Whether you're all about the gooey centres, crispy edges or just-right frosting-to-pastry ratio, Europe’s got all your cinnamon roll dreams covered – if you know where to go. And we’ll tell you exactly where to look…
Malmo, Sweden
The home of cinnamon swirls itself, Sweden had to be at the top of this list. The locals here grab them like they’re a daily essential, but that’s because they basically are. As a big part of fika (a Swedish coffee and cake break), the cardamon-flavoured cinna-buns are as common as an afternoon cuppa with a biscuit is to us.
Get one (or five) here: Bakery inside Malmo Saluhall
Copenhagen, Denmark
Its unofficial second name is ‘Danish’ – of course it’s going to be popular in Denmark too. It’s a soft staple in all coffee shops and bakeries around Copenhagen – including the trendiest ones you’ve already got on your to-visit list.
Get one (or five) here: Andersen & Maillard
Bergen, Norway
The Scandinavians all have their versions of this local-to-the-region pastry, and in Norway, it’s skillingsbolle. Originally from Bergen, its swirl is simpler than other Scandi neighbours’ – maybe that’s why it’s been a family fave for over 500 years here.
Get one (or five) here: Good Bread Floyen
Paris, France
Oui, the capital of pastries does more than croissants and macarons. Although, as everything else, the French do it their own way – the swirls here are elegant, buttery and oh-so delightful. The now-closed Circus Bakery was the first to make cinnamon rolls a thing in Paris, but others caught on pretty quickly too – you’ll find the round delight in many bakeries across the city.
Get one (or five) here: Leonie Bakery
Berlin, Germany
A German take on a cinnamon bun comes in big batches for even bigger appetites – none of that artisanal nonsense over in Berlin, just simple, cinnamon-covered greatness. They’re not as common as in the Scandinavian countries, but when you find them, you’ve got to have one.
Get one (or five) here: Cinnamood Berlin Mitte
Krakow, Poland
Although the cinnamon craze hasn’t quite set in here yet, Krakow’s pastry game is ever-growing, especially when you have Scandi-inspired cafés popping up. Step inside these and your senses will be suddenly transported to northern Europe.
Get one (or five) here: KAFFE BAGERI Stockholm
Honourable mention: Budapest, Hungary
A bit different from the other rolls on this list, the Hungarian chimney cakes are technically cinnamon-dusted swirls too. And they certainly give the pastries a run for their money, plus you can get them filled with anything from vanilla to pistachio cream. Go wild.
Get one (or five) here: Molnár's kürtőskalács
Posted: 29th May 2025.