We've all heard Jim Gaffigan rip on Cinnabon for contributing to America's weight issues, but despite their hefty calorie count, we're completely incapable of resisting those incredible cinnamon rolls. The smell wafting from their ovens is enough to sending you sprinting through the shopping mall, and it makes you wonder what magic is baked into those frosting-smothered beauties. Turns out there's nothing tricky going on—it's all about years of dedication and the best quality ingredients out there.
1. It originated in a shopping mall.
The very first Cinnabon bakery popped up at Sea Tac Mall in the Seattle area of Washington back in 1985.
2. They use the best cinnamon in the world.
Cinnabon's creators set out to find the most flavorful and aromatic cinnamon possible, and settled on "Korintje" or "Makara," a variety that can only be harvested from cassia trees in the mountains of Indonesia. It's considered the gold standard of the spice.
3. The recipe has changed over the years.
The iconic Cinnabon Classic Roll, created by Jerilyn Brusseau, originally contained raisins, while the first Cinnabon Caramel Pecanbon had rum in it. Today, a blend of brown sugar and spices gets rolled up in the signature dough, then smothered with cream cheese frosting.
4. Cinnabon bakes more than a billion cinnamon rolls each year.
The chain serves enough of the fresh-baked treats to lay them across the width of the U.S. over 3.5 times!
5. People eat them all over the world.
Cinnabon is served in over 60 countries around the world. Next to the U.S., the second largest market is Saudi Arabia, followed by Russia.
6. The chain has fast-food connections.
Customers can chow down on Cinnabon Delights at Taco Bell, and soon they'll be able to try Cinnabon Frosting Filled Pumpkin Muffins at Race Trak. Moviegoers can even eat Cinnabon Gooey Bites with their popcorn at Regal Theatres.
7. They make great coffee, too.
When the Mochalatta Chill frozen beverage first debuted 27 years ago, the chain sold enough to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool. Now, Cinnabon fans can take home flavored K-Cups with all the cinnamon-bun flavor they love.
8. Some locations have savory items on the menu.
Though the incredible Pizzabon is no longer on offer, select bakeries sell paninis using the signature dough, baked with cheese inside. Sounds like the ideal sandwich to us.
9. It's easy to get free treats.
Sign up for Club Cinnabon, and you'll get a free MiniBon upon joining, plus a free iced coffee on your birthday.
10. Cinnabon has spawned tons of crazy products.
There have been some delicious branded items on the market, including Cinnabon Chapstick and air freshener, plus flavored vodka, International Delight Creamer and Creme Liqueur.
11. The chain made a big television appearance.
On AMC's show Better Call Saul, a prequel to Breaking Bad, we see a flash-forward of Bob Odenkirk's character Saul, working as a Cinnabon store manager at a shopping-mall, presumable to escape his unsavory past. To play the role, Odenkirk had to go through regular employee training at a real Cinnabon.
12. There's a bite-size roll in the works.
A brand-new menu item is launching in September 2016—get ready for the smallest cinnamon roll yet, the BonBite! The cute treats will be topped with caramel pecan or classic frosting and come in at around 90 calories a piece.
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FAQs
Cinnabon and malls are inseparable. But just because Cinnabon might be good for the Gap doesn't mean it's at all good for you. This dangerously bloated bun -- among these Fattiest Foods in America -- contains nearly an entire day's worth of fat and more than half of your daily allotment of calories.
What is the Cinnabon controversy? ›
Cinnabon Allegedly Banned Pride Decorations, So Workers Went on Strike. Workers say that the alleged ban specifically targets LGBTQ+ workers. Workers at a Los Angeles Cinnabon went on strike to protest the alleged banning of Pride decor from their store.
What makes Cinnabon taste so good? ›
Under the canopy of the tropical forests in Indonesia, the cassia tree produces the sweet, luscious flavor that is exclusively known as Cinnabon® Makara® Cinnamon. It creates a one-of-a-kind experience you can smell and taste.
Is Cinnamoroll a girl or a boy? ›
Characters. Cinnamoroll (born March 6) is a male white and chubby puppy with long ears that enable him to fly. He has blue eyes, pink cheeks, and a tail that resembles a cinnamon roll. Cinnamoroll flies around the town looking for fun and new adventures with his friends, and one of his main hobbies is eating.
Why shouldn't you refrigerate Cinnabon? ›
Why you shouldn't refrigerate Cinnabon. According to Serious Eats, after baking, the starch molecules in bread begin to recrystallize and harden, which is how bread goes stale. Refrigeration only accelerates that process.
Is Cinnabon baked or fried? ›
Cinnabon® Classic Roll
Our world-famous cinnamon roll is made with a combination of warm dough, legendary Makara cinnamon, and signature cream cheese for a freshly baked, irresistible sweet treat.
Are Cinnabon Delights bad for you? ›
A Cinnabon Delight from Taco Bell contains 20 grams of sugar. This sweet treat can contribute a significant amount to your daily sugar intake. It's always good to be aware of the nutritional content in your food, especially if you are watching your sugar intake due to dietary restrictions or health conditions.
Is Cinnabon owned by Auntie Anne's? ›
GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands) is an American company that currently owns the Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's and Jamba brands.
Why did Cinnabon discontinue the sticks? ›
ATLANTA, May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bakery supplier, CSM Bakery Solutions, recently notified Cinnabon® of the recall of Cinnabon Stix due to the possible presence of peanut allergens in an ingredient used in Cinnabon Stix.
What is Cinnabon's secret ingredient? ›
Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient
This special Indonesian cinnamon, called Makara, is trademarked by Cinnabon. And because of that trademark, you won't find this product in your local grocery store spice aisle.
Worst: Caramel Pecanbon
The Caramel Pecanbon, while a delicious treat from Cinnabon, is considered an unhealthy choice due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. A single serving packs a hefty caloric punch, often exceeding the daily recommended sugar intake in just one pastry.
Are you supposed to heat Cinnabon? ›
All rolls are shipped with extra frosting on the side. Reheating Instructions: Place uncovered roll on microwave-safe plate. Heat Classic Roll for 30-40 seconds, adding 10 seconds for each additional roll.
Does Cinnabon use special cinnamon? ›
They use the best cinnamon in the world.
Cinnabon's creators set out to find the most flavorful and aromatic cinnamon possible, and settled on "Korintje" or "Makara," a variety that can only be harvested from cassia trees in the mountains of Indonesia. It's considered the gold standard of the spice.
What are the ingredients of Cinnabon? ›
INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED FLOUR BLEACHED (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, SUGAR, PALM AND SOYBEAN OIL, DEXTROSE, MARGARINE (PALM AND SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, SALT, WHEY, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SOY LECITHIN, SODIUM BENZOATE [PRESERVATIVE], BETA CAROTENE [COLOR], ...
What is the story of Cinnabon? ›
It began in early 1985 when father and son team, Rich and Greg Komen, enlisted a master baker to create the world's greatest cinnamon roll from scratch. After months of frustration and hundreds of failed attempts, the trio came up with the perfect mix combining the finest ingredients from across the globe.
