We’re Ranking Ohio’s Best Cinnamon Rolls And Here Are The 12 Winners
There’s something magical about pulling apart a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and watching the frosting melt into every spiral. Ohio might be famous for its buckeyes and pierogies, but the Buckeye State has quietly become a cinnamon roll destination that rivals any in the country.
From family bakeries that have been perfecting their recipes for generations to trendy coffee shops putting modern twists on this classic treat, Ohio’s bakers are creating masterpieces worth traveling for.
These twelve bakeries represent the absolute best of what Ohio has to offer, each bringing something unique to the table.
1. Hilliard Station Baking Company, Hilliard
Walking into this charming bakery feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, except the cinnamon rolls here are bigger than your head. Hilliard Station Baking Company has built a loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well: creating cinnamon rolls that balance sweetness, spice, and texture in perfect harmony.
The dough itself is what sets these rolls apart from the competition. It’s pillowy soft yet substantial enough to hold generous amounts of cinnamon sugar without falling apart.
Every bite delivers that satisfying pull that tells you the dough was given proper time to rise and develop flavor.
What really makes people drive from across central Ohio is the frosting situation. We’re talking about a thick blanket of cream cheese frosting that doesn’t skimp on the cream cheese.
It’s tangy enough to cut through the sweetness and rich enough to make you consider licking the plate when no one’s looking.
The bakery opens early, and locals know to arrive before mid-morning on weekends unless they want to face disappointment. These rolls disappear fast, which should tell you everything you need to know about their quality.
Address: 4036 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
2. Rolls by the Pound, Newark
The name tells you exactly what you’re getting into, and trust me, it’s not an exaggeration. Rolls by the Pound specializes in creating cinnamon rolls so massive that sharing isn’t just recommended but practically required unless you’re training for a competitive eating contest.
Each roll weighs in at around one pound of pure indulgence. The spirals are tightly wound with cinnamon butter that caramelizes slightly during baking, creating pockets of concentrated flavor throughout.
When these beauties come out of the oven, the entire building smells like a cinnamon factory exploded in the best possible way.
The texture is where things get interesting. Despite their size, these rolls maintain a tender crumb that doesn’t become dense or doughy.
The outer edges get slightly crispy while the center stays soft and gooey, giving you multiple textural experiences in a single pastry.
They offer both classic cream cheese frosting and a lighter glaze option. The cream cheese version is wildly popular, but the glaze lets the cinnamon flavor shine through more prominently.
Either way, you’re making a good choice.
Address: 597 Country Club Dr, Newark, OH 43055
3. Pick’em Up Joe Coffee Co., Grove City
Coffee shops and cinnamon rolls go together like peanut butter and jelly, but most cafes treat their pastries as an afterthought. Pick’em Up Joe Coffee Co. takes both elements seriously, creating a breakfast experience that hits on every level.
Their cinnamon rolls arrive fresh each morning from a local baker who follows a recipe that’s been tweaked and perfected over years. The rolls are smaller than some competitors, which actually works in their favor because the ratio of frosting to dough to filling is absolutely dialed in.
Nothing overpowers anything else.
What makes this spot special is how well the cinnamon roll pairs with their expertly crafted coffee. The baristas here know their stuff, and they’ll happily recommend which roast complements the sweetness of the roll best.
The combination turns a simple breakfast into something worth savoring slowly.
The atmosphere deserves mention too. This isn’t a grab-and-go situation.
The space invites you to sit, relax, and actually enjoy your food instead of inhaling it in your car. Weekend mornings see a steady stream of regulars who’ve made this their ritual.
Address: 3989 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
4. Fox in the Snow Cafe, Columbus
Trendy doesn’t always mean better, but Fox in the Snow Cafe proves that Instagram-worthy spots can deliver on substance as well as style. Their approach to cinnamon rolls reflects the same attention to detail that’s made them one of Columbus’s most beloved cafes.
These aren’t your traditional grocery store cinnamon rolls drowning in frosting. Fox in the Snow takes a more restrained European approach, using high-quality butter and letting the dough shine.
The cinnamon filling is fragrant and perfectly spiced without being overwhelming, and the frosting is applied with a light hand.
The result is a cinnamon roll that feels sophisticated without being pretentious. You can actually taste the quality of the ingredients, from the flour to the cinnamon itself.
It’s the kind of pastry that makes you slow down and pay attention to what you’re eating.
The cafe’s aesthetic matches the food perfectly. Everything is clean, bright, and thoughtfully designed.
It’s become a neighborhood gathering spot where people linger over coffee and pastries, which is exactly what the owners intended when they opened the doors.
Address: 1031 N Fourth St, Columbus, OH 43201
5. Resch’s Bakery, Gahanna
Some bakeries have been around so long they’ve become part of the community fabric, and Resch’s Bakery absolutely falls into that category. This family-run operation has been turning out exceptional baked goods for decades, and their cinnamon rolls remain a customer favorite that keeps people coming back generation after generation.
What strikes you first is the size and heft of these rolls. They’re substantial without being gimmicky, the kind of breakfast that’ll actually keep you satisfied until lunch.
The dough has that perfect balance of richness and lightness that only comes from using real butter and giving the dough proper time to develop.
The cinnamon filling is generous but not excessive. It spirals through the entire roll, ensuring every bite has that warm spice flavor without any dry spots.
The frosting is classic buttercream, sweet and smooth, applied while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly into the crevices.
Walking into Resch’s feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible. The display cases are packed with tempting options, but regulars know to head straight for the cinnamon rolls before they sell out.
Address: 150 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
6. Boosalis Baking and Cafe, Centerville
Centerville’s culinary scene got a major upgrade when Boosalis Baking and Cafe opened its doors. This isn’t just another neighborhood bakery.
It’s a destination that combines professional baking techniques with creative flavor combinations, and their cinnamon rolls showcase exactly what makes them special.
The base recipe is solid traditional dough, but Boosalis doesn’t stop there. They rotate special flavors that incorporate everything from seasonal fruits to unexpected spices.
The classic version remains available daily, featuring a perfectly laminated dough that creates distinct layers when you pull the roll apart.
Texture is where these rolls really excel. The outside develops a slight caramelized crust from the cinnamon sugar, while the interior stays impossibly soft.
The cream cheese frosting is whipped to an almost mousse-like consistency, making it lighter than typical versions while still delivering rich flavor.
The cafe itself is bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating for those who want to enjoy their treats on-site. The staff is knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what they’re serving, which always enhances the experience.
They’ll happily explain what makes each pastry special.
Address: 175 E Alex Bell Rd #280, Centerville, OH 45459
7. Sweet Mary’s Bakery, Akron
Akron’s downtown has experienced a renaissance in recent years, and Sweet Mary’s Bakery has been part of that transformation since day one. This bakery brings serious baking credentials to a neighborhood setting, creating treats that would hold their own in any major city while maintaining that hometown charm.
Their cinnamon rolls are baked fresh throughout the morning, which means you might catch them still warm from the oven if you time your visit right. The dough recipe uses a combination of butter and a touch of sour cream, which adds richness and helps keep the rolls moist for hours after baking.
The filling goes heavy on real cinnamon rather than relying on artificial flavoring, and you can taste the difference immediately. It’s warm and aromatic without that harsh bite that cheap cinnamon sometimes has.
The sugar melts into the dough during baking, creating sweet pockets throughout.
Sweet Mary’s has built a reputation for consistency. Whether you visit on a Tuesday morning or a Saturday afternoon, you’re getting the same quality product.
That reliability has earned them a devoted following of customers who trust them for special occasions and everyday treats alike.
Address: 76 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308
8. Strachn Bakery, Toledo
Toledo residents have been relying on Strachn Bakery for special occasions and everyday indulgences for years. This bakery understands that sometimes you don’t need fancy or trendy.
You just need a really good cinnamon roll made with quality ingredients and proper technique.
The rolls here are traditional in the best sense of the word. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, creating that signature golden color and rich flavor.
It’s rolled out to the perfect thickness, ensuring the cinnamon filling is distributed evenly throughout without any gaps or dry spots that plague lesser versions.
Strachn’s offers both a traditional frosted version and a glazed option. The frosted variety gets a thick layer of cream cheese frosting that’s become somewhat legendary among locals.
The glazed version features a simple sugar glaze that lets the cinnamon flavor take center stage while adding just enough sweetness.
What keeps customers returning isn’t just the food but the service. The staff treats everyone like family, remembering regular customers and their preferences.
It’s that personal touch combined with consistently excellent baking that makes Strachn a Toledo treasure worth seeking out.
Address: 759 S Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo, OH 43615
9. On the Rise Artisan Breads, Cleveland Heights
Bread bakeries don’t always excel at sweet pastries, but On the Rise Artisan Breads breaks that stereotype completely. Their expertise with dough translates beautifully to cinnamon rolls, creating versions that showcase the kind of technical skill that comes from years of professional baking experience.
These rolls feature a laminated dough similar to what you’d find in a croissant, creating distinct flaky layers that separate beautifully when you pull them apart. It’s a more labor-intensive approach than standard cinnamon roll dough, but the results justify the extra effort.
Each bite has textural complexity that keeps things interesting.
The filling strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and spicy. On the Rise doesn’t overdo the sugar, letting the cinnamon’s natural warmth and complexity shine through.
They use organic ingredients whenever possible, which you can taste in the final product. Everything just tastes cleaner and more vibrant.
The bakery itself embodies the artisan ethos completely. You can watch bakers working with dough throughout the day, and the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon fills the space.
It’s the kind of bakery that makes you appreciate the craft behind what you’re eating.
Address: 3471 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
10. Michael’s Bakeshop, Willoughby
Northeast Ohio’s food scene continues to grow, and Michael’s Bakeshop represents the new generation of bakeries that combine traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. Their cinnamon rolls reflect a baker who’s done the homework, studied the classics, and then added personal touches that make them distinctive.
The dough here is given a long, slow rise that develops complex flavors you won’t find in quick-rise versions. This patient approach creates a lighter texture while building depth that makes each bite more interesting.
The result is a roll that’s substantial but never heavy or doughy.
Michael’s uses high-quality cinnamon in the filling, chosen for its nuanced, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in baked goods.
Combined with dark brown sugar and real butter, the filling becomes something special that tastes distinctly different from typical cinnamon rolls.
The bakeshop itself is compact but efficient, with a small seating area where you can watch the bakers work. Everything is made on-site in small batches, which means occasional sellouts but guarantees freshness.
Smart visitors call ahead to reserve their favorites, especially on busy weekend mornings.
Address: 4145 Erie St Suite 102, Willoughby, OH 44094
11. Luna Bakery & Cafe, Cleveland
Cleveland’s downtown continues evolving into a food destination, and Luna Bakery & Cafe has positioned itself at the forefront of that movement. Their approach to cinnamon rolls reflects the same creativity and quality focus that’s made them a go-to spot for discerning pastry lovers throughout the region.
Luna’s signature move is offering a standout cinnamon roll alongside other pastries, with occasional seasonal twists and specials that keep regulars curious.
This keeps regular customers coming back to see what’s new while ensuring there’s always something for traditionalists.
The dough recipe focuses on creating an incredibly soft, fluffy texture that stays fresh longer than many conventional versions.
The rolls maintain their moisture even the next day, though they rarely last that long.
The cafe space is designed for lingering, with comfortable seating and a full coffee program that rivals dedicated coffee shops. It’s become a popular spot for remote workers and casual meetings, which speaks to the welcoming atmosphere the owners have cultivated.
Address: 1468 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
12. Brown Bear Bakery, Cincinnati
The bakery scene in this city is competitive, which makes Brown Bear Bakery’s success all the more impressive. They’ve carved out a devoted following by focusing on what matters most: consistently excellent products made with care and served with genuine warmth.
Their cinnamon rolls are generous without being ridiculous, sized perfectly for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon treat. The dough has that ideal combination of structure and softness, holding together when you pick it up but yielding easily to your fork.
It’s enriched enough to taste buttery and rich without leaving you feeling overly full.
The cinnamon filling is applied with a generous hand, spiraling through the entire roll in thick ribbons. Brown Bear uses a proprietary spice blend that includes traditional cinnamon plus hints of cardamom and nutmeg, adding complexity that makes you pause and try to identify what makes these taste different from others.
The cream cheese frosting deserves its own paragraph. It’s thick, tangy, and applied in quantities that satisfy even the most dedicated frosting enthusiasts.
They’re not stingy here. Every bite includes frosting, which is exactly how it should be when you’re indulging in a cinnamon roll.
Address: 116 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202