Cinnaholic in South Carolina: Where to Find Cinnamon Roll Customization
What Cinnaholic offers and where to find it in South Carolina
Cinnaholic is a cinnamon roll bakery chain where you build your own roll by choosing a base dough, a frosting, and toppings from their menu. Unlike traditional bakeries with set recipes, Cinnaholic lets you combine flavors to your taste—pairing a classic cinnamon roll base with cream cheese frosting and crushed Oreos, for example, or choosing a vegan dough with dairy-free frosting and fresh berries. The rolls are baked fresh to order and served warm.
South Carolina has Cinnaholic locations in Charleston and Columbia. The Charleston location sits downtown, and the Columbia location is in the Five Points neighborhood. Both operate as walk-in bakeries where you order at the counter, customize your roll, and either eat in or take it with you. Hours and exact addresses change, so check their website or call ahead before visiting.
Key Takeaways
- Cinnaholic rolls are made to order with your choice of dough, frosting, and multiple toppings, so no two rolls are identical unless you order the same thing twice.
- South Carolina locations are in Charleston's downtown area and Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, both operating as counter-service bakeries.
- Rolls come warm and fresh-baked, and you can eat them in the shop or take them with you.
- Pricing is per roll, with toppings charged individually, so the final cost depends on how many and which toppings you choose.
How to customize your roll at Cinnaholic
The customization process starts with choosing your base dough. Cinnaholic offers a classic cinnamon roll dough and a vegan option made without dairy or eggs. Both are rolled with cinnamon sugar before baking. Once you pick your dough, you move to frosting: cream cheese is the standard, but vegan frosting is available to match a vegan dough, and some locations offer additional flavors like maple or salted caramel depending on what they have in stock that day.
Toppings are where the real variety happens. The menu typically includes crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers), nuts (pecans, walnuts), fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries), chocolate chips, sprinkles, and seasonal items. You can add as many or as few as you want, and each topping is charged separately. Staff will show you the toppings available and let you point to what you want before they assemble your roll.
Pricing and what to expect when you visit
A base cinnamon roll costs one price, and each topping adds to that total. The exact cost depends on your location and current pricing, but expect to pay more for a heavily topped roll than a simple one. Most people spend between $6 and $12 per roll. Cinnaholic does not typically offer combo meals or discounts for buying multiple rolls, though some locations may run promotions seasonally.
When you arrive, you'll order at the counter and watch your roll being assembled. The baker will frost it, add your toppings, and bake it fresh. Wait time is usually 5 to 10 minutes. The roll comes out warm and is best eaten soon after, though you can take it with you in a box if you prefer to eat it later.
Vegan and dietary options
Cinnaholic's vegan dough and vegan frosting make it possible to order a completely plant-based roll. The vegan dough tastes similar to the classic version and bakes the same way. If you're vegan, confirm that your toppings are also vegan—most fruit and nut toppings are, but some may contain traces of dairy or be processed in shared facilities.
The bakery does not advertise gluten-free options at most locations, so if you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease, ask staff directly when you visit. Allergen information and ingredient lists are usually available at the counter or online.
Charleston and Columbia locations and hours
The Charleston Cinnaholic is located downtown and is popular with both locals and tourists. It's within walking distance of other downtown shops and restaurants, making it easy to combine a cinnamon roll visit with other activities. The Columbia location in Five Points is near other cafes, boutiques, and galleries, so it fits well into a neighborhood outing.
Both locations are typically open seven days a week, but hours vary by season and day of the week. Some locations close earlier on Sundays or have reduced hours on weekdays. Call ahead or check their website to confirm hours before you go, especially if you're planning a visit on a holiday or during off-season months.
Why Cinnaholic stands out from other bakeries
Most bakeries sell cinnamon rolls that are already made and sitting in a case. Cinnaholic's model—baking to order and letting you choose every component—appeals to people who want control over what they eat or who enjoy the interactive experience of building their own dessert. It's also a good option if you're visiting with someone who has different topping preferences, since you're not splitting a pre-made roll.
The fresh-baked aspect matters too. Because rolls are made after you order, they arrive warm and soft rather than having sat under heat lamps. That warmth makes the frosting melt slightly into the dough, which many people prefer to a cold or room-temperature roll from a traditional bakery case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Cinnaholic roll ahead of time?
Most Cinnaholic locations take orders at the counter only and bake to order, so you typically can't call ahead. However, some locations may accommodate large orders or special requests if you call and ask. It's worth contacting your nearest location directly to see what they can do.
Are Cinnaholic rolls good for sharing?
A single roll is large and filling, so two people can share one if they want to try multiple flavor combinations. You could also order two rolls with different toppings and split each one. The rolls are soft and easy to break apart by hand.
What's the difference between Cinnaholic and other cinnamon roll chains?
Cinnaholic's main difference is the build-your-own model. Other chains like Cinnabon sell pre-made rolls with set recipes. Cinnaholic lets you customize every element, which appeals to people who want variety or have specific topping preferences.
Do Cinnaholic locations have seating?
Both South Carolina locations have a small seating area where you can eat your roll fresh and warm. It's casual seating, not a full cafe, so it's best for eating quickly rather than lingering for hours.
What time of day is best to visit?
Cinnaholic is busiest during mid-morning (9 to 11 a.m.) and early afternoon (1 to 3 p.m.). If you prefer a shorter wait, visit early morning right after opening or late afternoon after the lunch rush.