The Michigan Bakery Serving Cinnamon Rolls The Size Of Your Head

Hidden in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zingerman’s Bakehouse has become legendary for their massive, head-sized cinnamon rolls that draw crowds from across the state.

These colossal swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness represent just one highlight from this beloved bakery’s impressive array of artisanal treats. Whether you’re a local or planning a Michigan road trip, these oversized pastries alone make Zingerman’s worth the journey.

1. How Zingerman’s Bakehouse Began

Back in 1992, what started as a modest bakery supplying bread to Zingerman’s Delicatessen blossomed into its own beloved institution. Co-owner Frank Carollo (with Zingerman’s founders Ari Weinzweig & Paul Saginaw) shared a vision for authentic, traditional baking methods.

Their commitment to old-world techniques quickly earned them a devoted following. Using natural fermentation and hand-forming techniques, they created something special in Ann Arbor’s food landscape.

2. Artisan Baking, Local Ingredients & Craft

Quality ingredients form the backbone of Zingerman’s philosophy. They source unbleached, unbromated flour, local Michigan butter, and farm-fresh eggs from nearby producers whenever possible.

Each recipe undergoes rigorous testing before making the cut. The bakers follow time-honored traditions, refusing shortcuts that would compromise flavor or texture. Their commitment extends beyond taste to supporting local agriculture and sustainable practices.

3. The Bakehouse Setup

Walking into Zingerman’s retail space, you’re greeted by glass cases brimming with baked treasures and the intoxicating aroma of fresh bread. Behind the counter, the production area buzzes with activity as bakers shape dough and pull steaming loaves from massive ovens.

The facility cleverly combines retail, production, and education spaces. Visitors can peer through windows to watch the baking magic happen in real-time.

4. What Sweet Treats You’ll Always Find

Beyond their famous cinnamon rolls, display cases showcase an impressive array of pastries. Flaky croissants with honeycomb interiors sit alongside rich brownies and buttery scones that practically melt on your tongue.

Hungarian specialty beigli filled with walnut or poppy seed paste represents their commitment to preserving traditional recipes. Jewish classics like hamantaschen and rugelach maintain authentic flavors while appealing to modern palates.

5. Cinnamon Rolls & Big-Batch Favorites

The star attraction – cinnamon rolls bigger than your fist – creates instant camera moments for first-time visitors. These spiral wonders feature layers of butter-enriched dough wrapped around generous cinnamon-sugar filling, crowned with cream cheese frosting.

Weekend mornings often mean lines forming before opening. Smart regulars know to pre-order these massive treats, especially during holidays when demand skyrockets.

6. What Makes Their Pastries Stand Out

Fermentation magic happens overnight, developing complex flavors impossible to rush. Bakers fold butter into dough through multiple turns, creating those signature flaky layers in croissants and pastries.

Temperature control proves crucial – ingredients remain chilled until needed. Hand-shaping every piece ensures consistent quality, while specialized European equipment helps maintain authenticity in traditional recipes.

7. Bread, Savory Items & Everyday Classics

Crusty sourdough loaves with tangy profiles anchor the bread selection, alongside Jewish rye studded with caraway seeds. Their farm bread – a rustic white loaf with remarkable keeping quality – remains a perpetual bestseller.

Savory options include Rosemary & Sea Salt and Green Olive focaccia and pretzel bread with crackling exteriors. Morning regulars swear by their savory scones packed with seasonal vegetables and herbs from nearby farms.

8. Seasonal Specials & Rotating Bakes

Summer brings Michigan cherry season, transforming the bakery’s offerings with sour cherry pie and cherry-almond scones. Fall welcomes pumpkin treats alongside spiced apple creations that capture autumn’s essence.

Holiday traditions shine through German stollen studded with dried fruits and marzipan during December. Seasonal specials often sell out quickly, prompting devoted customers to mark calendars for limited-time favorites.

9. Coffee, Drinks & Pairings

Locally roasted coffee complements the bakery’s offerings, with baristas crafting drinks designed to enhance pastry flavors. Strong, smooth espresso cuts through the richness of buttery treats.

Housemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate – not powder – becomes a winter favorite. Staff happily suggest perfect pairings, like their tangy sourdough with Michigan honey or a robust coffee alongside those famous cinnamon rolls.

10. The Baking School (“BAKE!”) & Behind-The-Scenes Access

Amateur bakers flock to Zingerman’s BAKE! classes to learn directly from master bakers. Hands-on workshops cover everything from croissant lamination to pizza-making in their dedicated teaching kitchen.

Students leave with new skills and recipes tested for home kitchens. Special tours offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into production areas normally hidden from public view, revealing the impressive scale of their daily operations.

11. Community & Local Role In Ann Arbor

Beyond feeding the community, Zingerman’s creates gathering spaces where neighbors connect over shared food experiences. Their commitment to fair wages and staff development has made them a model employer in the food industry.

Community partnerships extend to local schools and food banks. Regular donations help address food insecurity while special fundraising events support various Ann Arbor causes, cementing their status as more than just a bakery.