When it comes to breakfast or dessert, nothing beats the delicious aroma and gooey sweetness of a warm cinnamon roll. From its soft, fluffy dough to its cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled icing, the cinnamon roll remains a beloved pastry across the globe. While many variations of this delectable treat exist, the essence remains simple: layers of dough rolled with cinnamon sugar and topped with icing, creating an irresistible indulgence.
Whether you’re starting your day with a cinnamon roll or enjoying it as a dessert, these 13 chains serve some of the best cinnamon rolls that are worth every bite.
1. Cinnabon: The Classic Cinnamon Roll Giant
Nutrition (Classic Roll)
Calories: 880 | Fat: 37 g | Carbs: 129 g | Protein: 12 g
Cinnabon is synonymous with cinnamon rolls. Their Classic Roll oozes with warm dough and their iconic cream cheese frosting. Apart from their classic offerings, Cinnabon also serves unique variations like the Caramel PecanBon and BonBites for bite-sized indulgence.
2. Whataburger: Cinnamon Rolls On The Go
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 580 | Fat: 17 g | Carbs: 94 g | Protein: 10 g
Known for its burgers, Whataburger also serves some of the most delicious cinnamon rolls. Available from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., you can buy one or share a tray of six with friends. It’s the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
3. Wendy’s Cinnabon Pull-Apart: A Sweet Partnership
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 550 | Fat: 26 g | Carbs: 70 g | Protein: 8 g
Wendy’s partnered with Cinnabon to create their Cinnabon Pull-Apart, offering the same flavors you love in a bite-sized treat. Topped with Cinnabon’s signature cream cheese frosting, it’s an irresistible dessert or breakfast addition.
4. Panera Bread: Polarizing Cinnamon Rolls
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 520 | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 84 g | Protein: 7 g
Panera’s cinnamon rolls are a point of debate among customers. With sweet dough and a thick cinnamon-sugar filling, it has a fan base, though some prefer their older recipe. CinnaTops provide a more decadent twist with fun toppings like Candy Cookie and Fudgy Brownie.
5. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Croissant Cinnamon Roll Hybrid
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 520 | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 84 g | Protein: 7 g
The Coffee Bean’s cinnamon roll is made with buttery croissant dough. Filled with cinnamon and sugar, this roll is lighter on frosting, making it a subtler but still flavorful pastry option.
6. Peet’s Coffee: The Perfect Icing-To-Dough Ratio
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 310 | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 41 g | Protein: 5 g
Peet’s Coffee serves a classic cinnamon roll that hits the spot with its ideal balance of dough and icing. A drizzle of sweet icing adds just the right touch, making it a perfect pairing with Peet’s signature espresso drinks.
7. Philz Coffee: A Croissant-Dough Delight
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 460 | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 70 g | Protein: 6 g
Philz Coffee offers a unique take on the cinnamon roll by using laminated croissant dough, studded with raisins and topped with a light vanilla glaze. This croissant-dough hybrid adds a delicious twist to the traditional roll.
8. Au Bon Pain: Cinnamon Swirl Rolls You’ll Crave
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 490 | Fat: 19 g | Carbs: 73 g | Protein: 8 g
Au Bon Pain’s Cinnamon Swirl Roll is rich, flaky, and decadent, topped with a thick layer of icing. It’s a great option for those who prefer a bit more sugar with their roll.
9. Ziggi’s Coffee: Ooey, Gooey, Cinnamon Rolls
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 777 | Fat: 35 g | Carbs: 104 g | Protein: 9 g
With nearly 100 locations nationwide, Ziggi’s serves cinnamon rolls that are made fresh daily and topped with just the right amount of icing. If you love a gooey, sweet treat, Ziggi’s won’t disappoint.
10. Mimi’s Cafe: Cinnamon Brioche Rolls For Sharing
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 603 | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 99 g | Protein: 9 g
Mimi’s Cafe offers a Cinnamon Brioche Roll that’s large enough to share. Topped with a generous layer of creamy vanilla icing, this warm roll is perfect for brunch or dessert.
11. Cinnaholic: Customizable Cinnamon Rolls
Nutrition (Cinnamon Roll with Vanilla Frosting)
Calories: 730 | Fat: 28 g | Carbs: 109 g | Protein: 8 g
Cinnaholic lets you customize your roll with 20+ frosting options and a variety of toppings like cookie dough, pretzels, or coconut. It’s a vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
12. PJ’s Coffee: A Light And Flaky Cinnamon Roll
PJ’s Coffee serves a cinnamon roll with a tender, moist center, flavored with sweet cinnamon filling and topped with icing. If you’re craving a lighter roll without too much density, PJ’s version hits the spot.
13. Scooter’s Coffee: Hand-Crafted Cinnamon Rolls
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 560 | Fat: 19 g | Carbs: 70 g | Protein: 9 g
Scooter’s Coffee, with over 800 locations, offers hand-crafted cinnamon rolls brimming with cinnamon, spices, and cream cheese icing. Perfect with their coffee, these rolls are made fresh daily.
Conclusion:
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved pastry across numerous chains, offering a delightful blend of sweet cinnamon and soft, doughy textures. From iconic spots like Cinnabon to coffee chains like Peet’s Coffee and Philz Coffee, each offers its unique take on the classic roll.
While some rolls are more decadent with heavy frostings, others focus on balanced flavors with subtle sweetness. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these chains ensure there’s a perfect cinnamon roll for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
1. What Makes A Cinnamon Roll The Best?
The best cinnamon rolls have a soft, fluffy dough with a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, balanced with just the right amount of icing for sweetness.
2. Are Cinnamon Rolls Vegan At Any Of These Chains?
Cinnaholic offers fully plant-based cinnamon rolls, which are vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free.
3. Which Chain Has The Highest Calorie Cinnamon Roll?
Cinnabon’s Classic Roll packs 880 calories, making it one of the most indulgent options on this list.
4. Can I Customize My Cinnamon Roll At Any Of These Chains?
Cinnaholic is known for its customizable cinnamon rolls, where you can choose from a variety of frostings and toppings to create your perfect roll.
5. What Is The Healthiest Cinnamon Roll Option?
Peet’s Coffee offers a relatively low-calorie cinnamon roll with 310 calories, which is a lighter option compared to many other chains.