Cotton-Top Pastries

If you’re around while they are open on Friday or Saturday mornings, I highly recommend this little bakery shop. The place smells wonderful - and everything I’ve had from them has not disappointed one bit!
Their Raspberry Nutella Coisstata was 12/10. We will most definitely be back!

I didn’t take any pictures of our pastries because we inhaled them!! But they were by far the best I have ever had. My personal favorite was the bee sting! So many complimentary flavors, I was just shocked at how delicious they were. Happy to have found this spot in Helena!

If you happen to be in Helena of a Friday or Saturday morning this small shop is worth a stop. Ok. Even if you happen to be passing NEAR Helena you on either of those mornings it is open it is worth a detour. We tried savory (quiche and ham and cheese croissant) and sweet (various) and were not disappointed in any of it. Pure French pastry goodness as only a talented professional can do.

I heard about this place from someone at work, and I am so glad that I followed up on her suggestion to visit. My wife and I tried four different pastries on offer: the cruffins, carrot cake, scones, and a honey-butter biscuit. Everything was perfect and delicious, especially the cruffins. The prices are most likely higher than what you're used to seeing elsewhere, but I guarantee the quality and taste is well worth it. I will absolutely be coming back, and I will be telling everyone I know to check it out. Please go, you will not be dissapointed!

Only downside to this awesome bakery is it isn't open other than Friday and Saturday.

OMG. This place is AMAZEBALLS!! Tip: get there early. They only stay open until they sell-out, and they sell-out FAST. Best cinnamon rolls on this earth 🍰🎂🍮

I kinda don't want to leave this review simply because I want to keep Cotton Top a secret, but I feel like it's too late for that anyway.

I've yet to encounter the mystery person behind these overwhelmingly mind blowing pastries. All I know is whenever customers try to compliment the counter staff on how wonderful their products are, they cheerfully say: "Yes, we're very proud of her." I don't know who this "her" is, but she's clearly hitting it out of the park. Helena boasts some fantastic pastries at many bakeries, laminated or otherwise, but Cotton Top is a tier above the rest.

A must try is the churro cruffin. It's a croissant shaped like a muffin and tossed in cinnamon sugar. Biting into one results in a shattering whimsy resulting in a showering of flaky confetti, which is exactly what should happen. The interior crumb is a complex weaving of airy layers with a flavor of just the right combination of buttery goodness complemented by a perfect amount of fermentation.

I could gush on about the rest of their products as well, but I feel it might be best to encourage anyone reading this to visit Cotton Top themselves. Arrive early though. There tends to be a line and it's not uncommon for them to sell out by around noon.

Every single thing I've had from this place is over-the-moon delicious. The menu is different every day and the hours are limited but it's worth planning my Friday mornings around.

There is a reason they have a line out the door when they open. There aren't many food gems in Helena but here is one that is near the top of that short list. I'm generally a chocolate-creamy-sweet person and not that into croissants, but I'm at a point where I go in and just get anything. I have never been disappointed and I've had some foods here that I would normally never want to even glance at. Perfectly baked and seasoned all around. You know how hard it is to season with passion fruit just right?
I don't even like passion fruit but their passion fruit glazed cruffin is amazing! I'll keep coming back over and over and over.

I feel a little reluctant to recommend Holly and Cotton Top because I am deeply selfish about her pastries. I want them ALL for myself. Everything we try is impossibly delicious.

My current favorite is the Financier. It looks like a small, unassuming corn muffin, but these are moist, delicately flavored, cake-like treats that melt in your mouth.

Other loves include the coconut brown butter bar, any-flavor-she-makes pie bar, and the trail cookie.

If you get there before me, save me two of everything!

The caramel sea salt, lavendar poppy financier, and sugar cookies were great!

Ok yeah it’s worth the hype…and waiting outside in a line. Bought one of everything and it’s all top tier and not too outrageously priced. Of course wish they were open more than two days. Hire more bakers. Thnx. Espresso chocolate thing and the strawberry crmuffin are favorite for sure.

My first visit won't be my last! Only open Friday and Saturday mornings until inventory gone. Delicious, affordable, good selection of home made sweet and savory pasties in the old cabin next to the Pioneer Cabin just across from the Public Library.

I don't really give five-star reviews. But this place is uniquely spectacular. Ate a churro cruffin (croissant cooked in a large muffin tins) and had a roast-beef stone-ground mustard croissant for lunch. Both amazing. My girlfriend had a cheese biscuit, which is basically a red lobster biscuit on crack. If you're in Helena, definitely go here for breakfast.

Top tier place. Small menu, small shop, big taste. Highly highly recommend visiting. Do not skip on getting a cannelés de bordeaux, it's the best I've had in the world.

Looking forward to grabbing some treats tomorrow morning! :)

Feels like they have a new menu every week. Very seasonal. Cute little location. And the best pastries I've ever had. Not a place to sit down. No decaf but I'm sure the regular coffee is good. Will be a repeat customer.

The products from Cottontop Pastries are topnotch ! I have really enjoyed every thing I've bought there. However , my all-time favorite is her shortcake cookie. Having one now with a bit of grand Marnier , yum! And oh yes, my husband who loves desserts is always planning to go to her stall at the farmer's market first, before she runs out of things !

Do I even try to call this a bakery without it seeming as though I'm casting aspersions against it?

Helena, you have made me so very jealous to not have the golden layers of crust and flaky euphoria closer to me. The ham and cheese croissants, if that's what they are and not some highly addictive drug laced baked good, are the best of both a everything bagel and a croissant.
The cheddar jalapeño biscuits, a flaky dense biscuit that tears but doesn't crumble, are topped with pickled jalapeños which is a great choice if unconventional.
What else can I say, get your butt down there and gobble up the goodness.

Located in the historic Caretaker's Cabin for Reeder's Alley. While stepping back in time and into her warm environment, you'll feel immediately relaxed by the bakery and excited to try each and every one of her specialities. Staff is there to help her as is her infant son, who will keep you smiling. The coffee is hot and may I suggest you first try the glazed cruffins: flaky pasty muffin shapes with cinnamon sugar or glazes of lemonade or huckleberties--perhaps others. Try the flaky shell called The Mykonos, a Greek style treat filled with feta, spinach and pine nuts. Or, so many more choices of sweet and savory items Check out their website for ideas and catering .
Do remember: when today's batches are all eaten, she'll put up the closed sign; so, go early and often.

These pastries are amazing! You have to try the ham & cheese croissant, the strawberry cruffin, and (if you get the chance) the brown butter coconut bar!!!! Honestly you should try everything.😁