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Growing up, cinnamon rolls meant celebration. Whether it was Christmas morning or a birthday breakfast, cinnamon rolls were usually part of the spread on those exciting days. My mom would sometimes bake them from scratch, but more often they came in store-bought canisters that would always cause a jump-scare.
I still love cinnamon rolls just as much as I did back then. They’re fluffy, gooey, and oh so cinnamon-y. However, with the kneading, proofing, shaping, and second proofing required to make them from scratch, I practically need to set aside an entire afternoon. That’s why I end up grabbing a can of store-bought cinnamon rolls to enjoy not only for breakfast but also as a sweet treat any time of the day.
While I have a brand that I tend to gravitate toward, I was curious which option food professionals grab when they’re in the market for store-bought cinnamon rolls. Surprisingly, they all said the same brand.
Find our expert’s pick on Amazon Fresh and have it delivered to your door.
The Food Experts I Asked
Simply Recipes / Annie’s
The Best Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls, According to Food Pros
Without question, these four food experts agree that Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls are the best store-bought option. “The dough is tender and slightly gooey, which I love in a good cinnamon roll. It’s also packed with flavor, from the spiced filling to the creamy icing,” Aubourg says.
It’s also a bonus that these cinnamon rolls are made with organic ingredients you can feel good about. “Annie’s is great when I want something a little cleaner and more natural without losing that soft, sweet bite,” Ewing says.
“I love Annie’s for their organic, better-for-you ingredients and, honestly, their flavor and texture are incredible,” McMichael says.
“They taste like someone actually made them with love. The icing isn’t tooth-achingly sweet, and they bake up fluffy without feeling like a brick of dough,” Castillo says.
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How To Serve Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls
You could follow the package instructions for making these cinnamon rolls, but why not try these upgrades?
“Especially on Christmas morning, I love baking them in a big dish and pouring a little heavy cream over the top before they go in the oven—it makes them extra soft, rich and gooey in the center. Sometimes I’ll add a touch of vanilla or maple extract to the cream, or sprinkle in chopped pecans or crushed candy canes for a festive twist,” Ewing says.
Meanwhile, Aubourg loves to grate fresh lemon zest right into the icing before frosting for a citrusy pop of flavor. “I absolutely love serving these cinnamon rolls à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top,” she adds.
Castillo opts for a sweet-and-savory flavor combo with these cinnamon rolls. “Slice the Annie’s rolls in half horizontally and use them as buns for a breakfast sandwich—bacon, egg and cheese,” she says.
Whereas McMichael turns Annie’s cinnamon rolls into an easy, shareable dessert. “One of my favorite hacks is to cut up the cinnamon roll dough into small pieces, put it all in a casserole dish, and bake it for a yummy breakfast casserole!”
Truth be told, Annie’s has always been my go-to brand of cinnamon rolls, so I’m glad these food professionals agree.
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