National Cinnamon Roll Day – October 4, 2022, history, significance
A warm buttery bun with sugar, honey, and cinnamon — sweet treats are made of these and who are we to disagree! Now on National Cinnamon Roll Day, held annually on October 4, you can indulge yourself. Everyone loves cinnamon rolls and everyone has their special favorite.
This day was first celebrated 19 years ago in Sweden and the love for this day is just as sweet. All over the country, people bake and enjoy various types of cinnamon rolls on this day. Whether you buy ’em or bake ’em, on National Cinnamon Roll Day, let the sweet times roll!
History of Cinnamon Roll Day
Historical records of cinnamon can be found that date back to at least 2800 BC in Chinese writings. Native to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and also India, true cinnamon is known as Cinnamomum verum. It comes from the bark of a tree and its botanical name in Hebraic and Arabic includes the term ‘amomon’, which is translated to mean a fragrant spice plant.
Used by medieval physicians, this spice has been known to offer some medicinal properties for healing, such as helping with sore throats or coughing. By the 16th century, cinnamon had made its way to Europe through Arab traders and this is likely when it began its use in traditional styles of baking.
Cinnamon rolls are believed to have found their origin in Europe after the arrival of cinnamon to the continent. The rolls started to become popular in the country of Sweden during the early years of the 20th century. It seems that some time in the 1920s, after World War I, the people of Sweden were again able to afford luxury items like spices, including cinnamon.
But it wasn’t until a couple of decades later, following World War II, that the cinnamon roll really caught on with the Swedish people and became a delicious tradition and part of their cultural identity.
The fact that Sweden is such a cold and dark country in the winter means that cinnamon, a warm spice, is particularly enjoyed. Especially when combined with a warm, yeasty sweet roll that comes fresh out of the oven. Many Swedish people have fond memories of coming home after school and enjoying fresh cinnamon rolls made by their moms or grandmas.
Begun in 1999, Cinnamon Roll Day was founded by Kaeth Gardestedt and the Home Baking Council in Sweden (and it is also celebrated in Finland). The day was established as a way to encourage more people to appreciate and enjoy this national treat – cinnamon rolls. Unusually popular in Sweden, this day is celebrated just near International Children’s Day, which is on the first Monday of October.
The day has been adopted by Swedes, partially due to their desire to build upon their national identity which, in this case, is associated with this traditional food. Statistically speaking, the average Swedish person consumes 316 cinnamon rolls every year. So it seems natural that Cinnamon Roll Day would be, in fact, a day that is beloved not only by Swedes, but also all around the world!
NATIONAL CINNAMON ROLL DAY TIMELINE
2000 B.C.
Rolls from Egypt to China
There’s evidence to show that cinnamon rolls are imported from Egypt to China for monarchs and royalty. The commoners can’t afford them!
1700s
Philadelphia-style cinnamon roll is born
Honey, sugar, cinnamon and raisins — all things nice, that’s what these rolls are made of!
1920
Costly post “Great War” treats
‘Kanelbulle’ is created in Sweden after the war, but cinnamon and cardamom is so expensive that few can afford these sweet treats.
1985
America’s first Cinnabon store
The first Cinnabon store opens in Federal Way, Washington. The rolls become popular very quickly.
1999
First celebration
In 1999, Sweden’s Hembakningsrådet (“Home Baking Council”) creates Cinnamon Roll Day to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
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5 REASONS WHY NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO CINNAMON ROLLS SWEETNESS
The original rolls were Swedish
The Swedish rolls are less sweet than their American cousins but just as delicious. The dough also has a tiny bit of cardamom. Interesting!
They have many names
Of all the names, “cinnamon snail” is the most bizarre! They are also called sticky buns, cinnamon buns, cinnamon swirl, and cinnamon danish.
Cinnamon is the spice of the rich
In the Middle Ages only the wealthy could afford cinnamon. In fact the more spices you could buy, the richer you were!
Cinnamon spices up your health
Cinnamon is known in herbal and holistic medicines to treat diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, and many other ailments.
Meet the Gut Bomb
The American Cinnabon Classic is called the ‘Gut Bomb’ because it contains 880 calories and 14 teaspoonfuls of sugar!
How to Celebrate Cinnamon Roll Day
Celebrating Cinnamon Roll Day comes with all sorts of delicious joy and delight! Check out some of these ideas for celebrating this day in the tastiest of ways:
Enjoy a Cinnamon Roll
Plenty of bakeries and restaurants will be excited to share Cinnamon Roll Day with their patrons! Perhaps it would be fun to head out to the bakery around the corner to pick up some delicious cinnamon rolls to eat at home with the family.
Or maybe the cinnamon roll craving means heading to the mall where the local Cinnabon store may just be offering an extra discount in honor of the day. Take a friend or family member and order up a huge, ooey, gooey cinnamon roll, complete with cream cheese frosting. Then pick up two forks and dig in together!
Cinnamon rolls are great on their own or as part of a larger breakfast that might include a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice and a couple of eggs. It’s a delicious way to get started in the morning on Cinnamon Roll Day. And for those who don’t normally eat breakfast, cinnamon rolls can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert!
Learn to Make Cinnamon Rolls
While they can be a little fussy, and they take a little bit of time, cinnamon roll recipes are completely worth it! The ingredients are fairly basic, typically including flour, sugar, eggs, milk, yeast, vanilla extract and butter. And, of course, the most important ingredient is cinnamon.
Making cinnamon rolls isn’t necessarily difficult for an avid baker but, just like any yeast roll, the dough for cinnamon rolls does require some kneading and then some time to rise. Usually they can be fully risen in a couple of hours, but some people allow them to sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows for them to be placed in the oven first thing in the morning so they can be enjoyed bright and early for breakfast!
