For many, a perfect holiday morning includes freshly baked cinnamon rolls. But not everyone has time or energy to make them from scratch. So which store-bought brands deliver the best taste and texture? Our team blind taste-tested five popular options to find out.
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The Testing Process
We baked each brand according to package instructions, then had our editors sample them in a random order, ensuring no one knew which roll was which. This prevents bias and palate fatigue from skewing the results. Testers ranked each roll on tenderness, sweetness, icing quality, and overall flavor. The results were tabulated to determine the top performers.
What Makes a Good Cinnamon Roll?
A great cinnamon roll should be light and airy, with a slightly doughy texture that stretches when pulled apart. It needs enough sweetness without being cloying, and the cream cheese icing must strike a balance between tanginess and sugar. The best rolls also feel fresh, releasing a hint of steam when warm from the oven.
The Winners
After careful evaluation, two brands stood out:
1. Immaculate Baking Co. Cinnamon Roll Dough: Described as the “doughiest of the bunch,” this option earned high marks for its tender, moist texture. Testers appreciated that it was sweet but not overly so.
2. Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls With Icing: This was a clear favorite for several tasters, praised for its buttery, cinnamon-forward flavor and airy texture. One editor said it was “the only one I would like to eat a whole one of.” Though some found the icing a bit sweet, the overall quality was superior.
The Runner-Ups and Contenders
Other brands tested included Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, and Stop & Shop. However, none matched the quality of the top two. One tester noted a slight “mammalian” off-flavor in one brand, while another found some rolls too dry.
The Fine Print: Ingredients Matter
Homemade cinnamon rolls typically rely on butter, flour, sugar, yeast, and spices. Most store-bought options, however, use vegetable shortening and/or palm and sunflower oils. None of the brands tested contained real butter. The winning Immaculate Baking Co. and Annie’s rolls used a blend of palm and sunflower oil.
The Verdict
While nothing truly compares to a homemade cinnamon roll, Immaculate Baking Co. and Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls are the best store-bought options available. If you’re short on time or just want a quick fix, these brands will satisfy your craving. For an even better experience, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to the icing to balance the sweetness.
