Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns are two popular sweet baked goods that are often confused with each other. Though similar, there are some key differences between the two.
What is a Cinnamon Roll?
A cinnamon roll is a sweet roll made from a yeast dough that is rolled out flat, spread with a cinnamon sugar mixture, and then rolled up into a log. The log is cut into individual portions and baked until the dough is cooked through and the cinnamon sugar filling is gooey.
Cinnamon rolls have a soft, bread-like texture on the interior and are topped with a sweet glaze or icing. They are a beloved breakfast and brunch treat, but can be enjoyed any time of day.
Key Features of Cinnamon Rolls
- Made from a yeast-leavened dough
- Rolled up jelly-roll style into a log and sliced to form individual portions
- Soft and bread-like interior texture
- Topped with a sweet glaze, icing, or cream cheese frosting
What is a Cinnamon Bun?
A cinnamon bun is made from a yeast-leavened dough that is rolled out into a large rectangle. The dough is spread with butter, then cinnamon sugar. The rectangle is rolled up from the long side into a tight spiral log, cut into individual buns, and baked.
Cinnamon buns have a fluffy interior with distinct layers of cinnamon sugar filling in between. The tops are finished with a sweet glaze, icing, or streusel topping.
Key Features of Cinnamon Buns
- Made from a yeast-leavened dough
- Rolled up into a tight spiral log
- Distinct layered look when sliced
- Light and fluffy interior texture
- Topped with glaze, icing, or streusel
Difference in Preparation
The main difference in preparation between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns is how the dough is rolled up.
For cinnamon rolls, the dough is rolled out into a rectangle, spread with filling, then rolled up jelly-roll style into a log and sliced. This creates the distinct look of cinnamon rolls, with visible swirls of cinnamon filling throughout the interior of each roll.
For cinnamon buns, the dough is rolled tightly into a spiral log. When sliced, this creates thin alternating layers of dough and filling. Cinnamon buns have a distinct striated appearance.
Cinnamon Roll Preparation
- Roll out dough into a rectangle
- Spread with cinnamon sugar filling
- Roll up jelly-roll style into a log
- Slice log into individual rolls
- Bake
Cinnamon Bun Preparation
- Roll out dough into a rectangle
- Spread with butter and cinnamon sugar
- Roll up tightly from long side into a spiral
- Slice into individual buns
- Bake
Difference in Texture
The different rolling methods also impact the interior texture of cinnamon rolls versus cinnamon buns.
Cinnamon rolls have a soft, bread-like texture throughout. The interior is tender and slightly dense.
Cinnamon buns have a fluffier interior with distinct thin layers of dough interspersed with the filling. They are lighter and airier in texture.
Cinnamon Roll Texture
- Soft
- Bread-like
- Tender
- Slightly dense
Cinnamon Bun Texture
- Fluffy
- Light and airy
- Distinct layered look
- Thin striations of dough and filling
Difference in Shape
The different rolling methods also impact the shape of the final products.
Cinnamon rolls are round spirals when sliced from the log. They have a distinct swirled look.
Cinnamon buns have a rounder overall shape. When baked, the dough layers expand and the buns take on a rounded dome shape, rather than a spiral.
| Cinnamon Rolls | Cinnamon Buns |
|---|---|
| Round spiraled shape | Rounded dome shape |
| Distinct swirled look | Layers expand into a puffy round |
Difference in Icing
While both cinnamon rolls and buns are topped with sweet icings and glazes, there is a typical difference in icing style.
Cinnamon rolls are often drizzled or topped with a thin glaze or icing that drips down the sides.
Cinnamon buns are more commonly finished with a thicker spread of cream cheese frosting on top.
| Cinnamon Rolls | Cinnamon Buns |
|---|---|
| Thin glaze or icing | Cream cheese frosting |
| Drizzled over top | Thick spread on top |
Nutritional Difference
There are some slight nutritional differences between cinnamon rolls and buns.
Since cinnamon roll dough is denser, the rolls tend to be slightly higher in carbohydrates and calories than buns.
However, serving sizes tend to be smaller for cinnamon rolls than buns. The nutritional values even out when comparing equal serving sizes.
| Nutrition Facts (per 1 roll/bun) | Cinnamon Roll | Cinnamon Bun |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 381 | 340 |
| Fat | 12g | 15g |
| Carbs | 57g | 49g |
| Protein | 5g | 4g |
When to Choose Each
Cinnamon rolls and buns are very similar, so deciding between the two often comes down to personal preferences.
Choose cinnamon rolls if you prefer:
- A soft, bread-like texture
- A swirled spiral shape
- A light glaze or icing topping
Opt for cinnamon buns if you like:
- A fluffier, layered interior
- A round dome shape
- A thick spread of cream cheese frosting
Both are delicious choices for a sweet breakfast, brunch, or snack. It depends whether you want to indulge in soft spiraled rolls or fluffy frosted buns!
History of Cinnamon Rolls vs. Buns
Cinnamon rolls and buns have distinctly different origin stories.
Cinnamon rolls trace back to Sweden in the 1920s, where they were called kanelbullar. Swedish immigrants brought the treats to North America.
Meanwhile, cinnamon buns originated in Germany in the 17th century. German bakers brought the recipe for schnecken to America.
So while American bakers have put their own spin on these treats over time, cinnamon rolls arose from Swedish culture, while cinnamon buns have German roots.
Cinnamon Roll History
- Originated in Sweden as kanelbullar
- Brought to North America by Swedish immigrants
- Popularized in the U.S. in the 1920s-1930s
Cinnamon Bun History
- Originated in Germany as schnecken
- Brought to North America by German immigrants
- Gained popularity in the U.S. in the 17th-18th centuries
Global Variations
While cinnamon rolls and buns are popular worldwide, unique cultural varieties have developed globally.
Sweden – kanelbullar are traditionally made with cardamom and pearl sugar on top
Germany – schnecken are coated in crunchy streusel crumbs
Denmark – kanelsnegle are topped with vanilla or chocolate icing
UK – Chelsea buns are a British twist with currants in the dough
France – pain au cinnamon is typically less sweet than American versions
India – sticky buns flavored with saffron and cardamom
From Mexico to Australia, every culture has put a unique spin on these classic treats!
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls vs. Buns
Want to try making cinnamon rolls and buns at home? Here is a quick overview of the basic steps:
Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Make dough – mix flour, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, salt, sugar
- Knead dough and let rise
- Roll out to rectangle and spread filling
- Roll up jelly-roll style and slice
- Let rise again, then bake
- Ice while warm
Cinnamon Bun Recipe
- Make dough – mix flour, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, salt, sugar
- Knead dough and let rise
- Roll into a rectangle; spread with butter, cinnamon sugar
- Roll up from long side into spiral log
- Slice into buns; let rise and bake
- Top with cream cheese frosting
With the same basic dough, you can make either sweet treat! The key is how you shape and fill the dough before baking.
Where to Find Great Cinnamon Rolls and Buns
You can find freshly baked cinnamon rolls and buns at local bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants in many cities. Here are some top spots:
Legendary Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnaholic – vegan cinnamon rolls in dozens of flavors
- Rolling Pin Cafe – huge classic cinnamon rolls in Tulsa, OK
- Solly’s Grille – famous gooey cinnamon rolls from Milwaukee, WI
Famous Cinnamon Buns
- Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse – huge frosted buns in Washington, D.C.
- Pearl Bakery – cinnamon buns with unique lemon glaze in Portland, ME
- IKEA – Swedish style buns with a hint of cardamom
You can also find baked and pre-packaged versions of both at grocery stores across North America.
Conclusion
Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns share many similarities, but have key differences when it comes to preparation, shape, texture, and toppings. Whether you prefer swirled rolls or frosted buns, these sweet breakfast treats satisfy morning cravings worldwide!