Opening in Berkeley, California in 2010, Cinnaholic provides a new dessert option, made of high quality ingredients. Although it might seem surprising considering the taste, they feature 100% plant-based, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free sweets. Launched into publicity, the business was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, then successfully opened over 100 locations across the US and Canada, eventually ending up right here in McKinney.
Appearance:
The sweet smell of sugar immediately wafted from the back prep rooms as we walked in, drawing the customer towards the glass cases featuring new combinations. It rested on marble countertops above gray wooden counters, a shade darker than the chevron-patterned floor. Black wainscoting wrapped around the room, contrasting the purple walls that immediately stood out, and white rectangular tiles provided a clean backdrop for the kitchen. There were black tables lined up against the walls, with silver metallic chairs that, admittedly, weren’t the most comfortable. Pictures of the different desserts were hung evenly, providing decoration, and the food could also directly be seen above each menu entry. A fluorescent ellipsoid light fixture added extra illumination that the large window couldn’t provide.
Service:
We visited Cinnaholic on a Sunday morning shortly after the shop opened. Being the only customers there at the time, we received our items very quickly. The staff at Cinnaholic were very friendly and provided helpful information about the toppings on one of the cinnamon rolls when we had a question. The cinnamon rolls had already been freshly made, so once we decided on our orders, all the worker had to do was add the toppings. Interestingly, Cinnaholic also offers catering services to a variety of different events through an online order. While we only experienced ordering in person, the process was quick and pleasant.
Food Options:
Cinnaholic has six different standard options for cinnamon rolls: Old Skool, Cookie Monster, Caramel Apple Pie, Campfire S’mores, Very Berry and Shake, Rattle & Roll. These include the standard cinnamon roll as a base, different frosting flavors, then themed toppings that fit the name. On the day that we visited, Cinnaholic had 12 additional monthly cinnamon roll flavors on display. If customers don’t happen to find a cinnamon roll that suits their liking among those options, they have the ability to make their own cinnamon roll. This option comes with the standard cinnamon roll base, then customers choose the frosting and toppings. While cinnamon rolls are Cinnaholics main bakery items, they also sell brownies, cookies, edible cookie dough, cookie cakes and cinnacakes, which are cakes made from large cinnamon rolls.
Julianna: Fluffer Nutter (8/10)
I ordered Cinnholic’s Fluffer Nutter. This cinnamon roll flavor had peanut butter frosting with peanut butter cups, marshmallows and a chocolate drizzle on top. True to its name, the peanut butter frosting on the Fluffer Nutter was fluffy and light. As for the toppings, the rich and sweet peanut butter cups had a hard shell, but the peanut butter on the inside was soft. The marshmallows, however, resulted in some extra chewiness. The cinnamon roll itself was soft, thick, sweet and still warm when I received my order. All together, the chocolate drizzle and marshmallows on the top of the cinnamon roll balanced out the peanut butter frosting, making for a delicious treat. While I enjoyed this bakery item, Cinnaholic’s treats are essentially the cinnamon roll version of Crumbl Cookie, meaning that though the desserts are tasty, they are also excessively sweet.
Ardyn: Cookie Monster (10/10)
I got the cookie monster, which added chocolate syrup, homemade edible cookie dough, and mini chocolate chips. The dough was perfectly cooked, with an external firm shell giving way to a soft inside. There was an overload of cream cheese icings filling every corner of the cardboard container, enough to have mouthful while scraping the excess, which I did with delight. The edible cookie dough was delicious at room temperature, but the flavors would’ve been elevated if chilled. Finally, the chocolate syrup and chips provided more depth to the cinnamon roll, although it’s just as yummy without all of the toppings- known as the “Old Skool”. It was exquisite for sugar lovers, and thankfully ginormous, easily shareable between four people.
Overall, Cinnaholic features a delicious variety of cinnamon roll items and customizations, however, due to the lack of seating and space, it’s not a suitable place for studying or socializing. Despite this, the bakery’s catering options and short waiting time for orders make it a convenient experience for customers, and an overall recommended one!
