This Buzzy Kansas Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

As you walk into Carriage Crossing Restaurant and Bakery, a scent overwhelms you. Fresh baked goods. It is then that you see them. Racks of gooey cinnamon rolls right out of the oven. In neat rows, these famous rolls greet you, beckoning you to have a seat and order one for yourself. Because if there is one thing Carriage Crossing does best, it's cinnamon rolls. Easily the size of your hand, you may want to share one with your dining companions if you want room for the rest of the meal—though I would happily indulge in one all on my own.

As much of a fan that I am of the iconic Ann Sather cinnamon roll here in Chicago, Carriage Crossing's decadent pastries give them a run for their money. Since the Amish restaurant in Yoder, Kansas, is known for them, there are always fresh rolls at the ready. With pillowy soft, slightly sweet cinnamon centers, smothered in not-too-sweet homemade icing, these rolls are some of the best you'll find anywhere. And regardless of the time of day you visit, you'll wish you'd ordered more to take with you. I know I did. Just in case you decide to change your mind as you head for the door, the bakery case is right there to tempt you one last time before you bid Carriage Crossing adieu.

Beyond just the cinnamon rolls, Carriage Crossing's dinner rolls are equally delightful. Warm from the oven, these rolls are served on a wooden platter with homemade cinnamon butter on the side. Crackling as you cut into them, the dinner rolls are crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. The cinnamon butter adds just a touch of sweetness and saltiness to the table appetizer. They are the perfect accompaniment for the restaurant's family-style manner of service. However, you may want to call dibs on your own roll and ask for another platter for the table.

After ample helpings of rolls, pastries, the restaurant's beloved fried chicken, veggies, and more sides than you can shake a stick at, it's time for dessert. If you're feeling up for it, Carriage Crossing's pies are divine. A fan of French silk pie myself, I couldn't help but order a piece. The tricky thing that so many restaurants get wrong about these pies, however, is the whipped cream top layer. Often, these are oily and lack flavor. But that isn't the case at Carriage Crossing.

Rather than a flavorless topping, this restaurant's French silk whipped cream layer is as delicious as the chocolate mousse underneath. The flavorful, sweet top layer lends itself perfectly to the sumptuous chocolatey layer below, creating the ideal mix of flavors that makes for a terrific pie experience. Lightly covered in some tiny chocolate chips, the French silk pie is a sweet way to end an indulgent meal at Carriage Crossing. It was easily my favorite meal during my trip to Central Kansas.

When you're ready to try these delectable goodies for yourself or you want to visit Kansas but aren't sure where to start, check out the Only In Your State travel planner.

Amanda visited Carriage Crossing Restaurant and Bakery as part of a press trip with Kansas Tourism. However, all opinions and thoughts shared here are their own.