There’s something so special about family recipes passed down over generations. You can just taste the love, passion, and tradition that go into every batch, and the finished products not only fill the belly but nourish the soul, as well. La Estrella Bakery in Tucson makes all of its authentic Mexican pastries from scratch, using time-honored methods and ingredients that help keep the culture alive. After just one bite, you’ll know exactly why this local icon is still going strong after more than 30 years.

Family owned and operated, La Estrella Bakery has been a southern Arizona institution since 1986.

Google Maps With two locations in Tucson, this community favorite prides itself on maintaining and preserving Mexican culture through homemade pastries.

Upon stepping inside, your eyes will immediately gravitate towards the massive desert case.

Google/Robert Carrillo From end-to-end, it’s filled with cookies, donuts, breads, and all sorts of other authentic sweets.

Everything is made fresh daily, with love, passion, and respect for tradition being the primary ingredients.

Facebook/La Estrella Bakery Pictured here is a batch of Cochitos, or soft-baked gingerbread cookies shaped like pigs. They’re almost too cute to eat (emphasis on the almost.)

Take home a box filled with all your favorites, or branch out and try some new things.

Google/Gideon Either way, your taste buds aren’t ready for the onslaught of deliciousness about to overcome them.

Family recipes passed down over generations imbue rich, nuanced flavors into every bite. If you’ve never had Mexican-style donuts before, prepare to be thoroughly amazed.

Google/Celeste Núñez Savory items like tamales, flour tortillas, menudo, and various Mexican breads are also available.

Traditional baked goods like Pan de Muerto and Rosca de Reyes are offered seasonally.

Google/Robert Carrillo No matter when you visit, chances are there’s something special in the oven.

The bakery doubles as a market, so you can stock up on Mexican groceries that are hard to find elsewhere.

Google/Robert Carrillo You’ll find La Estrella bakery on both 12th Avenue and Avenida Del Convento in Tucson.

12th Avenue Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Avenida Del Convento Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the bakery’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Google Maps

With two locations in Tucson, this community favorite prides itself on maintaining and preserving Mexican culture through homemade pastries.

Google/Robert Carrillo

From end-to-end, it’s filled with cookies, donuts, breads, and all sorts of other authentic sweets.

Facebook/La Estrella Bakery

Pictured here is a batch of Cochitos, or soft-baked gingerbread cookies shaped like pigs. They’re almost too cute to eat (emphasis on the almost.)

Google/Gideon

Either way, your taste buds aren’t ready for the onslaught of deliciousness about to overcome them.

Google/Celeste Núñez

Savory items like tamales, flour tortillas, menudo, and various Mexican breads are also available.

No matter when you visit, chances are there’s something special in the oven.

You’ll find La Estrella bakery on both 12th Avenue and Avenida Del Convento in Tucson.

12th Avenue Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Avenida Del Convento Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Have you ever been to La Estrella Bakery? If so, what’s your favorite pastry? Let us know in the comments, and check out our previous article for another dessert shop in Arizona sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Address: 5266 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706, USAAddress: 120 South Avenida del Convento #100, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA