chocolate fix. Our chocolate lover’s guide to Madrid will show you where to find an indulgent chocolatey breakfast or a treat from one of the amazing bakeries to tame your cravings after dinner.

dark chocolate truffles drizzled with milk chocolate and placed in paper cups.
Madrid (and indeed all of Spain) is the perfect place to enjoy chocolate! Photo Credit: Sheila Herman

Don’t miss the best pastry shops and bakeries in Madrid and these 10 must-try typical desserts in Spain while you’re visiting.

Palmeras de Chocolate

This heart-shaped cookie is seen all over Spain and is hugely popular with locals. Made with puff pastry, resulting in a delicious, flaky texture sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can see why the Spanish like palmeras de chocolate so much. To make it even sweeter, after they’re baked, the cookies are coated with a generous helping of chocolate–yum! It’s no wonder why this sweet treat tops our chocolate lover’s guide to Madrid.

Insider’s Tip: Head over to El Riojano (Calle Mayor, 10), a 160 year old bakery that counts the Spanish royal family as loyal customers and contains some exceptional palmeras de chocolate.

shiny plate of chocolate-dipped palmiers on top of a cloth napkin.
Palmeras de chocolate are a popular cookie in Spain and are absolutely delicious. Photo Credit: Nestlé Cocina

Churros con Chocolate

Start your day the Spanish way with a breakfast of churros con chocolate. These treats are made from a simple dough of butter, eggs, water and flour. To give churros their distinctive look, the dough is passed through a star-shaped tip before being deep-fried. Dip the churros into a hot cup of thick, melted chocolate for a perfect start to any day.

Insider’s Tip: Get your fix at Chocolateria San Ginés (Pasadizo San Ginés, 5), a celebrated establishment that sells churros con chocolate 24/7 every day of the year.

Churros and chocolate for a late afternoon snack is one of our tips for how to eat like a local in Madrid.
Churros and chocolate is the most delicious afternoon pick-me-up!

Step inside San Ginés with us! Devour Madrid expert guide Joy explains how to enjoy this iconic institution like a local.

Bombones

Indulge in some Spanish bonbons while here in the city. They’re perfect as a luxurious snack or as a tasty gourmet souvenir from Madrid. There are chocolate shops offering inventive flavors such as curry, whisky, parmesan cheese and wasabi!

Not so adventurous when it comes to your chocolate? There are classics like dark chocolate, almond and coffee available all throughout the city too.

Insider’s Tip: Cacao Sampka (Calle de Orellana, 4) offer a Flowers, Herbs and Infusions collection of chocolates including flavors such as violets, roses and jasmine tea. It’s perfect for the adventurous chocolate connoisseur.

chocolate box
When has chocolate not been a good option? Photo credit: Tamorlan

Napolitanas de Chocolate

Napolitanas de chocolate are made with croissant dough, so you know they’re going to be nothing less than amazing. A dark chocolate mixture is enrobed in croissant dough, then baked until the dough is a lovely golden color. That all sounds pretty spectacular to us!

Insider’s Tip: Try the famous napolitanas de chocolate at La Mallorquina (Calle Mayor, 2), located right in the heart of the city at Puerta del Sol.

Napolitana de chocolate
The famous Napolitanas de chocolate of La Mallorquina will amaze you. Photo credit: sftrajan

Turrones

Turrones are widely considered to be one of the best Spanish Christmas sweets, but they’re worth having any time of the year. This treat gets its name from the latin word torrere which means “to toast.” This is a shout out to one of the key ingredients in turrón: toasted nuts.

Though the traditional version was chocolate-less, nowadays many confectioners offer chocolate-based versions of turrón. You can try varieties such as coconut & chocolate, almond with chocolate & pistachios, and orange & chocolate.

Insider’s Tip: Torrons Vicens (Calle Mayor, 41) have some of the best turrones in all of Madrid. Such a treat!

various types of turron on a ceramic plate.
A selection of turrones, one of the most traditional Spanish Christmas sweets.

Taste Madrid with Our Ultimate Food Tour

Want to explore a carefully planned route along 8 legendary stops and taste 15+ bites? (Think calamari sandwiches, hand-carved jamón, churros, cheeses, and vermouth!) On our Ultimate Spanish Food Tour, you’ll get to meet the people and traditions behind the incredible food in Madrid and get to eat like a local.

man holding a large churro that was just taken out of the hot oil.
Churros and chocolate is a favorite snack of madrileños that you’ll get to try on tour with us!

Featured Review: Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a wonderful tour with Mitzi. The food was amazing and she was warm and accommodating, with plenty of wonderful insights about the city. There was a wide range of ages on our tour, and she very gracefully handled some last minute adaptations that were needed for others on the tour.”
– Michaela on Tripadvisor

Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Madrid FAQs

What chocolate treats should you try in Madrid?
The must-try chocolate treats in Madrid include churros con chocolate, chocolate palmeras, napolitanas de chocolate, chocolate turrón, and bonbons. These range from traditional Spanish pastries to more modern chocolate creations found across the city.

Where can you get the best churros and chocolate in Madrid?
One of the most famous places for churros con chocolate in Madrid is Chocolatería San Ginés, a historic spot that has been serving thick hot chocolate and crispy churros since the late 19th century. It’s open late and is a must-visit for first-time visitors.

What is Spanish hot chocolate like in Madrid?
Spanish hot chocolate is much thicker and richer than typical hot chocolate in the US or Northern Europe. It’s often served almost pudding-like, making it perfect for dipping churros rather than drinking on its own.

Are there chocolate shops in Madrid for gifts or souvenirs?
Yes, Madrid has several artisan chocolate shops where you can buy high-quality bonbons and unique flavors. For example, Cacao Sampaka is known for creative chocolates with flavors like rose, jasmine, and spices, making them ideal edible souvenirs.

Is Madrid a good destination for chocolate lovers?
Yes, Madrid is one of Europe’s best cities for chocolate lovers thanks to its long history with cacao and its mix of traditional chocolaterías and modern dessert shops. From classic churros to innovative confections, the city offers chocolate in many forms throughout the day.