Warm, Gooey, and Buttery: Caramel Rolls You’ll Crave from North Dakota to Minnesota

 

6 Minot Favorites Featured in Caramel Roll Contest

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.

History of Caramel Rolls in North Dakota

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What are Caramel Rolls?

Caramel rolls are a cherished North Dakota staple, where they are affectionately pronounced “car-mull.” These soft, buttery cinnamon buns are generously drenched in a rich caramel sauce, offering a delightful contrast to the traditional sticky bun.

Rooted in the traditions of Scandinavian and German-Russian immigrants, caramel rolls are often baked in batches for gatherings. They reflect the region’s heritage of home baking, hospitality, and resourcefulness.

Caramel Rolls in Minot

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Trinity Hospital Cafeteria

Baked in-house 7 days a week, these caramel rolls are packed with smooth, creamy caramel and feature a light, chewy texture. They offer a perfect balance of rich flavor without being too sweet, making them a satisfying treat for any time of day.

This soft roll with a balanced flavor won Grand Champion in this contest, according to our judges.

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Charlie’s Main Street Café

Known for their impressively large size, Charlie’s Main Street Café caramel rolls are buttery and packed with a classic caramel flavor. Their sticky texture clings to your teeth with every bite, making them a deliciously indulgent treat that’s hard to forget.

These massive buttery rolls, with one of the best caramel flavors, according to one of our judges, won second place as Standout Sweet. 

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Homesteaders

Homesteaders Restaurant’s caramel rolls are dense and full of classic charm. With a light caramel glaze and a strong cinnamon flavor, these rolls offer a comforting, traditional taste that’s sure to satisfy any caramel roll lover.

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Schatz Crossroads

Light and flaky with bold cinnamon flavor, Schatz Crossroads caramel rolls are a perfect, sweet balance of spice. Pair them with classic, all-day breakfast for a satisfying start to your day.

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Karma Convenience Store

With a crispy caramel coating and gooey center, Karma Convenience Store’s caramel rolls offer a unique texture and perfectly balanced light caramel and cinnamon flavor. Grab some at this locally owned neighborhood grocery store north of downtown Minot.  

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Kroll’s Diner

This caramel roll features rhubarb, a regional vegetable with a tart, fruity flavor reminiscent of green apples. This unique taste complements the rich, buttery caramel perfectly and pairs well with a cup of coffee. 

 

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