World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls

Are you wondering, “Where is the best cinnamon bun near me?” We explain what makes a great cinnamon bun with tips on how to find the best one here.

The delicious scent of cinnamon rolls in the morning brings joy to people all over the world every day.

67.46 million Americans ate cinnamon rolls in 2020 alone. This sweet comfort food has been one of the most popular treats throughout the pandemic.

But what is it that makes cinnamon buns so special? You might also be asking, “how do I find the best cinnamon bun near me?”

We’re taking a closer look at this beloved pastry and breaking down some of the best cinnamon bun locations. In this article, we’ll cover: 

1. Where Cinnamon Buns Originated

2. What Makes the Best Cinnamon Roll?

3. Understanding the Difference Between Cinnamon Buns and Cinnamon Rolls

4. Where Do I Find the Best Cinnamon Bun Near Me?

Cinnamon buns originated in the 1920s in Sweden. They took off in a post-World War I society when wealth was up and people could afford more expensive ingredients, like cinnamon.

The snack’s dubbed kanelbulle, which directly translates to “cinnamon bun”. Swedish kanelbulle’s used pearl sugar. And traditional cinnamon buns do not have icing or frosting.

Cinnamon buns got more common during the 1950s, becoming a beloved staple in the Swedish diet. Sweden even celebrates Cinnamon Bun day on October 4th every year.

Eventually, the sugary snack gained popularity around the world.

Today the pastry can be made using a variety of techniques. For example, North Americans commonly add frosting or icing to cinnamon rolls. You don’t have to look far to find a top cinnamon bun to satisfy your craving!

Cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, ooey-gooey, and buttery.

A great cinnamon roll is made using yeast-heavy dough with a thin layer of butter. Cinnamon and sugar are then sprinkled over the layer of butter before the dough is rolled up, and cut into individual servings. The individual rolls are then baked or sometimes deep fried.

Sometimes raisins are added as a filling before rolling up the dough.

In America, a sugary glaze or icing made from confectioners sugar or cream cheese frosting is commonly added to the top of the baked cinnamon roll.

The rolls are often served as a breakfast or brunch staple or enjoyed as a sweet dessert.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this sweet indulgence, the terms cinnamon bun and cinnamon roll have become almost interchangeable in recent years.

In Canada for example, cinnamon rolls are widely referred to as cinnamon buns. And cinnamon buns are commonly mistaken for cinnamon rolls. But traditionally there are some notable differences between the two pastries.

For starters, the dough of cinnamon buns is often braided before being rolled into a bun-like form.

With cinnamon buns, there is a higher emphasis on the dough and brown sugar used. Cinnamon buns often have nuts as well.

The way the pastry is removed from the oven also impacts the style of dessert it becomes. Nuts and sweeteners go into the bottom of the pan. The cinnamon bun bakes inverted so that the glaze from the gooey pan bottom becomes the topping to the bun.

The topping ends up being a nutty caramel glaze.

A great cinnamon roll flaunts its dough, filling, topping, and pan sauce.

Unlike the cinnamon bun, the dough of cinnamon rolls is rolled up to form a spiral-like shape. Cinnamon rolls do not have nuts.

The dough of cinnamon rolls is not as sweet as that of cinnamon buns. It is lighter and fluffier. It also emphasizes its buttery flavor.

Cinnamon rolls get a lot of their sweetness from their signature cream cheese frosting or sugary glaze. The glaze is added to the top of the cinnamon roll. Many popular cinnamon roll locations have started offering gourmet toppings to add above the frosting as well, often including walnuts, fruits, or bacon.

The cinnamon roll has become a brunch favorite.

At this point, you’re probably wondering where you can find the best cinnamon bun, or perhaps where to get a cinnamon roll.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far. No matter where you are, you are likely minutes away from these delectable treats! Your best bet is to simply search, “best cinnamon bun near me” or “best cinnamon roll near me” in your search engine, to see all the local results.

But, if you’re wondering where those local hotspots might be, this list can help get you started.

Thanks to this popular craze, America is now filled with popular cinnamon roll chains. Cinnaholic and Cinnabon are two of the most popular companies in the country.

They have locations across North America, often set up in popular malls or urban centers. They will often deliver right to your door, or cater special parties and events.

Cinnabon started as a father-son duo in 1985 and they have been going strong ever since.

Cinnaholic offers 20 frosting types and gourmet toppings so you can customize your cinnamon roll to your liking.

If you want an authentic cinnamon roll or cinnamon bun, your best bet is to find a local hidden gem.

Most states have at least one independent at least one independently-run world-renowned producer of cinnamon buns and rolls.

Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery in New York City was just recognized as the best cinnamon rolls in NYC! Their brioche cinnamon not only earned them recognition as New York’s Best cinnamon roll, they’re also nominated for the 2023 World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Truck stops, bakeries, pastry shops, cafes, and greasy spoons, have some of the best-kept secret recipes. These recipes are often handed down between family members and offer a unique twist on this sugary favorite.

You may find your favorite cinnamon bun or roll in a truly unexpected place like Master’s Hand in Tekamah, Nebraska.

In a sleepy rural town of 1,500 people, lies the most delightful bakery with world-famous cinnamon rolls! Master’s Hand was the 2020 winner of the World’s Best Cinnamon Roll.

If you’re looking for convenience, you can often find a cinnamon roll or cinnamon bun at box stores and grocery stores like Walmart and Whole Foods Market.

You can even find them at your local 7-11 or Circle K convenience stores.

Bosselman Truck Centers have Cinnabon franchises located inside their truck stops! You can smell the Makara cinnamon from the front doors!

With such a large market, finding the best cinnamon bun or the best cinnamon roll is a challenge you may spend a lifetime fulfilling. But hey, there are worse quests to be on!

Thankfully, reading this guide can help you get started. You will never ask, “where can I find a cinnamon bun near me,” again.

If you would like more information about specific locations, visit our website to read our cinnamon roll reviews and the best cinnamon rolls or buns in the world!

Looking for cinnamon buns near me? You’re in luck! A simple search will yield sweet results in almost every state!