When the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 decimated the city's downtown, the Palmer House hotel had been open for less than a year.

Its swift reopening in 1873, when Gilded Age wealth rushed to rebuild the city, became a symbol for a city rising from the ashes.

Today, it operates as a Hilton hotel.

Beyond boosting the local economy, Chicago leaders hoped the event would show the world that the growing city had fully recovered from the 1871 fire.

The fair, which was held from May until October 1893, showcased international developments in technology, art, and transportation on the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas and attracted over 27 million people to the city, per Choose Chicago.

The Palmer House owners, Potter and Bertha Palmer, were one of the wealthiest families in the Midwestern city during the Gilded Age.

In 1893, Bertha Palmer served as president of the fair's Board of Lady Managers, which gave wealthy women a voice in constructing and decorating the fair's Women's Building, showcasing the achievements of American women, among other tasks.

As part of her role, Bertha Palmer asked the hotel's chef to create a dessert that would be easy to transport in a lunchbox for the other society women serving on the fair's board.

Although she didn't call it a brownie — the name wouldn't come until 1898, per the hotel — Bertha Palmer's dessert, which she directed to be "more unique than a piece of pie or cake" and "like a cookie, but denser and more decadent with chocolate," per the Hilton website, set the foundation for what is today one of America's favorite desserts.

While the chef's name wasn't preserved alongside the dessert's origin story, their creation lives on.

The original brownie recipe, which is available on the hotel's website, uses precise measurements of 60% dark couverture chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder.

The final brownie is covered with finely chopped walnuts and a glaze made with apricot preserves and unflavored gelatin.

The brownie made using the original 1893 recipe is available to guests dining at the downtown hotel's Lockwood Restaurant and for those stopping by the hotel café, where it is sold as a grab-and-go dessert.

The brownie, which cost $13, was served with a rich chocolate topping, strawberries, and a side of brownie crumbs.

When I took my first bite, I was surprised; it tasted very different from other brownies I've had in the past.

It was chocolatey, rich, and nutty, with a tart-like and fudgy texture that felt almost gritty at times.

Rather than being cake-like, I thought the original recipe leaned a lot more on the dark chocolate. Looking at the recipe's ingredient list, I was surprised by how little flour it actually contained.

Compared to even modern brownie recipes, where cocoa powder is often used to replace melted chocolate, this recipe places greater emphasis on liquid ingredients like dark, cocoa-heavy couverture chocolate, eggs, and butter, and uses a lot of granulated sugar.

The apricot glaze on top also added an unexpected fruity taste to the decadent dessert, making it more dimensional and luxurious than other versions I've tried.

Compared to boxed brownie mixes, Bertha's Brownie felt like an entirely different dessert.

In addition to serving the original brownie, the Palmer House has other menu items inspired by the 1893 creation.

The hotel's Lockwood Restaurant serves Bertha's Brownie Pancakes topped with brownie crumbs at breakfast and a rye Brownie Old Fashioned garnished with a mini brownie on its drinks menu.

If you asked me to name a fancy dessert, I would probably think of elaborate concoctions like baked Alaska or meticulous recipes like French macarons before a brownie, but the Palmer House brownie might just change that.

More than a sophisticated take on a classic, the recipe is a classic of its own and stands apart from other brownies I've tried.

Eating the brownie felt like biting into a piece of history, and I'll probably be thinking about it until the next time I'm in Chicago.

What customers say: "The pecan iced cinnamon roll is the best I've had in years! Lots of pecans and icing! Also, the coffee is excellent! We'll be back for lunch today," wrote Yelp user Catherine M.

Learn more about Lighthouse Bakery here.

What customers say: "The cinnamon roll! Did I mention the cinnamon roll? Get the cinnamon roll. This trendy and welcoming café hits all the marks with fresh and flavorful food, wonderful coffee, and a lovely atmosphere," wrote Yelp user Robert M.

Learn more about Snow City Cafe here.

What customers say: "My family and I absolutely LOVE Rise-Up Bakery! We got the limited banana Biscoff cinnamon roll, and HOLY COW, it was incredible. Seriously, worth every penny. The other cinnamon rolls are delicious and all very large. The bakery itself is very large, pristine, and the staff is very helpful and attentive. They even gave my little one his own small cinnamon roll on the house, which was so sweet and kind of them. We love coming here for a special treat-highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Aubrey R.

Learn more about Rise Up Bakery here.

What customers say: "Greeted by a friendly server who actually asked if I wanted a booth or table. What a nice way to start off breakfast. My husband found them online because he was looking for cinnamon rolls for me. They bring you a basket. They are delicious
No gooey icing, thank goodness. Homemade and amazing," wrote Yelp user Pj M.

Learn more about Calico County Restaurant here.

What customers say: "The go-to spot for doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches! We love getting their BLT on a croissant, doughnut holes, and cinnamon rolls. Service is always fast and friendly, and you can taste how fresh everything is. Indoor seating only, and their parking spaces are small but easy to get in and out of," wrote Yelp user Viv H.

Learn more about BJ Cinnamon here.

What customers say: "We stopped at Cinnamon's Bakery on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. We got to the shop at opening and had many options to choose from! The staff was super sweet and answered my many questions. We got three different flavors to try and loved them all. The location is a bit out of the way, but there is plenty of parking, and it's so worth a detour," wrote Yelp user Chelsey B.

Learn more about Cinnamon's Bakery here.

What customers say: "Nobody does pastries like Kouign! I've worked at multiple coffee shops that have carried their baked goods, and I can never pass up buying them. Insanely delicious, especially the cinnamon buns and croissants," wrote Yelp user Victoria W.

Learn more about Kouign Bakery here.

What customers say: "The shareable cinnamon roll (five of us split it before our breakfast came out) is insanely delicious. Great breakfast food and a delicious iced latte. Excellent service, extremely friendly staff, and great ambiance! We loved it," wrote Yelp user Tami L.

Learn more about The Station here.

What customers say: "The shake was delicious as well as the cinnamon bun. It makes sense this place is so highly recommended and loved by the residents," wrote Yelp user Rob M.

Learn more about Knaus Berry Farm here.

What customers say: "We started with a cinnamon roll that was so light, soft, and tasty, it just melted in my mouth. We knew right away we had made the right choice," wrote Yelp user Alex L.

Learn more about Atlanta Breakfast Club here.

What customers say: "Excellent. Can't think of anything they can improve on. Totally worth the wait in line. That cinnamon roll was heaven. Can't wait to go back," wrote Yelp user Nicole G.

Learn more about Papi's Ohana here.

What customers say: "We shared a cinnamon roll too and sampled the pies and brownies at dinner at their sister restaurant at the Sawtooth Hotel. Completely worth the calories," wrote Yelp user Lauren Elizabeth C.

Learn more about Stanley Baking here.

What customers say: "The cinnamon rolls definitely lived up to their reputation. They were soft, fresh, and generously topped with icing, making for a delicious treat. After seeing all of the other dishes being served, we'd love to come back for a full meal on a future visit," wrote Yelp user Chelsea M.

Learn more about Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering here.

What customers say: "This place completely satisfied our cinnamon roll craving! My husband and I split the Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll, and it was loaded with flavor — sweet, savory, and absolutely indulgent. It was a bit rich for me personally, but my husband was obsessed and would order it again in a heartbeat," wrote Yelp user Sydney T.

Learn more about Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls and Cafe here.

What customers say: "Best cinnamon rolls around! Doughy and the cream cheese frosting is AMAZING," wrote Yelp user Kaitlyn W.

Learn more about Scenic Route Bakery here.

What customers say: "As for bakery items, we had the orange cinnamon roll and a normal cinnamon roll, and they were good as well. They have a fluffy bread texture and the frosting isn't too sweet," wrote Yelp user Rubyanne M.

Learn more about Dolce Bakery here.

What customers say: "A fun, quirky little cafe. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The breakfast sandwiches were excellent, but the cinnamon roll was LIFE CHANGING! Definitely worth heading to this gem," wrote Yelp user Kathryn C.

Learn more about DV8 Kitchen here.

What customers say: "From the biscuit sandwich to the rye brownie to the cinnamon roll to the lemon almond danish, each pastry was perfection," wrote Yelp user Lora P.

Learn more about Levee Baking Co. here.

What customers say: "The pastries, especially the cinnamon rolls, are just the right amount of sweet. It's takeout-only, but the staff is friendly, and the service is quick. Get there early — things sell out fast," wrote Yelp user Casey J.

Learn more about Scratch Baking Company here.

What customers say: "We started with the cinnamon roll, which was delicious and different. Soft in the middle, but the outer edges were more like a crispy biscuit," wrote Yelp user Nicole E.

Learn more about Blue Moon Cafe here.

What customers say: "Do not sleep on that cinnamon roll. Die and go to an icy heaven with all that icing and cinnamon flavor heated up and shareable for two," wrote Yelp user Eric H.

Learn more about Yolqueria here.

What customers say: "Absolutely fantastic breakfast spot. We waited for about 15 minutes at 8 a.m. (I thought we would be early, but I guess not lol). We started off with coffee and a cinnamon roll. The coffee was great, and the cinnamon roll was amazing, so gooey, warm, and the frosting was spot on," wrote Yelp user Jill B.

Learn more about Morning Star Cafe here.

What customers say: "The cinnamon bun was massive with tons of very sweet icing. People say the puppy tail is a better ratio, which is true, but even as an icing girlie, something about the cinnamon roll hit different. It was decadent, rich, and almost overpoweringly sweet," wrote Yelp user Lori J.

Learn more about Isles Bun & Coffee here.

What customers say: "The food was outstanding. The cinnamon roll skillet is listed as a 'small plate,' but it is massive and perfect for sharing…Honestly, everything we tried was so, so, so good," wrote Yelp user Caty S.

Learn more about Blue Dog Bistro here.

What customers say: "After reading the reviews, I had to come here on a trip to St. Louis. And now I understand why people love this place. The brunch is amazing, and the biscuits and cinnamon roll were two highlights. And I had to get a gooey butter cake to go, which was incredible," wrote Yelp user Jim B.

Learn more about Russell's on Macklind here.

What customers say: "Heaven in a cinnamon bun. They are HUGE, fresh, and oh-so-tasty. So are all the other desserts and pastries I tried, as well as the entrées. Terrific value, friendly service, and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy," wrote Yelp user Jim G.

Learn more about Stella's Kitchen & Bakery here.

What customers say: "Be sure to try the cinnamon rolls and scones, which are homemade. They also make their own syrups, some of which rotate seasonally," wrote Yelp user Stephanie A.

Learn more about Hardy Coffee here.

What customers say: "Location was clean and everyone was friendly! Food came out fast and was great! I would recommend the cinnamon roll because it came out fast and was nice and hot," wrote Yelp user Angel H.

Learn more about Eggscellent here.

What customers say: "I ordered the cinnamon roll and the rosemary focaccia bread. Both were amazing! The cinnamon roll was light and fluffy. I'm not the biggest fan of cream cheese frosting, but it wasn't bad and didn't take away from it at all," wrote Yelp user Samantha A.

Learn more about Elephantine Bakery here.

What customers say: "Probably most famously known for their ooey gooey cinnamon buns (that are so coveted a line forms around the block on weekends), but The Hive also serves up great coffee, a cozy space, and a very kid-friendly vibe," wrote Yelp user Katarina L.

Learn more about The Hive here.

What customers say: "Our first stop in Albuquerque...if they have been around since the 40s, you know the food must be good. We tried the breakfast burrito, which is a definite 10 out of 10, and the chicken quesadilla, which was also great. The guacamole was really good, too. Got a cinnamon roll to go that took up the size of the to-go box. OMG so yummy," wrote Yelp user Erin G.

Learn more about Pantry Restaurant here.

What customers say: "I picked up some of their most popular items, including the triple chocolate chunk cookie, a cinnamon bun, and the honey cake. All three were fantastic," wrote Yelp user Sein S.

Learn more about Hani's Bakery here.

What customers say: "It's a bold statement to say I just ate the best cinnamon roll in North Carolina, but honestly... I think I did.
Louie and Honey's Kitchen is flat-out amazing. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is cool and welcoming, with plenty of comfortable seating both indoors and out. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. And the baked goods? There were so many incredible-looking options that I already know we'll have to come back and work our way through the menu," wrote Yelp user Lee S.

Learn more about Louie and Honey's Kitchen here.

What customers say: "Stopped here for a great breakfast on our way out of Medora. They have really good caramel cinnamon rolls. Be sure to try them. The staff is really nice, and it was nice and clean. Had a kind of local favorite feel to it," wrote Yelp user Nancy S.

Learn more about Country Rose Cafe here.

What customers say: "This place is fantastic. The staff is friendly and warm. They know the products and can answer any questions you have. It's a tight space, so it's best to be mindful of the space and courteous of others. Otherwise, it's a cute little place on a cute street making DELICIOUS pastries. The cinnamon roll had a tangy cream cheese icing with orange zest. It may be the most balanced pastry I've eaten this year," wrote Yelp user Kryssie H.

Learn more about Brown Bear Bakery here.

What customers say: "I just walked in randomly to pick up some baked goods. I hadn't been before. I grabbed the Harvey cinnamon rolls, and they were the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had! Also, the Gruyère scones were delicious," wrote Yelp user Crystal W.

Learn more about Harvey Bakery & Kitchen here.

What customers say: "My go-to is a mixed spread of sweet and savory bites. Got the cinnamon roll for the first time, and it was divine. They have interesting seasonal offerings too, so don't forget to review those while perusing the menu," wrote Yelp user Tiffany V.

Learn more about Screen Door Eastside here.

What customers say: "I really enjoyed the cinnamon rolls. They are not ooey gooey with frosting like typical cinnamon rolls; they're closer to a monkey bread texture, and I like that about them. Not as messy to eat and just as addictive," wrote Yelp user Ainsley E.

Learn more about Oram's Donut Shop here.

What customers say: "The meal comes with dinner rolls, their (legendary) cinnamon buns, fresh salad, pasta with sauce, crispy french fries, and of course the juicy chicken," wrote Yelp user Rebecca H.

Learn more about The Village Haven here.

What customers say: "The banana foster [cinnamon roll] is outstanding, but can't go wrong with a classic cinnamon roll. Pay attention to their grits of the day as it changes," wrote Yelp user Jerrin H.

Learn more about The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli here.

What customers say: "I got a cinnamon bun to go. It was huge and delicious. I also got a scrambled egg and bacon on a fresh bun. It was great also," wrote Yelp user Beverly M.

Learn more about Baker's Bakery & Cafe here.

What customers say: "Yummy! The fried cinnamon roll was very good. I had the hash, and it was great. My daughter had the pot roast Benedict, and it might be the best breakfast I've ever tasted. Five stars," wrote Yelp user Lee H.

Learn more about Crockett's 1875 Breakfast Camp here.

What customers say: "I was worried that the cinnamon roll quality would be subpar due to being covered with the toppings, but I was wrong. The cinnamon itself was fresh and soft and probably delish on its own. I recommend checking out this place," wrote Yelp user Tia T.

Learn more about Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls here.

What customers say: "The best food for any time of the day. Very quick, coffee is great. The morning line was insane, but they cleared it quickly. Pricing is beyond reasonable. One thing — never leave without a cinnamon roll," wrote Yelp user Christina S.

Learn more about River Rock Roasting Co here.

What customers say: "We got the Danish, a loaf of sourdough, some coffee, and cinnamon rolls. Everything was really good, but the cinnamon rolls were exceptional! Great little bakery," wrote Yelp user Yuval J.

Learn more about Sticky Fingers Bakery here.

What customers say: "The wait can be very long (we waited 90 minutes on a Sunday morning), but it is worth it because the food is AMAZING! We had the latte flight, cowboy Benedict, and the cinnamon roll. Everything was delicious," wrote Yelp user Leah O.

Learn more about The Bee & the Biscuit here.

What customers say: "Getting in line an hour before opening for a good chance of locking down a box [of doughnuts] and their equally delicious cinnamon roll. Flour Box usually sells out around noon," wrote Yelp user Trung V.

Learn more about The Flour Box here.

What customers say: "When I walked inside, I was impressed by how cute this little bakery was set up. Then I had to try something from here, and I got a cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll was so good! If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend stopping in and checking this place out," wrote Yelp user Alexa A.

Learn more about Wardensville Garden Market here.

What customers say: "Franks Diner was awesome and such a fun experience. We went for breakfast. There was a 40-minute wait on a Saturday morning, so we walked part of the farmers market, which was a perfect spot and just enough time. I had their Bloody Mary and veggie omelet with a side of bacon, and we split a cinnamon roll. I recommend all of it. The booths on the train car are comfy, and it's just a fun restaurant setting. The staff was fun and attentive. I'd give 10 stars. Highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Ashley H.

Learn more about Franks Diner here.

What customers say: "For a Friday mid-morning, they were still hopping and yet greeted us the moment we walked in. We were directed to a table and had hot coffee almost as quickly as we ordered it! The cinnamon roll was beautiful, but even better, it tasted better than it looked. Warm, fragrant with cinnamon. It melted in our mouths. It's a friendly step back in time with the counters and the conversations. When in Laramie, don't miss it," wrote Yelp user Rebekah A.

Learn more about J's Prairie Rose here.