Cinnamon Works

For nearly four decades, Cinnamon Works has stood as an iconic and aromatic fixture in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. Situated at the bustling corner of Pike Place and Pine Street, this dedicated bakery is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Washington region seeking scratch-made, high-quality baked goods. While the name immediately conjures images of their signature cinnamon rolls—which are indeed a major draw—Cinnamon Works is celebrated for far more than just its namesake pastry.

What sets this bakery apart, especially for local Washingtonians, is its genuine commitment to inclusivity and traditional baking methods. Established in the 1980s, the bakery prides itself on being one of the few scratch bakeries left in the city. Over the years, the owners, Michael and Judy Ruegamer, and their daughter Gracie, have worked diligently to expand their offerings beyond the classic cinnamon rolls and giant cookies to cater to specific dietary needs. This focus means they consistently provide delicious options for customers with gluten and dairy sensitivities, ensuring everyone can find a delightful treat.

The experience at Cinnamon Works is designed for a quick visit, perfectly aligning with the fast-paced, walk-through nature of the market. Its walk-up counter service makes it an excellent choice for a morning breakfast stop or an easy snack while exploring downtown Seattle. The quality of the baked goods is widely praised; the aroma alone is often what draws visitors in. While they specialize in pastries, they also operate as a coffee stand, making it a convenient one-stop location to fuel up for the day.

Locating Cinnamon Works is straightforward, thanks to its prime placement within the Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks. The bakery is positioned in the Triangle Building at:

Location and Accessibility

The central downtown location ensures easy accessibility via Seattle's extensive network of public transportation, including buses and the Link light rail. For those arriving by car, the market area offers several nearby parking options, providing flexibility for different budgets and needs.

Available Parking Options:

• Free street parking (limited availability, especially during peak hours)
• Paid parking garage (several large facilities are nearby)
• Paid parking lot
• Paid street parking (metered spots)

In terms of physical access, the bakery is attentive to community needs, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for all patrons to approach the counter and enjoy their offerings. Due to its market stall setup, the service is primarily takeout, encouraging patrons to grab their treats and enjoy them while taking in the sights of the market or as they continue on with their day.

Cinnamon Works has thoughtfully curated its services to efficiently deliver high-quality treats and drinks to its busy clientele.

Services Offered:

• Onsite Services / Takeout: Focused entirely on walk-up counter service for immediate enjoyment.
• Breakfast Offerings: Providing a full array of baked goods suitable for a delicious morning meal.
• Specialty Coffee & Drinks: Serving fresh espresso and drip coffee alongside a selection of teas and hot cocoa. Espresso drinks are available in 8 oz (one shot) and 16 oz (two shots) sizes.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for fast transactions.
• Order Ahead: For large orders, the bakery suggests calling ahead to ensure freshness and availability, reflecting their dedication to scratch baking.

While the menu is centered on classic bakery items, the sheer size, variety, and specialized options are what make Cinnamon Works a standout in the Washington culinary scene.

Features / Highlights:

• Giant Cookies: Their cookies are massive—often noted to be large enough for 2-3 people—with popular varieties including the classic Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodle, and the aptly named “Monster” cookie (packed with oats, nuts, and chocolate chips).
• Extensive Allergy-Friendly Options: A true highlight is the wide selection of vegan and gluten-free baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and quick breads, which caters to an essential need for many Washington residents.
• Signature Cinnamon Rolls: The namesake product comes in several varieties, including Plain Jane (without frosting), Whole Wheat Sticky Buns, and a highly-regarded Vegan Cinnamon Roll.
• Scratch Bakery Tradition: The long-standing practice of baking all goods from scratch ensures a superior level of quality and freshness.
• Simple, Quality Coffee Menu: Serving straightforward coffee options, including Americano (8 oz for $2.75, 16 oz for $3.50) and Drip Coffee ($2.25), perfect for pairing with their rich pastries.
• Farm-to-Bakery Connection: The owners maintain a farm on Vashon Island where they grow ingredients like zucchini used in some of their popular quick breads and muffins, connecting the baked goods directly to local Washington agriculture.

Before planning your visit, note the following contact details for this Seattle institution:

Contact Information
Address:

For the Washington local or visitor, Cinnamon Works is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The primary draw is the bakery's unparalleled success in catering to diverse dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or quality. Finding a truly satisfying vegan cinnamon roll or a giant, flavorful gluten-free cookie in a high-traffic area can be challenging, but Cinnamon Works delivers consistently. This dedication to inclusivity makes it a reliable and welcoming spot for almost anyone.

Furthermore, the value is undeniable. The enormous size of their famous cookies and the density of their rolls ensure a highly satisfying and substantial treat. Even if there are occasional inconsistencies in the cookie thickness, as noted by some patrons, the dough flavor—especially in the classic chocolate chip—remains a powerful motivator for repeat visits. While the walk-up ordering process can occasionally feel hectic, the friendly service and the reward of a fresh, massive baked good quickly outweigh this minor logistical challenge. Cinnamon Works is a long-standing Seattle tradition offering a comforting and delicious slice of local baking history, making it a reliable and delightful stop every time you visit the Market.

Cinnamon Works

1536 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101, USA