Unearth The Voyage
New York City is home to some of the world’s best bakeries, and when it comes to cinnamon rolls, the competition is fierce. Whether you’re craving something gooey and sweet or a lighter take on the classic, NYC has a spot for you. This guide ranks the top 14 cinnamon rolls across the city that capture the warm, comforting spirit of Cinnabon while adding their own unique twists.
1. Welcome Home (Bed Stuy)
Stepping into Welcome Home feels like finding a warm hug on a chilly morning. Their cinnamon roll is a masterpiece of gooey texture and fluffy layers, with cinnamon that doesn’t hold back.
The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, tangy sweetness that melts right into the warm dough. It’s like Cinnabon went to culinary school and came back with fancy ideas but kept its heart in the right place.
This Bed Stuy bakery nails the balance between comfort food and gourmet treat. Each bite delivers that nostalgic mall memory with an upgraded, artisan touch that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
2. Benji’s Buns (West Village)
Benji’s Buns has become a West Village favorite for good reason. Their original glazed roll is seriously doughy in the best way possible, loaded with cinnamon flavor that fills your senses.
The vanilla cream cheese frosting on top is luxuriously sweet and smooth, bringing back memories of that iconic mall treat we all know and love. Every swirl is packed with cinnamon goodness, and the texture is soft enough to pull apart easily.
What makes this spot special is how they honor the classic cinnamon roll formula without trying to reinvent it. Sometimes sticking to what works is the smartest move, and Benji’s proves that point deliciously.
3. Spirals (East Village)
With a name like Spirals, you know this East Village bakery takes cinnamon rolls seriously. They’ve perfected the fluffy texture that makes each bite feel like a cloud.
The balance here is everything: sticky cinnamon glaze meets cream cheese frosting in perfect harmony. Every layer offers that warm, gooey experience that closely mirrors Cinnabon’s famous profile.
What sets Spirals apart is their consistency. You can walk in any day and expect the same quality, the same warmth, and the same satisfaction. Their rolls are proof that mastering the basics can create something truly exceptional and memorable for cinnamon roll lovers everywhere.
4. Winner Bakery (Park Slope)
Winner Bakery lives up to its name with a cinnamon roll that stands out from the crowd. Dense and doughy, this roll has serious substance that fills you up fast.
The cream cheese frosting gets a bright kick from lemon juice, which cuts through the sweetness beautifully. But the real surprise is the caramelized underside, offering a rich, almost candy-like crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
This Park Slope gem takes a slightly different path than Cinnabon but still captures that comforting spirit. It’s a unique twist that respects tradition while daring to be a little different and memorable.
5. Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop (South Slope)
Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop elevates the cinnamon roll game with milk bread dough that’s impossibly soft. The texture alone makes this roll worth the trip to South Slope.
Their silky cream cheese frosting spreads evenly across each swirl, and the dough-to-filling ratio is spot-on. You get cinnamon in every bite without it overwhelming the delicate bread.
This bakery understands that elevation doesn’t mean complication. They’ve taken familiar flavors and refined them just enough to feel special without losing that comforting, nostalgic quality. It’s a cinnamon roll that feels both fancy and familiar at the same time.
6. Super Nice Coffee and Bakery (Brooklyn)
Super Nice Coffee and Bakery doesn’t just have a friendly name. Their cinnamon roll bursts with warm, spicy sweetness that fills the whole shop.
The generous cream cheese icing melts into the warm roll, creating a cozy, soul-warming experience. Each bite feels like a comforting embrace, especially on a cold Brooklyn morning.
What makes this spot super nice is how they capture Cinnabon’s essence while adding their own personality. The spice level is just right, never too much or too little. It’s the kind of cinnamon roll that makes you want to sit down, relax, and savor every single bite slowly.
7. Orwashers Bakery
Orwashers Bakery has been a New York institution for decades, and their cinnamon roll shows why they’ve lasted so long. The fluffy interior practically melts in your mouth.
Their sweet cinnamon swirl is generous without being overpowering, creating a balanced flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone. The texture is what really shines here, with layers that pull apart effortlessly.
This bakery proves that sometimes traditional methods produce the best results. Their cinnamon roll is comforting and familiar, reminding you of simpler times. It’s a classic done right, without any fancy tricks or unnecessary additions to distract from perfection.
8. Breads Bakery
Breads Bakery has earned a loyal following across the city, and one bite of their cinnamon roll explains why. The gooey cinnamon center oozes with flavor and warmth.
Their dreamy cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding richness without overwhelming the cinnamon. It hits the sweet spot that cinnamon roll lovers search for everywhere.
This bakery understands what makes a cinnamon roll truly special: quality ingredients, careful preparation, and respect for the classic formula. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, this roll delivers exactly what you hope for and maybe even a little more.
9. Petit Chou (Brooklyn)
Petit Chou may be small in name, but their cinnamon roll is big on flavor. Fluffy layers give way to a generous cinnamon swirl that spirals throughout.
The sweet glaze adds just the right amount of stickiness, making each bite satisfying without being messy. Cinnamon roll aficionados seeking something close to Cinnabon will find this Brooklyn spot worthy of their time.
What stands out here is the attention to detail in every layer. Nothing feels rushed or careless. Each roll is crafted with care, and you can taste that dedication. It’s a cinnamon roll that respects your craving and delivers fully.
10. Red Gate Bakery (East Village)
Red Gate Bakery offers something a little different with their crusty exterior that gives way to a soft, tender interior. The contrast in textures makes each bite interesting.
Their cinnamon flavor is balanced and traditional, reminiscent of the cinnamon rolls your grandmother might have made on Sunday mornings. Nothing here tries too hard or feels forced.
This East Village spot understands that sometimes a crusty outside adds character to a soft roll. It’s a textural experience that sets them apart while still honoring traditional flavors. If you appreciate a little crunch with your softness, this roll will make you very happy indeed.
11. Bakeri (Williamsburg)
Bakeri brings a rustic, artisanal approach to the cinnamon roll that Williamsburg locals have come to love. Their rolls have a homemade quality that feels authentic.
The tangy-sweet frosting provides a nice contrast to the moderately strong cinnamon filling. It’s not as sweet as mall cinnamon rolls, but that’s exactly the point here.
This bakery offers a more grown-up take on the classic treat, perfect for those who want cinnamon roll flavor without overwhelming sugar. The rustic texture and balanced flavors make it a sophisticated choice that still satisfies that nostalgic craving beautifully and completely.
12. Barachou (West Village and Upper West Side)
Barachou takes a French pastry approach to the cinnamon roll, creating something flaky and laminated. It’s a distant relative rather than a close cousin to Cinnabon.
The layers are buttery and crisp, offering a less sweet experience that appeals to those who prefer subtlety. If you like your pastries delicate and refined, this spot delivers beautifully.
While not a traditional cinnamon roll, Barachou’s version is worth trying for its unique take. It’s perfect for anyone who wants cinnamon flavor without the heavy sweetness. Think of it as the sophisticated European version of an American classic done well.
13. Hani (Brooklyn)
Hani delivers excellent quality cinnamon rolls that venture into more unique territory. They stray from the classic Cinnabon flavor profile intentionally, creating something distinctly their own.
The quality of ingredients shines through in every bite, with careful attention paid to texture and flavor balance. It’s more of a creative interpretation than a direct homage.
If you’re looking for an exact Cinnabon replica, this might not be your spot. But if you appreciate innovation and quality craftsmanship in baking, Hani offers a cinnamon roll experience that’s memorable and delicious in its own special way. Sometimes different is exactly what you need.
14. Cinnaholic (Vegan option, various locations)
Cinnaholic proves that plant-based cinnamon rolls can be absolutely delicious. Their vegan versions are creative and flavorful, offering lots of topping options.
While they feel different from traditional Cinnabon rolls, they’re still highly enjoyable for anyone seeking alternatives. The texture is surprisingly good, and the cinnamon flavor comes through clearly.
This chain location offers accessibility for vegans and those with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy cinnamon rolls. It’s not trying to be Cinnabon, and that’s okay. Cinnaholic has carved out its own identity as a fun, customizable option that makes cinnamon rolls inclusive for everyone.
