King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking to channel maximum cozy vibes in record time, you have to try these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. This shortcut recipe transforms pillowy-soft King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls into gooey, cinnamon-swirled perfection with a lusciously tangy cream cheese glaze. Warm from the oven, melty, and outrageously fragrant, this treat delivers all the flavor and comfort of old-fashioned cinnamon rolls—without hours of prep or tricky yeast doughs. Whether for a weekend brunch, a festive breakfast, or an anytime indulgence, you’ll find yourself making these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty: ultra-simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in crafting these irresistible cinnamon rolls. The sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls, the warmth of brown sugar and cinnamon, and that billowy cream cheese glaze work together for the dreamiest bite every time.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their signature fluffy texture and subtle sweetness are the foundation of this recipe—don’t substitute!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Key for both the filling and the glaze, it makes everything rich, smooth, and utterly decadent.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds that beloved caramel note and helps create the gooey cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable heart of any cinnamon roll, offering just the right spice and warmth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the filling and glaze with a sweet, inviting aroma.
- Cream cheese (softened): For the creamy, tangy glaze that’s impossible to resist.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the glaze for a smooth, silky finish.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency—just a little at a time!
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Set your oven to 350°F and get ready: Gently remove your entire block of King’s Hawaiian rolls from the packaging, keeping them connected. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the slab horizontally to create a top and bottom half, almost like prepping a giant sandwich. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, so it’s ready for all that cinnamon goodness.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Grab a small bowl and stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, spreadable mixture—a little patience pays off! This filling should be thick yet supple, spreading easily over the bottom layer of rolls.
Step 3: Fill and Assemble
Evenly spread that dreamy cinnamon filling over the bottom half of the rolls. Be generous and reach all the edges for a perfect bite every time. Place the top half of the rolls back on, sandwiching the cinnamon layer inside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled rolls (uncovered) into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and you can see the filling bubbling at the edges. Your kitchen will smell positively heavenly!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, use a small bowl to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the mixture is fluffy. Drizzle in milk slowly—just enough to make a thick but pourable glaze. Don’t rush it; glazes go from thick to runny fast!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven, let them cool just a few minutes. Then, drizzle that luscious cream cheese glaze all over the warm, golden tops. Serve immediately, while the glaze melts into every nook and cranny.
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A final flourish makes these sweet rolls truly special! Top with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a few mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist. For a little sparkle, try a dusting of powdered sugar—simple yet stunning.
Side Dishes
Make it a feast: pair your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with crisp bacon, seasonal fresh fruit, or a simple frittata. On a chilly morning, hot coffee, tea, or a big glass of cold milk pairs perfectly with each gooey, sweet bite. They’re also a fantastic partner to savory breakfast casseroles or scrambled eggs when you’re hosting brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond basic! Stack rolls on a pretty cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, serve in individual cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats, or slice into smaller bites and spear with toothpicks for a party-ready “mini roll” platter. For a fun twist, try swirling a little colored glaze on top to match the holiday or event—you can truly make these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any rolls left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, refrigerate for a touch more freshness. They’re just as delicious the next day—maybe even better as the cinnamon flavor settles in.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? You can freeze baked, unglazed King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and glaze just before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheating
To revive leftover rolls, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds for that just-baked warmth. For bigger batches, a quick stint in a 300°F oven (covered lightly with foil) for 7 to 10 minutes works wonders—just wait to glaze until they’re heated through.
FAQs
Can I make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up through assembly, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that feel totally homemade.
Can I add nuts or chocolate to the filling?
Of course—go for it! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips easily mix into the cinnamon filling and add amazing texture and flavor to your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls.
Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian rolls, or can I substitute another brand?
The unique fluffiness and sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls really set this recipe apart. While you can try other pull-apart sweet rolls, you won’t get quite the same light, tender bite or signature flavor.
How thick should the glaze be?
You want the glaze thick enough to coat a spoon but loose enough to pour or drizzle. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk; too runny, just sift in a bit more powdered sugar until it’s perfect for topping your warm King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls.
Can these be made without cream cheese in the glaze?
Definitely! For a dairy-free or simpler icing, just use butter, powdered sugar, a bit of vanilla, and a touch of milk—no cream cheese needed, but still plenty sweet and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a showstopping, joy-sparking breakfast with practically zero fuss, these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a game changer. Their incredible flavor and rich, soft texture win hearts every time. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen becomes everyone’s new favorite brunch spot—give this easy recipe a try, and let the cinnamon roll magic begin!
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King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the rolls: Carefully slice the entire slab of King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the filling: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Spread the cinnamon filling over the bottom half of the rolls and cover with the top half.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the warm rolls with the cream cheese glaze and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling.
- Best served warm; leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
