Cinnabon gets into the Japanese spirit with new Wagokorobon treats

Cinnabon Japan unveils two new Wagokorobon treats, blending its signature dessert style with Japanese culinary traditions. Unlike many American dessert chains that frequently introduce Japanese-exclusive items, Cinnabon Japan has been cautious about incorporating distinct flavors from Japan, as cinnamon, a key component, rarely appears in traditional Japanese sweets.

However, when the chain does reinvent its offerings with Japanese flavor inspiration, the results prove intriguing, as evidenced by the current Wagokorobon line. The line’s centerpiece is the Kuri (Chestnut) Matcha Mini Chocobon. This dessert commences with one of Cinnabon’s lighter Chocobons, which features chocolate infused into the dough, along with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

To honor Japan’s fall dessert preference for chestnuts, the Chocobon is topped with a chestnut frosting and generously dusted with matcha, the iconic green tea powder. Notably, the matcha not only imparts an unmistakable color but also contributes a subtle, powdery texture reminiscent of the cinnamon on standard cinnamon buns. The second Wagokorobon treat is the Kuromitsu Kinako Minibon.

Here, kinako—a Japanese ingredient comprising roasted soybean powder—takes center stage. Though not as indulgently sweet as the red bean paste, anko, kinako boasts a pronounced sweet flavor with a delicate nuttiness. The powder’s somewhat dry texture, however, can challenge the delicate balance of flavors in a bun, so it is usually paired with kuromitsu—a brown sugar molasses—enhancing the overall taste.

Despite these challenges, the Kuromitsu Kinako Minibon effectively captures the essence of a cinnamon bun while offering a distinctly Japanese flavor profile. Both the Kuri Matcha Mini Chocobon and the Kuromitsu Kinako Minibon are currently available at Cinnabon Japan locations and will remain on the menu until late November.