Cinnamon Buns

What could be more satisfying than dipping a luscious cinnamon bun into a hot cup of coffee or tea?

* Old Town Restaurant & Bakery: The bun made here is puffy and gooey, full of cinnamon and raisins and covered in white glaze. It’s about as big as a butter plate, so it will definitely satisfy any cravings you’re having. Order it warm and slather it with lots of butter. (Cinnamon bun, $2.45.) Old Town Restaurant & Bakery, 166 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 793-2993.

* Dolores West Restaurant: This place has been making its classic cinnamon roll for the last 60 years, so you know it must be doing something right. The bun’s made from springy yeasted dough with a whole lot of cinnamon and a generous covering of perfectly sweet white icing. Hot or cold, it will melt in your mouth. (Cinnamon roll, $1.75.) Dolores West Restaurant, 11407 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 477-1061.

* La Brea Bakery: Here you’ll find a French-influenced sort of cinnamon bun with a flaky, buttery dough, laced with just a hint of cinnamon and delicately striped with white icing. Treat yourself to a nice hot espresso and a bun or two to go. (Cinnamon bun, $2.75.) La Brea Bakery, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 939-6813.

* Fred’s Bakery: There are lots of choices at this popular family-run bakery. If you have a hankering for cinnamon buns, the soft, slightly chewy bun crammed with cinnamon and raisins and covered in a creamy, opaque glaze will hit the spot. Try to get there in the morning when they’re pulling them hot from the oven. (Cinnamon bun, 89 cents.) Fred’s Bakery, 2831 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverlywood, (310) 838-1204.

* Europane: Once you’ve had one bite of the cinnamon roll, you’ll want to order a dozen to take home. Chef-owner Sumi Chang makes a rich, buttery roll bursting with cinnamon flavor and delicately covered in light, sweet, nearly transparent icing. (Cinnamon roll, $2.) Europane, 950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 577-1828.

* Brentwood Baking Company: You’ve probably never seen a cinnamon bun quite as big--this delicious chewy, old-fashioned version would make your grandma proud. It comes in plain, raisin or raisin walnut versions. (Cinnamon roll, $2; three for $5.) Brentwood Baking Company, 11640 San Vicente Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 826-9400.