If you have a soft spot for perfectly sweet, tender, and buttery breakfast treats, then you are in for a real delight with this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine the unmistakable fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls transformed into luscious cinnamon rolls that practically melt in your mouth, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe brings an effortless twist to traditional cinnamon rolls by using these sweet rolls as the base, making it incredibly easy yet bursting with flavors that make mornings, brunches, or even dessert times utterly memorable. Trust me, once you try these cozy, pull-apart rolls, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a vital role in making your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe irresistibly delicious. From the richness of butter to the aromatic sparkle of cinnamon, you’ll appreciate how each element lifts the dish to breakfast perfection.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package, 12 rolls): The star of the show, providing that light, fluffy texture and signature sweet flavor.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons softened): Adds a rich creaminess to the cinnamon filling, enhancing moisture and depth.
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Gives the classic caramel-like sweetness that blends beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The essential spice that brings warmth and that irresistible aromatic hug.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle complexity that complements the cinnamon with a hint of earthiness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): These nuts provide a delightful crunch and a toasty flavor contrast.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The creamy base for the frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons softened): Blends with cream cheese for the frosting’s silky texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a smooth, spreadable dream.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the frosting with a fragrant sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Used to adjust the frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish so your rolls don’t stick. Carefully slice the entire block of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected to create a top and bottom layer. This technique is crucial—it allows you to pull the rolls apart easily later while preserving their soft, fluffy character.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This luscious paste is where the magic begins, combining warm spices and sweetness that marry perfectly with the rolls. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, covering every inch with that irresistible cinnamon goodness.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Assemble
If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle your chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the cinnamon layer. Once that’s done, place the top half of the rolls back on carefully and gently press down to nestle it all together. This layering creates that classic cinnamon roll swirl and ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the rolls are warm throughout and the top looks lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Step 5: Whip the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until your frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. This frosting is the crowning glory and delivers that luscious finishing touch.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove your rolls from the oven and let them cool just slightly—warm but not too hot to handle. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny. Now, get ready to enjoy these amazing King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls fresh and warm!
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe even further, try adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top of the frosting for extra crunch and visual appeal. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can also turn these rolls into a decadent treat that delights both eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
Serve your cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to add a refreshing contrast to their sweet richness. A cup of rich coffee, creamy latte, or even spiced chai pairs beautifully and rounds out a comforting breakfast or brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the cinnamon rolls on a decorative platter, allowing guests to pull them apart individually. You can also cut the whole slice into smaller “bite-sized” pieces for a party platter or brunch buffet. Dressing them up with edible flowers or a swirl of extra frosting piped on top can create an impressive look with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls store beautifully when placed in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to two days, making them perfect for quick snacks or a sweet breakfast the following morning.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap the baked and cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, pop a single roll in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. For a more even heat and slightly crisp top, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Either way, don’t forget to add an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting if you have any leftover—it’s always the perfect finishing touch!
FAQs
Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls?
You could, but the unique sweetness and fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls really make this recipe special. Regular buns won’t deliver quite the same flavor or tender crumb, but in a pinch, they work fine for a less sweet version.
Is nutmeg necessary in the cinnamon filling?
Nutmeg is optional but highly recommended because it adds a warm, subtle complexity that complements cinnamon beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out, and your rolls will still taste amazing.
Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls as directed, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. It’s a great way to have fresh rolls ready without early morning prep!
What’s the best way to incorporate nuts without them falling out?
Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the cinnamon butter mixture and gently press them down a bit before topping with the upper half of the rolls. This helps them stay nestled in while baking and keeps the texture balanced.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. Adjust the consistency with plant-based milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion. They’re so easy to prepare but deliver a cozy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re making them for weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or just because, these rolls offer that homemade warmth with minimal fuss. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret waking up to this!”
Print
King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are layered with a rich cinnamon-butter spread, baked to a golden perfection, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a warm breakfast treat or a comforting dessert, this recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor and sweetness.
Ingredients
Rolls and Filling
- 1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the entire block of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls intact, forming top and bottom layers.
- Arrange Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, forming a solid base for the cinnamon filling.
- Make Cinnamon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg to create a thick, spreadable paste.
- Spread Filling and Add Nuts: Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over the bottom layer of rolls, then sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if using.
- Replace Top Layer: Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cinnamon-spread bottom layer and gently press down to set the layers together.
- Bake Rolls: Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 15–18 minutes until the rolls are warm and slightly golden.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add milk one tablespoon at a time and blend until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency.
- Cool and Frost: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly so the frosting won’t melt. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a sticky bun variation, drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before baking.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if needed.
