Cinnamon buns and sweet rolls are two baked goods that look similar at first glance but have some distinct differences. Both are made from a yeast-leavened dough that is rolled out, spread with a sweet filling, rolled up, sliced, and baked. But the dough, shape, filling, and icing used for each one sets them apart.
The Dough
The main difference between the dough used for cinnamon buns versus sweet rolls is the fat content. Cinnamon bun dough contains more butter or shortening, giving it a richer, more tender and delicate texture. Sweet roll dough uses less fat, making it a bit more sturdy and bread-like.
Here’s a comparison of typical dough ingredients:
| Ingredient | Cinnamon Bun Dough | Sweet Roll Dough |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | All-purpose | All-purpose or bread flour |
| Butter or shortening | Often a larger amount like 1 cup for 3-4 cups flour | Smaller amount like 1/4 cup for 3-4 cups flour |
| Milk | Whole milk or buttermilk | Milk or water |
| Egg | 1 egg | Optional |
| Sugar | Granulated white sugar | Granulated white sugar |
| Yeast | Active dry or instant yeast | Active dry yeast |
| Salt | A small amount | A small amount |
The extra fat and egg give cinnamon bun dough a more tender, cake-like crumb when baked. Sweet roll dough has a bit more chew and a tighter crumb. The milk and sugar also help cinnamon bun dough brown more readily as it bakes.
The Shape
Shaping is another key difference between cinnamon buns and sweet rolls. Cinnamon buns are rolled from a rectangular sheet of dough into a log shape. Sweet rolls are often shaped into rounds or small balls rather than long logs.
For cinnamon buns:
- The dough is rolled out into a large rectangle.
- Filling is spread over the surface.
- The dough is rolled up long ways into a tight log shape.
- The log is sliced into individual buns.
For sweet rolls:
- The dough is rolled out and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter.
- Filling is placed in the middle of each round.
- The edges are gathered and pinched together to cover the filling.
- The rounds are placed in the pan with the pinched side down.
The log shape gives cinnamon buns their signature look with the filling spiraling through them. It also maximizes the layers of dough and filling for an indulgent texture and taste. Sweet rolls have a more rounded, bundled shape.
The Filling
The filling is where cinnamon buns and sweet rolls diverge. Cinnamon buns are filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. Sweet rolls can be filled with fruit, nuts, spices, or other sweet spreads.
Common cinnamon bun fillings include:
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar or white sugar
- Butter
- Optional extras like raisins, pecans, vanilla, etc.
Popular sweet roll fillings include:
- Fruit preserves or pie fillings
- Chopped fresh fruit
- Nuts like pecans or walnuts
- Spices like nutmeg and ginger
- Sweetened cream cheese
- Vanilla custard or pastry cream
- Coconut
The cinnamon-sugar mixture gives cinnamon buns their distinctive swirl and warm cinnamon flavor. Sweet rolls highlight other flavors depending on the filling used.
The Topping
The topping is the final finish that sets cinnamon buns and sweet rolls apart. Cinnamon buns are nearly always topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting after baking. The rich frosting counters the cinnamon spice. Sweet rolls may be topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of glaze, but do not always get an icing on top.
Common cinnamon bun toppings:
- Cream cheese frosting – This is the classic creamy counterpart to the cinnamon filling.
- Vanilla glaze – A simple icing of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Caramel or pecan drizzle – For extra decadence!
Common sweet roll toppings:
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting to sweeten without covering up the filling.
- Vanilla glaze – Thinned out powdered sugar glaze.
- Cream cheese glaze – Cream cheese thinned with milk to drizzle over.
- Fruit glaze – Thick glaze made from fruit preserves.
The heavy layer of icing balances out the cinnamon bun while sweet rolls take a lighter touch with basic toppings to complement the fillings.
The Flavor Profile
Ultimately, cinnamon buns and sweet rolls create two very different flavor experiences based on their ingredients:
Cinnamon buns are all about the contrast between the rich, buttery dough, warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and tangy cream cheese icing. It’s an interplay of sweet and spicy.
Sweet rolls highlight other flavor combinations depending on the filling used, from fruity to nutty to warm spice. The flavor will come through brighter without a heavy frosting on top.
Common Varieties
There are countless cinnamon bun and sweet roll recipes that build on the basic formula in different ways. Here are some popular variations you may encounter:
Cinnamon Bun Varieties
- Caramel cinnamon buns – The filling is a mixture of cinnamon-sugar and caramel sauce.
- Pecan cinnamon buns – Pecan pieces are added to the filling and topping.
- Raisin cinnamon buns – Raisins add bursts of sweetness throughout.
- Sticky buns – These are made in a pan and soaked in a sticky caramel pecan sauce.
- Overnight cinnamon buns – The dough is chilled overnight for extra flavor.
- Danish cinnamon buns – They use yeasted Danish dough for a super flaky texture.
Sweet Roll Varieties
- Orange sweet rolls – Filled with tangy orange and topped with a glaze.
- Cream cheese sweet rolls – Stuffed with a tangy cream cheese filling.
- Apple pie sweet rolls – Apple pie filling gives them a seasonal twist.
- Caramel pecan sweet rolls – Ooey, gooey caramel and pecan filling.
- Raspberry sweet rolls – Filled with raspberry jam or compote.
- Cinnamon sweet rolls – Cinnamon-sugar filling but no icing on top.
Nutrition
Both cinnamon buns and sweet rolls pack a powerful punch of refined carbohydrates and sugar. Their nutrition profile is fairly similar, with cinnamon buns having slightly higher calories, fat, and sugar due to the richer dough and heavier icing.
Nutrition per 1 medium bun/roll (around 2.5-3 oz):
| Nutrient | Cinnamon Bun | Sweet Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 | 330 |
| Fat | 13g | 9g |
| Carbs | 57g | 55g |
| Sugar | 21g | 19g |
| Protein | 4g | 5g |
Both provide significant calories, carbs, fat, and sugar with minimal protein and micronutrients. They’re best enjoyed occasionally as a sweet treat.
Storing and Freezing
Properly stored, fresh cinnamon buns and sweet rolls will last 3-5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well for up to 2-3 months.
To freeze:
- Allow buns/rolls to cool completely after baking.
- Place in freezer bag or airtight container with parchment between if needed to prevent sticking.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
The dough may absorb a bit of moisture in the freezer but will taste just fine after thawing. Quick freeze immediately after baking for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for serving cinnamon buns and sweet rolls:
- Enjoy them warm right after baking, if possible. The taste and aroma are unmatched.
- If reheating, do so briefly in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out.
- Slice sticky buns while still warm so the caramel sauce oozes out.
- Serve sweet rolls warm with butter for spreading into the layers.
- Turn leftover buns/rolls into a bread pudding or French toast casserole.
- Pair cinnamon buns with coffee or milk. Sweet rolls go great with fruit juice or chocolate milk.
Cinnamon buns and sweet rolls both make excellent breakfast pastries, brunch dishes, desserts, or snack foods. Enjoy them when you’re craving something sweet and decadent!
The Bottom Line
While cinnamon buns and sweet rolls appear similar, they have distinct differences when it comes to ingredients, shaping, and flavor profiles. Cinnamon buns focus on the contrast of cinnamon and rich icing. Sweet rolls spotlight fruit, nuts, or other fillings for a variety of flavors.
Both satisfy a sweet tooth but cinnamon buns are the treat to pick when that warm cinnamon-sugar aroma is calling your name. Let the filling guide your choice between these melt-in-your-mouth pastries.