Long-standing Burlingame bakery brings holiday joy 

Many of the products use an almond flavor base, with a flaky Danish dough that’s specific to the region. On a regular day at Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe, the high cinnamon roll and chocolate chip coffee cake are favorite breakfast pastries, with specialized cake orders — including the classic princess cake, black forest cake and sachertorte — coming in throughout the day. 

A vast array of delicate pastries also sit in display cases, including pecan cloud and Swedish dream cookies, apricot strudels and biscotti — among many, many more. 

From those who trust the bakery with their celebratory treats to regulars who visit the cafe, which boasts a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, each day, the establishment has carved out a community, Matute said. 

“Throughout the years, we have built the community,” she said. “We have let people be part of our community, too … when kids come trick or treating on Halloween, and we provide those treats for them. We also provide donations for entities and churches, and they come in and we get involved in those events in that way.” 

Matute has worked at Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe for 20 years, she said, and recalled with fondness the many busy Christmas eves and nights before Thanksgiving preparing heaps of baked goods. 

As a shift manager, she works in tandem with the bakers — who come in on two shifts, one in the early morning and another in the afternoon — orchestrating bulk orders of pumpkin and pecan pie, gingerbread men and Christmas tree-shaped coffee cake during the winter months. 

“It requires a lot of organization and teamwork to pull it off,” she said. “We all feel like we made it, we survived, we did it. So it’s a good feeling.” 

The bustling environment is also a highlight for the customers, Matute said. In the days before big holidays or events, some will come in just to be a part of the rush. 

“A lot of people come in just for the show,” she said. “They want to see all the orders parked. They want to see people in and out the line. They just come and have a coffee to see.” 

Even in the off seasons, Matute said the bakery has become a welcoming place for celebration or relaxing with friends. 

“Every morning, we know most of our customers, the ones that are patrons. We know their names,” she said. “They still have that vibe and feeling when they come in that they can sit down for a cup of coffee, get together for a birthday.” 

There’s a special sense of pride, however, that comes with Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe goodies being a part of residents’ holiday traditions. 

“They will have a piece of Copenhagen at their table,” Matute said. “We try to make it special, because we know that it’s going to be special at their table.”