When I first spotted Trader Joe's Apple Cinnamon Buns, I couldn't resist. Apple, cinnamon, pastry - it just sounds like the perfect cozy fall treat. They look beautiful in the package, with that swirl of cinnamon sugar and the promise of apple filling. But after trying them a few times, I have mixed feelings.
First impression
The buns look golden and soft, and they smell incredible right out of the package - warm cinnamon and sugar with a hint of apple. They definitely feel like something you'd want on a chilly morning with coffee. The only problem is, they're a bit on the dry side, especially if you eat them cold.
How they taste
The flavor is good - sweet, cinnamony, and slightly fruity - but not as apple-forward as I expected. The filling is there, but it's pretty mild. The bun itself is more of a soft bread than a gooey cinnamon roll, which makes sense for a store-bought pastry, but it's not super moist.
When warmed up, the flavor improves a lot. The dough softens, and the cinnamon scent fills the kitchen. The apple flavor becomes a little stronger, though still pretty subtle. I do wish there was more filling or glaze to keep it from feeling dry in the middle.
My favorite way to eat it
These are definitely best warm. A quick spin in the microwave or a few minutes in the oven brings them back to life. I like to dip mine in coffee - it adds just the right amount of moisture and makes the cinnamon flavor pop.
If you love apple and cinnamon together, I also recommend trying Trader Joe's Sliced Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread. It has a similar flavor profile but is softer and can be used in sandwiches and snack boards.
Portion size and calories
Each bun is on the bigger side and pretty filling. They're also quite high in calories - about 400 per bun - so they're definitely more of a treat than an everyday breakfast. I'd say they're worth it once in a while, especially if you're craving something sweet and seasonal.
Location in store
You'll usually find these in the bakery section, near other seasonal pastries and breads. Around fall, they're often placed next to Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkin Brioche Twist, or other autumn baked goods.
Similar fall treats at Trader Joe's
If you love apple or pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, here are a few Trader Joe's goodies you might like too:
- Pumpkin Biscotti - crunchy, cozy, and perfect for dipping.
- Pumpkin Brioche Twist - soft, buttery, and great toasted with butter.
- Maple Leaf Cookies - sweet and rich, great for dessert after your coffee.
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bisque
My final thoughts
Trader Joe's Apple Cinnamon Buns smell amazing and have all the fall vibes going for them, but they didn't totally win me over. The flavor is nice but mild, and the texture is just a bit too dry unless you heat them up. They're also quite high in calories for what they are.
Still, when warmed and paired with coffee, they hit the spot for a cozy seasonal breakfast. I'd give them 3.5 out of 5 stars - good, but not one I'd stock up on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½☆
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