Cinnamon Roll Heaven: Cinnaholic

By: Bob Gurley
 
Sometimes the best food discoveries are by accident. I was driving north on Eastern Ave. in Green Valley and an inviting sign caught my eye…Cinnaholic. I thought to myself that the name was reason enough to visit. A few days later I decided to give them a try. 

​The founders, Shannon and Florian Radke, opened the first location in Berkeley back in 2010. They appeared on Shark Tank and from there developed the business model that is helping to expand offerings throughout the U.S.

Their philosophy is to make only 100% vegan products and make each visitor feel like family. Instead of regular sugar, they utilize vegan beet varieties. They also make up fresh batches of rolls every 20 minutes so that they are the freshest you can find. The only downside to that is if someone in front of you picks up a large order you might have to wait a few extra minutes.
   
 Offerings include 20 unique frosting flavors and toppings. You really can customize your experience. When I walked in I really couldn’t decide what I wanted. At first glance the cinnamon rolls looked a little small but I would find out later that one of them is a meal in itself.
   
A display case had several options, including a good-looking Bananas Foster edition. I decided to order and take it back home. The aromas that filled my car made it hard for me to keep my hands on the wheel during the drive back.
   
As I opened the box, more pleasant smells awaited my nostrils. The warm bun was topped with sliced banana and a savory topping that created a great sensation for my taste buds. I continued to consume it at great speed, enjoying every bite. Even though the price was about $6.50 it was well worth it.
    
If you want to customize your experience the selection of frosting flavors is dizzying. Everything from cake batter to maple is available. Chai, lemon, chocolate and amaretto are other picks. For toppings, how about chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cups or blueberries?
   
There are also a host of seasonal treats like the Maple Harvest Roll with maple frosting topped with fresh apples and pecans. The Pumpkin Pie Roll includes marshmallow, pie crumble and cinnamon.
    
If you crave smaller bites, order the Baby Buns that are sold in quantities of 3, 6, or 12. You can get them plain or frosted with one topping.
 
Cookie dough is becoming popular and they have it in to-go 5-ounce containers. If you are planning a party consider Cinnacakes in small, medium and large sizes.
    
Cinnaholic is more than just a bakery as they offer locally sourced coffee and seasonal tea as well as expresso drinks.
    
All of us have enjoyed cinnamon rolls for years. You can find them just about everywhere but the folks at Cinnaholic have elevated the experience with a line of rolls and other goodies that will keep you coming back.
    
Cinnaholic, 1500 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Suite 230, Henderson (702) 248-2600. There are three other locations in Las Vegas. www.cinnaholic.com.