This Upstate New York Bakery Makes Pumpkin Rolls That Taste Like Home
When autumn arrives in New York City, comfort food cravings hit harder than a gust of October wind. Spirals, a cozy bakery tucked away on First Avenue in the East Village, has become the go-to spot for locals seeking that warm, nostalgic taste of home.
Their pumpkin cinnamon rolls are stealing hearts and satisfying sweet tooths across the neighborhood, proving that sometimes the best things come wrapped in wax paper and topped with cream cheese frosting.
The Pumpkin Roll That Started It All
Spirals opened its doors in August, and by fall, their pumpkin roll had already become legendary among cinnamon roll enthusiasts. One self-proclaimed connoisseur declared the pumpkin flavor among their favorites after sampling the entire menu twice.
The roll combines seasonal spices with that signature fluffy texture Spirals is known for. Cream cheese frosting crowns each spiral, adding tangy sweetness that balances the warm pumpkin notes perfectly.
While some customers find it slightly bready, others appreciate the less-sweet approach. The key is getting it warmed up extra hot, transforming it from good to absolutely scrumptious in minutes.
A First Avenue Hidden Gem
Located at 137 First Avenue, Spirals sits in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The bakery boasts a 4.6-star rating from over two hundred reviews, proving its popularity isn’t just hype.
Hours vary throughout the week—with the bakery closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open Wednesday–Thursday 8 am–2 pm, Friday 8 am–8:30 pm, Saturday 9 am–8:30 pm, and Sunday 9 am–5 pm.
Prices range around $8–10 for specialty rolls, making it an affordable treat in a city known for wallet-draining indulgences. Three cozy seats inside provide minimal seating, but Tompkins Square Park nearby offers the perfect scenic spot for devouring your prize.
Owner Arin’s Sweet Vision
Behind every great bakery stands a passionate owner, and Arin is no exception. Customers rave about her warmth and dedication, often mentioning how sweet she is when chatting about the rolls.
Her vision for Spirals centers on freshness, creativity, and quality ingredients. The monthly menu rotation gives customers time to truly appreciate each flavor before new ones arrive, unlike weekly rotation spots that change too quickly.
The monthly rotation is described by the bakery as “rotating flavors” rather than a strictly confirmed monthly schedule. Arin’s commitment to innovation shines through in both savory and sweet offerings.
Her approachability makes first-time visitors feel like regulars, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more than just the rolls.
The Monthly Flavor Rotation Magic
Forget boring menus that never change—Spirals keeps things exciting with monthly flavor rotations. August brought one stellar lineup, while September introduced completely new creations that didn’t disappoint devoted fans.
This approach gives customers adequate time to try everything without feeling rushed. Cookie dough, tomato-soup-with-grilled-cheese, and pumpkin have emerged as standout favorites among the rotating cast of characters.
The strategy also encourages repeat visits throughout the year. Seasonal specials align perfectly with changing weather, offering apple pie rolls when leaves turn orange and pumpkin when Halloween decorations appear. Online ordering for pickup makes snagging your favorites even easier before they rotate out.
Beyond Sweet: Savory Surprises
Who says cinnamon rolls must be dessert? Spirals flips the script with savory options that challenge everything you thought you knew about rolled dough.
The burrata roll earned top marks from one reviewer as the best savory option available. Pesto and cheese rolls offer another delicious departure from traditional sweet territory, proving dough’s versatility.
The bakery did offer a savory “tomato soup topped with grilled cheese” special. These unconventional creations attract adventurous eaters tired of predictable bakery offerings, expanding Spirals’ appeal beyond sugar-lovers alone.
The Warming Situation Explained
Temperature matters more than you might think when it comes to enjoying Spirals’ creations. Multiple customers mentioned rolls arriving still cold despite requesting them warmed, which significantly impacts the experience.
The solution? Ask for extra heating time. One reviewer specifically recommends requesting they warm it up longer, ensuring heat penetrates past that first layer into the delicious center.
Properly warmed rolls transform completely—the frosting melts slightly, the dough softens, and flavors intensify beautifully. Cold rolls taste bready and dense, while hot ones become fluffy clouds of cinnamon heaven. Don’t be shy about asking staff to pop yours back in for additional warming time.
The Classic Spiral Experience
Sometimes you just want the original, and Spirals’ classic roll delivers exactly what its name promises. One reviewer called it fluffy, creamy, and perfectly warm—the holy trinity of cinnamon roll qualities.
The frosting deserves special mention for being deliciously whipped and not overly sweet. Unlike sugar-bomb rolls that make your teeth hurt, this version balances sweetness with actual flavor complexity.
Expect to scrape every last bit from the wax paper because nothing this good deserves waste. A cute cookie detail adds visual appeal without overshadowing the main attraction. For traditionalists or first-timers, the classic provides the perfect introduction to what makes Spirals special.