We’re Ranking Arizona’s Best Cinnamon Rolls, Here Are The 10 Winners
Arizona might be famous for its stunning sunsets and desert landscapes, but locals know the real treasure lies in the state’s incredible cinnamon roll scene. If you ever wondered what it feels like to be caught in a warm, buttery vortex of sweet, spiced goodness, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve spent the last three months traipsing across the Grand Canyon State, armed with nothing but a fork, an insatiable sweet tooth, and a GPS that apparently thinks “cinnamon roll” is a landmark.
From desert‑side diners that whisper “we’re fresh‑baked” to hip‑ster cafés whose rolls are so Instagram‑ready they practically have their own fan clubs, I’ve sampled every swirl, twirl, and drizzle the state has to offer.
After countless crumbs on my shirt, a few minor sugar comas, and an alarming increase in the number of “cinnamon roll” tattoos I’m being asked to get, I finally narrowed it down to the ten most deserving contenders.
No names, no spoilers-just a tantalizing list that will make you want to sprint to the nearest bakery (or at least scroll furiously on your phone). Ready to discover which rolls earned the coveted spot on my “Cinnamon‑Roll Hall of Fame”?
1. The Original Rainbow Donuts Cafe (Tempe)
Walking into this Tempe institution feels like stepping back in time to when breakfast was simple and delicious. Rainbow Donuts has been serving Arizona State University students and locals since 1979, and honestly, those cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend.
Each roll arrives warm from the oven, generously sized and practically drowning in homemade cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. The dough strikes that perfect balance between fluffy and dense, with cinnamon sugar swirled throughout creating pockets of sweet spice in every bite.
Located at 914 West University Drive, this spot opens early and closes when they sell out, which happens fast on weekends. Pro tip: grab a coffee to go with your roll because the combination is absolutely unbeatable for fueling up before exploring Tempe Town Lake.
The little shop stays busy in that steady, no-fuss way, with people slipping in for a quick box and leaving like they just won something.
If you want the best selection, go early, because once those trays thin out, the day’s magic is basically spoken for.
2. Old Biscuit Mill (Phoenix)
Tucked away in Phoenix, Old Biscuit Mill transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary baked goods that make mornings magical. The cinnamon rolls here aren’t just breakfast pastries—they’re edible works of art that respect tradition while adding creative flair.
What sets these rolls apart is the laminated dough technique that creates buttery, flaky layers reminiscent of croissants. Cinnamon and brown sugar caramelize beautifully during baking, forming crispy edges that contrast wonderfully with the soft interior.
The vanilla bean cream cheese frosting gets whipped to cloud-like perfection, adding richness without overwhelming the delicate spice notes. Located at 5029 North 7th Avenue, this bakery sources local ingredients whenever possible, and you can absolutely taste the difference in quality.
Arrive early because serious pastry lovers line up before opening, especially on Saturday mornings when fresh batches emerge from the oven every thirty minutes. The cozy space feels equal parts neighborhood hangout and pastry destination, with the scent of butter and sugar guiding you straight to the counter.
It’s the kind of place where one visit turns into a weekend ritual before you even realize it.
3. JL Patisserie (Phoenix)
French technique meets Arizona warmth at JL Patisserie, where classically trained pastry chefs elevate the humble cinnamon roll to haute cuisine status. Stepping inside feels like visiting a Parisian bakery, complete with gleaming display cases and the intoxicating aroma of butter and vanilla.
These rolls feature brioche dough enriched with eggs and European butter, creating an incredibly tender crumb that practically melts on your tongue. Instead of traditional frosting, they finish each roll with a light vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of pearl sugar for elegant sweetness and satisfying crunch.
The cinnamon filling contains hints of cardamom and orange zest, adding sophisticated depth that keeps you coming back for another bite. I remember bringing these to a brunch gathering last spring, and honestly, people stopped mid-conversation to ask where they came from.
Find this gem at 1719 East Bethany Home Road, where everything gets made from scratch daily.
Even during busy mornings, the room keeps a calm, refined energy that makes lingering over coffee feel completely natural.
It’s one of those rare spots where classic technique and local charm blend so seamlessly you forget how special the experience really is.
4. Chompie’s Restaurant Deli And Bakery (Scottsdale)
Chompie’s has been a Valley institution since 1979, serving up New York-style deli favorites alongside bakery items that would make your grandmother jealous. The cinnamon rolls here are absolutely massive, easily shareable if you’re feeling generous, though most people guard them fiercely.
Traditional yeast dough gets rolled with generous amounts of cinnamon sugar, then baked until golden and fragrant. The frosting situation is serious—thick, sweet, and applied with zero restraint, which is exactly how it should be.
What makes Chompie’s special is the consistency; whether you visit on Tuesday morning or Sunday afternoon, you’re getting the same quality roll that’s kept customers coming back for decades. Located at 9301 East Shea Boulevard, this Scottsdale location offers plenty of seating for enjoying your roll fresh with a cup of hot coffee.
The bakery also sells day-old rolls at discount, perfect for making bread pudding at home.
The lively deli atmosphere adds to the experience, with the steady buzz of regulars who clearly know exactly what they came for.
It’s comfort food at its most unapologetic, big flavors, big portions, and a sense that some traditions never need changing.
5. Butters Pancakes And Café (Scottsdale)
Butters takes breakfast seriously, and their cinnamon rolls prove that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully on the same plate. This Scottsdale hotspot has built a devoted following thanks to creative menu items that respect classic flavors while adding unexpected twists.
The signature roll features Madagascar cinnamon in the filling, which tastes noticeably sweeter and more complex than standard varieties. Maple cream cheese frosting adds depth, while toasted pecans sprinkled on top provide nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Each roll gets baked to order during peak hours, meaning you might wait fifteen minutes, but that first bite of warm, gooey perfection makes patience absolutely worthwhile. The cafe atmosphere buzzes with energy, filled with families, couples, and solo diners all appreciating quality food made with care.
Located at 7014 East Camelback Road, Butters opens at 6:30 AM weekdays and 7 AM weekends, perfect timing for early risers craving something special.
6. The Coffee Shop At Agritopia (Gilbert)
Nestled in Gilbert’s unique urban farm community, this coffee shop embodies the farm-to-table philosophy in everything they serve. The cinnamon rolls here taste like something grandma would make if she had access to the finest ingredients and a professional kitchen.
Organic flour, local butter, and fair-trade cinnamon come together in rolls that balance sweetness with genuine flavor complexity. The buttercream frosting gets whipped until impossibly light, allowing the cinnamon and dough flavors to shine through rather than getting buried under sugar.
My neighbor dragged me here last fall insisting these were the best rolls in the East Valley, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. Sitting on the patio watching farmers tend nearby crops while enjoying fresh pastry creates an experience that feels worlds away from typical chain breakfast spots.
Located at 3000 East Ray Road, the shop sources ingredients from surrounding Agritopia farms whenever seasonally possible, supporting local agriculture with every delicious bite.
7. Schnepf Farms Bakery (Queen Creek)
Schnepf Farms has been family-owned since 1941, and their bakery carries on traditions that span generations of Arizona agriculture. Visiting feels like stepping onto your favorite aunt’s farm, where everything tastes better because it’s made with love and quality ingredients.
The cinnamon rolls here embrace simplicity in the best possible way—no fancy techniques or exotic ingredients, just honest baking that delivers comfort in every bite. Soft dough gets rolled with cinnamon sugar, baked until golden, then finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze that adds sweetness without overwhelming.
These rolls pair perfectly with farm-fresh apple cider, especially during fall when the orchard buzzes with families picking fruit and enjoying seasonal festivities. The bakery operates seasonally, typically open weekends from September through May, so check ahead before making the drive.
Located at 24810 South Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek, Schnepf Farms offers pick-your-own produce, a petting zoo, and memories that last long after the last crumb disappears.
There’s something grounding about enjoying a warm roll with open fields stretching out around you, the air carrying that faint scent of earth and sugar.
It’s the kind of place where a simple pastry turns into a full afternoon tradition you find yourself repeating year after year.
8. Beyond Bread (Tucson)
Tucson’s beloved bakery has been crafting exceptional bread and pastries since 1998, building a reputation for quality that extends far beyond city limits. Beyond Bread takes the craft seriously, using organic flour and natural ingredients to create cinnamon rolls that taste clean and satisfying.
The dough ferments slowly overnight, developing complex flavors and creating that perfect tender texture that makes each bite memorable. Cinnamon filling gets sweetened with organic cane sugar and real butter, while the cream cheese frosting contains just enough tanginess to balance the sweetness beautifully.
Multiple locations around Tucson mean you’re never far from fresh-baked goodness, whether you’re near the University of Arizona campus or exploring the foothills. The bakery opens early, making it easy to grab rolls for breakfast meetings or lazy weekend mornings at home.
Everything gets made from scratch daily, and watching bakers work through the open kitchen windows reminds you that good food requires skill, time, and dedication.
9. The B Line (Tucson)
This trendy Tucson eatery brings California cool to Southern Arizona breakfast culture, serving up creative dishes that Instagram dreams are made of. The cinnamon rolls at The B Line manage to feel both indulgent and somehow virtuous, which is quite the accomplishment.
House-made dough gets enriched with cultured butter and a touch of honey, creating rolls that taste simultaneously rich and light. The filling incorporates Vietnamese cinnamon, which packs more punch than standard varieties, delivering bold spice notes that wake up your taste buds.
Cream cheese frosting gets piped on in artistic swirls rather than slathered, allowing you to control sweetness levels with each bite. Located at 621 North 4th Avenue, The B Line attracts a younger crowd that appreciates thoughtful food presentation without sacrificing flavor or substance.
Weekend brunch gets busy, so arrive early or expect a wait, though people-watching from the patio makes time pass quickly while anticipating that first warm, cinnamon-scented bite.
The bright, lively space keeps the energy high, with colorful plates and easy conversation flowing between tables.
It’s the kind of breakfast stop that turns a simple morning into a small celebration before the day even gets going.
10. Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery (Flagstaff)
High in the ponderosa pines, Macy’s has been Flagstaff’s gathering place since 1992, serving exceptional coffee and European-inspired pastries that warm you from the inside out.
The cinnamon rolls here reflect continental baking traditions, featuring buttery layers and refined sweetness that never feels cloying.
Each roll gets brushed with butter before baking, creating a golden exterior that crackles slightly when you bite through to the soft, cinnamon-laced interior. The frosting situation leans minimalist—just enough vanilla glaze to add sweetness while letting the quality of the dough and spice shine through.
Sitting by the fireplace on a snowy morning with a fresh roll and dark roast coffee ranks among life’s simple pleasures, especially after exploring nearby trails or skiing Snowbowl.
Located at 14 South Beaver Street in historic downtown Flagstaff, Macy’s attracts everyone from Northern Arizona University students to tourists exploring Route 66.
The coffeehouse roasts beans in-house, and that attention to quality extends to everything they bake.
The space hums with quiet conversation and the steady rhythm of espresso machines, creating the kind of cozy mountain refuge you linger in longer than planned.
By the time you finish your roll, the chill outside feels distant, replaced by that steady, satisfied warmth only a good bakery can deliver.