1. Redamtè ~449 State. St. Madison, WI 53703

Smile Factor: 10 ~ Bang per Bite: 8 ~ Creativity: 7 ~ Deliciousness: 10 ~ Plate Appeal: 7 ~ Total: 42

Redamtè made it best! This cinnamon roll sends the smile factor through the roof. I got this roll warmed up and the whole time I was speechless–partly because I couldn’t stop eating it and partly because of its amazingness.  The cream cheese frosting melts in your mouth, they don’t skimp on the cinnamon and sugar, and the dough is soft and buttery.  For most cinnamon rolls, I’m waiting to get to the center of the roll where all the gooeyness and deliciousness culminates.  With Redamte’s roll, it doesn’t matter if you’re on bite one or five, it’s all just as wonderful as the center of the roll.

2. Stella’s Bakery ~2908 Syene Rd., Madison, WI 53713

Smile Factor: 10 ~ Bang per Bite: 7 ~ Creativity: 7 ~ Deliciousness: 9 ~ Plate Appeal: 8 ~ Total: 41

Disclaimer: I’m a little biased after working at Stella’s for three summers and eating a cinnamon roll on every market day.  Since I’m new to food critiquing, I haven’t quite learned all the rules about how to stay objective.  The mild cream cheese frosting is lovely and Stella’s does a great job of balancing the amount of sugar and cinnamon spread throughout the roll.  It isn’t overly sweet, so you can taste the light, scrumptious roll baked just hours before.

3. Sophia’s Bakery~831 E. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53703

Smile Factor: 7 ~ Bang per Bite: 8 ~ Creativity: 10 ~ Deliciousness: 9 ~ Plate Appeal: 6 ~ Total: 40

I was looking forward to the Sophia’s roll all week because they are only open on the weekends.  Although I told myself that I would not try any cinnamon rolls without frosting, I took the chance on Sophia’s.  I called ahead of time and had them put a roll on layaway for me.  I’ve never put food “on hold” but it was definitely worth it! This roll won me over in the creativity category.  It had a sweet and tangy orange glaze and the flaky crust that was mouthwatering.  The roll tastes like it is made with high quality ingredients and is guilt-free because you’ve got the fruit food group covered!

4. Fried and Fabulous~Moving Food Cart

Smile Factor: 10 ~ Bang per Bite: 7 ~ Creativity: 9 ~ Deliciousness: 7 ~ Plate Appeal: 6 ~ Total: 39

Talking to Steve at Fried and Fabulous made the whole experience. He was also unbelievable in the cinna roll photo shoot! Although the roll tasted more like funnel cake than a cinnamon roll, Steve made me want to open a food cart because he had such an amazing personality.  Deep fried anything makes you feel like you’re starting your Saturday off right.

5. Colectivo Coffee, formerly Alterra~25 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI 53703

Smile Factor: 10 ~ Bang per Bite: 8 ~ Creativity: 6 ~ Deliciousness: 6 ~ Plate Appeal: 6 ~Total: 36

This roll was tasty but I found myself offering it to everyone I was with–which is usually an indicator that you’re not loving something that much. I had my cinnamon roll warmed up and highly recommend doing this. While waiting for my roll, I experienced something I’ve never had happen in my life. A bird pooped on me! It was actually really hilarious and I felt honored that the bird chose me and later learned that it is actually good luck to have a bird poop on you. Therefore, although the deliciousness was lacking a little, the smile factor was at an all-time high.

6. Renaissance Farm: Mark’s Cinnamon Rolls~Farmer’s Market Stand

Smile Factor: 3 ~ Bang per Bite: 8 ~ Creativity: 5 ~ Deliciousness: 4 ~ Plate Appeal: 5 ~Total: 25

I was very excited to finally try Mark’s cinnamon roll stand at the market after years of wondering what the rolls tasted like. The stand worker was very nice and let me pick out the biggest roll left, which was much appreciated.  It was a hot day, but the frosting was a little dried up, the dough was dry, and it was overly sweet.  With such a big sweet tooth, I have a general “no throwing away baked goods” rule.  But with such a low smile factor and deliciousness score, I had to make an exception and tossed the remainder. Thankfully, I’m pretty sure Mark didn’t see!

7. Mickies Dairy Bar~1511 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

Smile Factor: 4 ~ Bang per Bite: 6 ~ Creativity: 6~ Deliciousness: 3 ~ Plate Appeal: 4 ~ Total: 23

Holy cinnamon. The cinnamon icing definitely overwhelmed the whole roll. The roll was very airy, and did not have much for your mouth to grab onto. I found myself wishing I was sipping on one of Mickie’s famous milkshakes but forced myself to complete the cinnamon roll tasting mission I had started. I’d recommend sticking to the dairy at the dairy bar.