Caramel rolls are a beloved staple across the Midwest, and in Minot, North Dakota, they’re more than just a pastry—they’re a tradition. We set out on a delicious mission to sample and rank caramel rolls from six local spots: Charlie’s Main Street Café, Homesteaders, Karma Convenience Store, Kroll’s Diner, Schatz Crossroads, and Trinity Hospital. These establishments were chosen for their daily caramel roll offerings and the buzz they’ve generated in the community.
Of course, this list is just the beginning—many of Minot’s best-kept caramel roll secrets are found in rural cafés and church basements, where time-honored recipes are passed down through generations.
To keep things fun (and fair), we invited a panel of local judges to taste each roll and share their thoughts, evaluating everything from dough texture and roll size to the richness of the caramel and the balance of cinnamon. Each location served up its own unique version, proving there’s no single way to master the art of the North Dakota caramel roll.