Throughout this summer, I’ve covered some strange collaborations. From ketchup-flavored Kit Kats to (literally) sweet new Converse, it feels like I’ve seen (and tasted) everything. That is, until I heard about the newest lineup of Cinnabon buns released for the back-to-school season. The brand is known for being the perfect sweet little treat after a shopping trip to the mall. (Seriously, have you ever seen a Cinnabon not in a mall??) But the bakery chain is collabing with an unexpected candy to create a colorful and sour cinnamon bun — and I got to try it first.
What is the Cinnabon Warheads roll?
Available in Cinnabon bakeries starting Monday, August 19, the company is releasing a series of “topped bons,” as well as a new frozen drink. There’s three different flavors of the Cinnabon Warheads — each based on the types of Warheads popping candy sprinkled on top. The flavors are blue raspberry, green apple, and watermelon, which is definitely out of the box from a typical cinnamon bun’s flavor profile. The drink, too, brings in the Warheads blue raspberry flavor. The buns are apparently just the first in an “innovative” new line of topped cinnamon buns that customers need to keep an eye out for.
But how does the new lineup taste?
I was graciously sent the buns by the company, along with an adorable mailer based on the back-to-school season. Personally, I don’t see a direct connection between going back to school and cinnamon rolls, but the packaging was cute just the same. In my mailer, I got a mini locker, complete with my Warheads popping candy on the inside. The rest of the package was filled with other back-to-school necessities, but the star of the show was of course this new collab.
I was definitely intimidated going in, but I have to say that while this collab was undeniably unique, it was also kind of fun! The buns look very similar to the classic Cinnabon — fluffy tan bun, brown sugar filling, and white icing. But the sour popping candy sprinkled on top add a whole lot of color and a whole lot of flavor. The popping candies started to melt into the icing, creating an overall sweet flavor that, paired with the popping sensation, was almost invigorating. The flavors themselves weren’t overpowering of the cinnamon roll taste — except for the watermelon, which was a bit much even for me. But the green apple paired rather perfectly! It definitely not a combo I would’ve sought out on my own, but I’m here for it. This is certainly a fun collaboration that I can see the appeal for, and I think everyone should get to experience for themselves. But hurry. It’s unclear how long these sour collab will be on Cinnabon menus for.