Guest Post

Sweet, comforting, and oozing with sugar and frosting, cinnamon buns are considered by a lot of people as some of the most delectable desserts out there. These sticky creations of goodness are staples at cafes across the UK, and there’s nothing like warming up on a cold day with a delicious cinnamon bun or roll and a cup of coffee.

Perhaps the reason why I love cinnamon buns so much is that cinnamon itself is such a unique spice. And what’s even nicer is that it has some great health benefits that can balance off all the carbs and sugar I’m putting into my system – or so I tell myself.

In fact, cinnamon helps prevent blood-sugar spikes. It also has anti-aging and antioxidant control properties, making just a few milligrams of the spice extremely good for you. Additionally, cinnamon can actually protect your heart and combat high blood pressure and cholesterol. Other studies have shown that it helps support brain function and fight against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cinnamon does this by activating special proteins that help protect brain cells from deterioration. Of course, wolfing down a spoonful of the spice isn’t the most satisfying form of reaping these health benefits, so why not enjoy an ooey-gooey cinnamon bun in the process?

This is why, in the interest of health and my own devotion to cinnamon buns, I’ve gone ahead and trawled through Edinburgh’s selection of cafés and bakeries for the best cinnamon buns I could get my hands on.

Peter’s Yard

Peter’s Yard is a must-visit for any lover of baked goodies, as this café along Simpson Loan boasts a stunning selection of everything from cardamom buns and crisp bread to almond-filled Mazarin and sourdough loaves. Whatever you’re into, there’s sure to be something for you here, especially when it comes to their delicious cinnamon buns. I recently found out that Peter’s Yard even have an honesty station for you to leave money in exchange for a cup of coffee, which sounds like a heavenly addition to your cinnamon bun.

Söderberg

The delightfully Swedish Söderberg bakeries are brought to us by the same geniuses behind Peter’s Yard, and serve as satellites of its sister café. The branch along Queensferry St. is the group’s first foray into the West End, and is only a few blocks away from the Sunday Stockbridge market, which was featured previously here on Foodinburgh. Getting your ‘kanelbulle’ (cinnamon bun) fix has never been more stylish than when you do so in these petite but dedicated bakeries, whose glass counters are always filled with delicious goodies.

Mimi’s Bakehouse

The award-winning Mimi’s Bakehouse has several locations within Edinburgh, but the branch along the scenic Leith Shore looks like a dream. Lush velvet sofas, enticingly displayed food, and even an outdoor seating area perfect for afternoons along the shore characterise this gem, which is most commonly known for its array of mouth-wateringly delicious cakes. The bakery’s motto is, “It’s all about the cake.” You wouldn’t know that with a mouthful of their gooey cinnamon roll though, which was produced with the same loving care and skill as their cake collection on offer.

Twelve Triangles

The small Twelve Triangles café packs a punch in its selection of North Berwick-based Steampunk coffee and delicious baked goods, earning it a sizable local customer base. Although the menu changes from time to time, visitors can expect freshly baked croissants, sourdoughs, focaccia, and their beloved doughnuts. My favourite, of course, is their signature cinnamon swirly bun, which can come with a heavenly cream cheese icing or with a little apple sauce. You can find this quaint little café along Brunswick Street near Haddington Place.

Fieldwork Café

Located along Fountainbridge, Fieldwork Café is a wonderful little place boasting delicate interiors and an amazing selection of coffee and homemade pastries made with locally sourced ingredients. Like Twelve Triangles, Fieldwork uses Steampunk coffee from North Berwick, as well as milk from local farmers. They also offer delicious vegan and gluten-free options for most of their food selections, which includes their sweet and comfortingly fluffy cinnamon bun.

Have you tried some (or all) of these cinnamon buns, too? Let me know which were your favourite in the comments section below.