Craving a sweet, buttery, and irresistibly soft treat? Look no further than these King’s Hawaiian cinnamon rolls! This recipe takes the beloved Hawaiian sweet rolls and transforms them into a delicious, caramelized cinnamon roll delight—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require hours of preparation, these are ready in under 30 minutes! The secret? Using King’s Hawaiian rolls, known for their light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, which perfectly complements the rich cinnamon filling.

If you’re a fan of easy baking, this Hawaiian sweet rolls recipe is a must-try. Inspired by classic cinnamon rolls, this dish brings a tropical twist with its soft bread base and gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a fresh fruit salad.

Want to know what makes these rolls so special? Let’s dive into the unique characteristics of King’s Hawaiian bread and why it’s the perfect base for this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Hawaiian sweet rolls with a cinnamon twist. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a holiday gathering, or just a quick treat, this recipe checks all the boxes!

✔ Quick and Easy

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast, kneading, and long rising times, this easy King’s Hawaiian cinnamon rolls recipe comes together in minutes. Simply slice, spread, bake, and drizzle with a luscious glaze!

✔ Soft, Buttery, and Irresistible

The naturally sweet and fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian bread makes these rolls extra soft and indulgent. The butter-cinnamon filling melts into the bread, creating a gooey and caramelized center that’s absolutely delicious.

✔ Perfect for Any Occasion

These rolls make a fantastic addition to:

• Breakfast and brunch – Serve with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs.
• Dessert – Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Holiday gatherings – A great alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls.

Looking for more ways to use King’s Hawaiian bread? Check out this Hawaiian Bread Guide for more inspiration on using these soft, sweet rolls in different recipes!

Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes King’s Hawaiian rolls so special.

What Makes King’s Hawaiian Rolls Special?

If you’ve ever tasted King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, you know they’re unlike any other bread. Their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and buttery richness make them a staple in many kitchens. But what exactly sets them apart, and why do they work so well for cinnamon rolls?

🌺 The Origins of King’s Hawaiian Rolls

King’s Hawaiian bread traces its roots to Portuguese sweet bread, brought to Hawaii by immigrants in the 19th century. The recipe evolved over time, incorporating a signature light, fluffy texture and a hint of sweetness that makes it so versatile.

• Created by Robert Taira in the 1950s, King’s Hawaiian rolls quickly became a household favorite.
• Their slightly sweet and buttery flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
• Unlike traditional dinner rolls, these have a soft, pillowy crumb that stays moist even after baking.

Want to learn more about the origins of this delicious bread? Check out this Wikipedia article on Hawaiian Bread.

🍞 Why King’s Hawaiian Rolls Work for Cinnamon Rolls

The magic of these Hawaiian sweet rolls lies in their texture. Regular cinnamon rolls require hours of proofing and kneading to achieve softness. With King’s Hawaiian rolls, that work is already done for you!

✔ Pre-made softness – No need to wait for dough to rise.
✔ Sweet, buttery flavor – Enhances the cinnamon-sugar filling naturally.
✔ Holds up well to baking – Absorbs the melted butter and caramelized cinnamon without getting soggy.

This unique bread turns a classic cinnamon roll recipe into an easy, hassle-free treat! Next, let’s break down the ingredients that make these cinnamon rolls so delicious.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make these fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls with a cinnamon twist, you only need a handful of ingredients. Let’s go over why each one is essential and how they contribute to the final flavor.

🧁 For the Rolls:

• 1 pack (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls – The star of this recipe! Their soft, slightly sweet texture makes them perfect for absorbing the buttery cinnamon mixture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cinnamon sugar mixture melts into the rolls beautifully.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a gooey, sticky filling.
• 1 tbsp cinnamon – The key ingredient for the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Using high-quality cinnamon enhances the aroma and taste.

Want to know more about how brown sugar adds moisture and depth to baked goods? Read this Wikipedia article on brown sugar.

🍯 For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that balances the warm cinnamon flavors.
• 2 tbsp milk – Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warm, aromatic depth to the glaze.

Curious about how vanilla extract enhances baked goods? Learn more in this Wikipedia article on vanilla extract.

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepping the Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected for easy assembly.

Step 2: Making the Cinnamon Filling

• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a smooth paste forms.
• Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Baking the Rolls

• Place the top half of the rolls back on and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
• The sugar will melt into a sticky, gooey filling, creating the perfect cinnamon roll texture.

Step 4: Preparing the Glaze

• While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Looking for more glaze variations? Check out this collection of glaze recipes on Pinterest.

Step 5: Drizzling and Serving

• Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while they’re warm.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-filled goodness!

Now, let’s talk about expert tips to make these rolls even better.

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Expert Tips for the Best Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps the cinnamon filling spread more evenly.
✔ Brush extra butter on top – It gives the rolls a rich, golden finish.
✔ Let the glaze set for a few minutes – This helps it slightly harden, creating a bakery-style texture.
✔ Try adding a pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For more creative sweet and savory baked goods, check out these ideas on Pinterest.

Next, let’s explore some fun variations to customize this recipe!

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Fun Variations to Try

🍰 Cream Cheese Glaze

• Swap the regular glaze for a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze.
• Mix 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

🌰 Nutty Delight

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for added crunch.

🍫 Chocolate Drizzle

• Instead of traditional glaze, melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the rolls.

🍏 Fruit-Filled Rolls

• Add chopped apples, raisins, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Want more breakfast and brunch ideas? Explore these creative dishes on Pinterest.

Now, let’s talk about how to store and reheat your cinnamon rolls.

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How to Store and Reheat

Storing

• Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Need tips on freezing baked goods? Read this Wikipedia article on freezing food.

Now, let’s answer some commonly asked questions about this recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for the best texture.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche or regular dinner rolls work well, but they won’t have the same signature sweetness and fluffiness as King’s Hawaiian rolls.

3. How can I make them healthier?

Try these substitutions:

• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Choose whole wheat Hawaiian rolls for added fiber.

4. Can I freeze Hawaiian cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

5. What can I serve with these cinnamon rolls?

These rolls pair well with:

• Fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• A hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Looking for more ways to enjoy Hawaiian bread desserts? Check out these ideas on Pinterest.

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