Hyperbolic? Nope. Have you ever known me to engage in hyperbole? These are truly the best cinnamon buns in the world, and they are hiding out in this little gem of an Italian bakery on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Center Harbor. The other pastries we sampled from Gusto were excellent as well, and I can’t wait for an opportunity to try their sandwiches and savory offerings, but the cinnamon buns are the thing that is worth driving 2 hour north of Boston to eat.
They are less sweet than the usual, and have just the appropriate amount of cinnamon, rather than a greasy tongue-numbing smear throughout. The dough is a fluffy brioche, and the cherry on top (metaphorical) is the complete lack of royal icing. Yup, these pastry geniuses have come up with a much, much better option. The buns have a topping of a thick cinnamon whipped cream, which may be mixed with a little buttercream- not sure- and which complements the pastry so well that you will never be able to return to royal icing-topped cinnamon buns. Try it and report back!
