Cinnamon rolls go by a few different names in the United Kingdom. While some Brits do use the term “cinnamon roll,” they are also commonly referred to as “cinnamon buns” or “cinnamon swirls.” The history and origin of cinnamon rolls in the UK is fascinating, and there are some interesting regional variations in how they are made and what they are called across the country.
Common Names for Cinnamon Rolls in the UK
The most common British terms for what Americans know as a cinnamon roll are:
- Cinnamon bun
- Cinnamon swirl
- Cinnamon roll
- Chelsea bun (a version with currants or raisins)
- Bun loaf (a large loaf tin version)
“Cinnamon bun” tends to be the most widely used and recognized term throughout the UK. “Cinnamon swirl” and “Cinnamon roll” are also frequently used, with “cinnamon roll” being a more modern name borrowed from American English.
History of the Cinnamon Roll in the UK
While cinnamon rolls are often seen as an iconic American baked good today, their origins can actually be traced back to Europe. The earliest cinnamon roll recipes emerged in Sweden in the 1920s, and the treats were referred to as “kanelbullar” (cinnamon buns).
As Swedish immigrants came to America, they brought their recipes for these coiled, cinnamon-spiced pastries with them. Cinnamon rolls took off in popularity in the US in the mid-20th century, and the name was widely adopted.
Meanwhile, cinnamon rolls were also spreading across Europe. They likely first emerged in the UK in the 1940s or 1950s. Early UK recipes appear in cookbooks under names like “cinnamon bun loaf” and “cinnamon knots.” Over time, the American term “cinnamon roll” was adopted in British English as well.
Regional Names and Variations
While cinnamon bun and cinnamon swirl are used generically across Britain, some regions have their own distinct names and styles for the treat:
| Region | Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| London, South East England | Chelsea bun | Contains raisins or currants; topped with a sugary glaze |
| Devon | Cinnamon bun | Often served sliced with clotted cream as part of cream tea |
| Yorkshire | Bun loaf | Cinnamon roll baked in a loaf pan and sliced |
| Scotland | Cinnamon roll | Lighter/fluffier dough; may use fruit |
The Chelsea bun is unique to London and gets its name from the Chelsea district. The addition of currants or raisins and a sugary glaze distinguishes it from a typical cinnamon bun.
In southwest England, cinnamon buns are often enjoyed as part of the traditional English cream tea. Scones are also commonly served, along with clotted cream and jam.
The Yorkshire bun loaf is a variation that bakes the cinnamon roll dough in a loaf pan, rather than shaping individual buns. The loaf is then sliced to serve.
Scottish cinnamon rolls tend to be lighter and fluffier in texture than other British versions. It’s also common to add fruit like raisins or cranberries to the dough.
Modern Popularity and Consumption
While cinnamon rolls are not historically British in origin, they have become a beloved treat across the UK today. They can be found in bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets across Britain.
Crosstown Doughnuts is one of the most popular modern cinnamon bun bakeries in London, frequently rated as serving the best “cinnamon swirls” in the city. Their huge, fluffy, glistening buns have gathered something of a cult following.
Cinnamon rolls have also gained more everyday popularity as a convenient breakfast food purchased from supermarket bakeries. Many Brits now enjoy heating a supermarket cinnamon roll at home as a quick breakfast or snack.
Consumption of cinnamon rolls and buns peaks in the UK on holidays like Christmas and Easter, when families purchase them as part of holiday morning breakfasts and baking. They are seen as a special, celebratory treat.
Popularity by Region
Some surveys of favorite bakery goods broken down by UK region show cinnamon buns ranking among the top 5 choices across all areas of Britain:
| Region | Favorite Bakery Treats |
|---|---|
| Scotland | 1. Croissant 2. Chocolate eclair 3. Cinnamon roll 4. Iced bun 5. Jam doughnut |
| Wales | 1. Steak bake 2. Jam doughnut 3. Chocolate eclair 4. Cinnamon bun 5. Lemon puff |
| North England | 1. Vanilla slice 2. Custard tart 3. Jam doughnut 4. Cinnamon roll 5. Battenberg cake |
| South England | 1. Pain au chocolat 2. Cinnamon bun 3. Victoria sponge 4. Lemon drizzle cake 5. Caramel shortbread |
Clearly the popularity of cinnamon rolls has taken hold across the UK, even as terminology varies between region. It ranks near the top across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Cinnamon Roll Culture
While cinnamon rolls originated elsewhere, they have become ingrained in British food culture today. Some aspects of their distinct place in the UK include:
- A feature of coffee shop breakfast and brunch menus
- Included in High Tea service as an afternoon sweet
- Popular as a dessert served in restaurants
- Sometimes used as sandwich bread, spread with icing
- Offered as a low calorie or gluten-free alternative by some chains
- A staple of workplace meetings, events, school bake sales, etc.
The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is immediately recognizable across the UK. The treats evoke cozy feelings of home and family to many Brits.
There is some tradition around saving cinnamon buns or rolls that are a day or two old to make “cinnamon toast.” This involves toasting the bun and spreading it with butter, cinnamon sugar, and possibly icing.
How Are They Called in Other Languages?
Cinnamon rolls are popular far beyond just the UK and North America. Here are some of the names they are known by in other languages around the world:
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| French | Brioche à la cannelle |
| German | Zimtschnecke |
| Italian | Brioche alla cannella |
| Spanish | Rollo de canela |
| Swedish | Kanelbulle |
The Swedish “kanelbulle” gives a nod to the early origins of the cinnamon roll. Pretty much every language opts for some descriptive form of “cinnamon bread/bun” to describe this popular pastry.
Conclusion
While known as “cinnamon rolls” in the American bakery lexicon, Brits have several common regional names for the treats including cinnamon buns, cinnamon swirls, Chelsea buns, and more. No matter what they are called, these sweet, spiral pastries scented with cinnamon and topped with frosting or glaze have become beloved across the UK.