We Tried Pennsylvania’s Cinnamon Rolls And These 12 Are Unforgettable
Few things in Pennsylvania spark instant joy quite like the scent of cinnamon drifting through the air.
Warm dough, glossy swirls, and icing that melts on contact have a way of stopping conversations mid sentence.
Cinnamon rolls are not just breakfast, they are comfort wrapped in spirals and baked to golden perfection.
Some are pillowy and delicate, others are rich and gooey, but the best ones share one thing in common. They leave a lasting impression long after the last sticky bite.
Across the state, bakeries and cafés are turning out rolls that feel like edible hugs.
Imagine soft centers that pull apart in fluffy layers, sweet spice that lingers, and frosting that feels unapologetically generous. One bite can turn an ordinary morning into a full celebration.
I once split a cinnamon roll with a friend and instantly regretted sharing it. That first warm bite sealed it.
Since then, I treat every unforgettable roll like treasure, and Pennsylvania has plenty worth chasing down.
1. Beiler’s Bakery (Reading Terminal Market, 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Walking through Reading Terminal Market at 8 a.m., you’ll smell these beauties before you see them.
Beiler’s is run by an Amish family who’ve been baking here since 1988, and their cinnamon rolls are legendary for good reason.
Each roll weighs nearly a pound and comes slathered in cream cheese frosting that’s tangy enough to balance the sweetness.
The market itself is a historic gem built in 1893, with soaring ceilings and old-fashioned charm everywhere you look. I watched them pull a fresh batch from the oven, and the dough practically melted on my tongue.
Their sticky buns are equally famous, but the cinnamon rolls have this perfect soft texture that makes them impossible to share.
Located at 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, this spot gets crowded fast, so arrive early or prepare to wait in a line that’s absolutely worth it.
2. Essen Bakery (1437 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147)
South Philly’s Essen Bakery took a European approach to this American classic, and the results were spectacular.
Their cinnamon rolls featured laminated dough that created delicate, flaky layers instead of the typical soft pull-apart texture.
The storefront at 1437 E Passyunk Ave looked like it belonged in Paris, with white subway tiles and minimalist design that felt both modern and timeless.
I tried their cardamom morning bun too, but the cinnamon roll stole the show with its caramelized bottom and restrained sweetness.
They used Vietnamese cinnamon, which has a spicier kick than the usual stuff. Essen permanently closed in late 2025, so this stop is now a sweet memory for many Philadelphia locals.
Their sourdough loaves were also worth grabbing while you were there. This place proved that cinnamon rolls don’t have to be giant and gooey to be absolutely unforgettable.
3. Night Kitchen Bakery & Cafe (7725 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118)
Tucked into Chestnut Hill, Night Kitchen has been a neighborhood favorite since 1981, operating out of a charming brick building that used to house a corner store.
Their cinnamon buns are massive, cinnamon-heavy, and somehow taste richer than most traditional versions.
The secret is their careful baking and generous hand with cinnamon and sugar. Each roll takes two hands to hold and easily serves two people, though I’ve never actually shared mine.
The cafe itself has mismatched vintage chairs and local artwork covering the walls, giving it a cozy living room vibe.
My sister, who eats dairy, couldn’t believe these were so good when I brought her one. They also make incredible pies and layer cakes that have won awards across the city.
Find them at 7725 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118, and don’t skip their coffee, which is strong enough to balance all that sweetness perfectly.
4. Bredenbeck’s Bakery (8126 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118)
Just up the street from Night Kitchen, Bredenbeck’s has been baking since 1889, making it one of Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating bakeries.
The building’s original tin ceiling and vintage display cases transport you straight back to the 1800s.
Their cinnamon rolls follow a German recipe that’s been passed down through five generations of bakers.
What makes them special is the hint of nutmeg in the filling and the fact that they’re baked in a ring pan, creating more caramelized edges.
I love that they’re not oversized, which means you can actually finish one without feeling like you need a nap afterward.
The bakery at 8126 Germantown Ave also serves breakfast and lunch, but locals know to come early for the cinnamon rolls.
They make exactly two dozen each morning, and once they’re gone, that’s it until tomorrow. Their chocolate eclairs are legendary too, if you have room for dessert after dessert.
5. Fritz’s Bakery (360 N Oxford Valley Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047)
Driving into Langhorne, Fritz’s sits in an unassuming strip mall that gives no hint of the magic happening inside.
This family-owned spot has been cranking out incredible baked goods since 1974, and their cinnamon rolls are the size of dinner plates.
What sets them apart is the cream cheese frosting situation, which is applied so generously that it pools around the base of each roll.
The dough itself is enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a brioche-like richness that makes each bite feel luxurious.
My dad grew up near here and swears these are the best he’s ever had, and after trying them, I can’t argue.
Located at 360 N Oxford Valley Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, the bakery opens at 6 a.m. for early birds.
Their crumb cake is also phenomenal, and they do custom cakes that look like professional works of art. Just be warned: these cinnamon rolls are seriously addictive.
6. Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop (542 Gibbons Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505)
Once you enter Lancaster County, you’re in serious cinnamon roll territory, and Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop is where the locals go.
The building is a simple white structure that perfectly captures Amish country aesthetics, with handwritten signs and zero pretension.
These cinnamon rolls are made using a recipe that’s been in the same Amish family for over 60 years.
They’re smaller than Philadelphia’s versions but packed with more cinnamon per square inch, giving them an intense flavor that lingers.
I bought six thinking I’d share them, but ended up eating four myself over two days.
The bakery at 542 Gibbons Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505 also sells their famous whoopie pies and shoofly pie.
Everything is made from scratch daily, and they close when they sell out, which usually happens by early afternoon.
Cash is preferred here, so hit an ATM before you visit this genuinely authentic Lancaster County treasure.
7. Mr. Sticky’s Homemade Sticky Buns (501 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601)
Yes, the name says sticky buns, but their cinnamon rolls deserve equal attention and they’re spectacular in their own right.
Mr. Sticky’s operates out of a bright red building that looks like a converted house, and the smell hits you from the parking lot.
Their cinnamon rolls are baked upside down in caramel, then flipped so the gooey topping cascades down the sides.
Each one contains at least a full tablespoon of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar, creating pockets of concentrated sweetness throughout.
The owner started this business in his home kitchen and grew it into a Lancaster institution that now ships nationwide.
At 501 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, you’ll find a menu that includes both traditional and creative flavors like maple bacon.
I’m a purist though, and the original cinnamon version is perfection. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, and weekend mornings bring lines out the door filled with tourists and devoted regulars alike.
8. Miller’s Bakery (2811 Lincoln Hwy E, Ronks, PA 17572)
Hidden along the Lincoln Highway, Miller’s Bakery is the real deal when it comes to authentic Amish baking.
The shop occupies a simple building with a gravel parking lot, and there’s no fancy signage or Instagram-worthy decor here.
What they do have are cinnamon rolls that taste exactly like your grandmother would make if she were an Amish baker with 40 years of experience.
The dough is slightly denser than others on this list, which I actually prefer because it holds up better to the filling. They use real butter, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.
Located at 2811 Lincoln Hwy E, Ronks, PA 17572, Miller’s also sells fresh bread, pies, and cookies that locals stock up on weekly.
My favorite thing about these cinnamon rolls is their honest simplicity with no fancy twists or gourmet ingredients, just perfectly executed traditional baking that’s been honed over decades of daily practice.
9. Oram’s Donut Shop (1406 7th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010)
Heading west to Beaver Falls, Oram’s has been a community staple for over 80 years, operating out of a storefront that hasn’t changed much in decades.
The original neon sign still glows in the window, and the glass display cases look like museum pieces.
Their cinnamon rolls are old-school in the best possible way, with a tender crumb and just enough glaze to add sweetness without overwhelming the cinnamon flavor.
Generations of families have been coming here for breakfast, and the walls are covered with photos documenting decades of local history.
I loved watching the bakers work through the window, rolling and cutting dough by hand exactly as they’ve done since the Depression era.
At 1406 7th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, you’ll find prices that seem frozen in time too, making this one of the best bargains on the list. Get there before 10 a.m. on weekends or you’ll miss out entirely.
10. Oakmont Bakery (1 Sweet St, Oakmont, PA 15139)
Oakmont Bakery is Pittsburgh’s worst-kept secret, famous enough that people drive from Ohio just to visit. The building sits on a street literally named Sweet Street, which feels almost too perfect.
Their cinnamon rolls are works of art, featuring multiple layers of dough that create a texture somewhere between a croissant and a traditional roll.
The cream cheese frosting is piped on in decorative swirls, and they offer seasonal variations like pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon.
This bakery has won countless awards and been featured on Food Network multiple times, but somehow they’ve managed to keep the quality consistent despite their fame.
Located at 1 Sweet St, Oakmont, PA 15139, the bakery also produces wedding cakes that look like sculptures.
Their burnt almond torte is a Pittsburgh tradition, but I’d happily eat these cinnamon rolls for breakfast every single day.
The shop opens at 6 a.m., and the morning crowd is always substantial, filled with regulars who know exactly what they want.
11. Prantl’s Bakery (5525 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232)
Prantl’s has been baking in Pittsburgh since the late 1960s, and their Shadyside location still feels like stepping into a European patisserie today.
The storefront windows display perfect rows of pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat.
Their cinnamon rolls reflect the bakery’s old-world roots, with a lighter, less sweet approach that lets the quality of the ingredients shine through.
A simple vanilla glaze and warm cinnamon filling create a more layered flavor profile than typical grocery store versions.
I appreciate that these aren’t massive; they’re sized for actual human consumption rather than Instagram shock value.
At 5525 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, you’ll also find their legendary burnt almond torte, which has its own cult following.
The bakery’s interior features vintage tile work and original fixtures that transport you back to mid-century Pittsburgh.
These cinnamon rolls prove that sometimes refinement beats excess, and quality ingredients make all the difference in traditional baking here.
12. Cinnaholic (6168 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206)
Ending our tour in East Liberty, Cinnaholic represents the modern evolution of cinnamon rolls with a fully vegan menu and endless customization options.
The shop’s bright, contemporary design with exposed brick walls and industrial lighting feels worlds away from traditional bakeries.
Every roll starts with their signature vegan dough, then you choose from over 20 frosting flavors and 30 toppings, creating combinations that range from classic to completely wild.
I went with cake batter frosting and brownie bites on my first visit, and it was somehow both ridiculous and delicious.
My nephew, who’s vegan, nearly cried when he realized he could finally have a proper cinnamon roll again.
Located at 6168 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, this chain started in California but fits perfectly into Pittsburgh’s increasingly diverse food scene.
Their baby buns are perfect for kids or anyone who wants to try multiple flavor combinations without committing to a full-sized roll. It’s proof that tradition and innovation can both produce something truly unforgettable.