Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
I'll be honest with you: the first time I made these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls, I felt like I was cheating. Using pre-made Hawaiian sweet rolls instead of making dough from scratch? It felt almost too easy.
But then I took that first warm, gooey bite slathered with cream cheese frosting, and all guilt vanished instantly.
These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls have become my absolute go-to for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, and whenever I need to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls so incredibly special is the unique texture and sweetness of King's Hawaiian rolls. That pillowy, slightly sweet bread creates the most tender, pull-apart cinnamon rolls you've ever tasted.
I remember making traditional cinnamon rolls with my grandmother when I was young. Kneading dough for what felt like hours, waiting for it to rise, then waiting some more. These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls give you that same nostalgic comfort in a fraction of the time.
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You're essentially transforming something already delicious into something absolutely extraordinary.
I love how the sweet Hawaiian bread pairs with the cinnamon-sugar filling. It's like they were meant to be together. The rolls maintain their signature soft texture while soaking up all that buttery cinnamon goodness.
And don't even get me started on that cream cheese frosting drizzled on top while they're still warm!
I've made these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls for countless brunch gatherings, and they disappear within minutes every single time.
My neighbor actually knocked on my door last Christmas morning asking if I'd share the recipe because the smell was driving her family crazy. That's the power of these rolls!
They're perfect for busy mornings when you want something homemade but don't have three hours to dedicate to traditional cinnamon roll dough.
Whether you're an experienced baker or someone who barely knows how to turn on the oven, I promise you can make these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls. They're forgiving, quick, and absolutely delicious.
The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
So let's get baking. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible!
Equipment Needed
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Serrated bread knife
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
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For the Rolls:
1 package (12 count) King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Must be the original sweet rolls, not hot dog or slider buns1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted -
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed2 tablespoons ground cinnamon Use fresh cinnamon for best flavor—stale cinnamon tastes bitter1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened -
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened1 cup powdered sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin) Add gradually to reach desired drizzling consistency
Kitchen Converter
Instructions
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Prepare the Pan and Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always start by greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Don't skip this step or your Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls might stick! Without separating the rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the bottom and top sections intact as two large pieces. This is so much easier than cutting them individually!
Use a bread knife and gentle sawing motion. If the rolls start to compress, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes first. They'll be easier to cut cleanly.
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Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure there are no clumps! In a separate bowl, soften 1/4 cup of butter (I microwave mine for 10-15 seconds). You want it spreadable but not melted. This makes coating the rolls so much easier for your Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls.
For extra decadent Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls, I sometimes add a tablespoon of honey to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It creates these amazing caramelized pockets!
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Assemble the Rolls
Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls in your prepared baking dish. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface. Get it into all those nooks and crannies. Then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface. Don't be shy with it! Place the top half of the rolls back on top, creating a sandwich. Brush the top with the melted 1/4 cup butter for that golden, glossy finish on your Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls.
I use an offset spatula to spread the butter. It makes the job so much easier! Also, don't worry if some cinnamon-sugar spills over the edges. Those crispy bits are pure gold!
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Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This steams the rolls and keeps them soft. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point! The Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls should be golden on top but still soft and tender.
Start 23-min TimerWatch closely during the last few minutes! Ovens vary, and you want golden brown, not dark brown. I set a timer and check at 20 minutes total to be safe.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are baking, make your frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a drizzlable consistency. I like mine slightly thick so it doesn't run off completely.
Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened! Cold cream cheese creates lumpy frosting. I leave mine out for 30 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds if I'm impatient.
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Frost and Serve
Remove the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for just 5 minutes. While they're still warm, drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The heat will make the frosting slightly melt and seep into all those delicious layers. Use a knife to cut along the original roll lines, creating 12 individual pull-apart Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately while they're still warm and gooey!
Start 5-min TimerDon't wait too long to frost! You want the rolls warm enough to melt the frosting slightly. I usually frost at the 5-minute mark. Perfection every time with these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cinnamon roll)
Recipe Variations
Classic Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
This is the traditional version that started it all! The perfect balance of sweet Hawaiian bread, cinnamon-sugar filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting. I always come back to this classic because sometimes you just can't improve on perfection. These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are ideal for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself.
- Uses the classic cinnamon and brown sugar filling
- Topped with traditional cream cheese frosting
- Perfect for beginners and cinnamon roll purists
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
Apple Pie Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
I created this variation during apple season, and it's become a fall favorite! The combination of cinnamon apples with the sweet Hawaiian rolls tastes exactly like apple pie filling inside a cinnamon roll. It's basically two desserts in one.
- Add 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples (tossed with 1 tbsp flour) to the cinnamon filling
- Mix in 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp apple pie spice with the cinnamon
- Top with caramel sauce instead of cream cheese frosting
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls experience
Chocolate Lover's Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
For my fellow chocolate addicts, this version is absolutely divine. I add chocolate in three different ways for maximum indulgence. These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are dangerous—I can't stop at just one!
- Add 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar filling
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese frosting
- Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a mocha flavor
- Use chocolate cream cheese frosting (add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the frosting)
- Top with chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation
Cream Cheese Swirl Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
This is my mom's favorite variation! Adding a cream cheese layer in the middle makes these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls extra rich and decadent. It's like having a cream cheese danish and cinnamon roll combined.
- Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg yolk
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom half before adding cinnamon-sugar
- Reduce the amount of cinnamon-sugar slightly so it's not overly sweet
- Bake an extra 3-5 minutes to ensure the cream cheese sets properly
- Top with regular cream cheese frosting or just a dusting of powdered sugar
Maple Pecan Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
This version reminds me of sticky buns but easier! The maple syrup adds such a beautiful depth of flavor to the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls, and the pecans give them a wonderful crunch.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling
- Drizzle 2 tbsp pure maple syrup over the filling before closing
- Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with maple extract
- Mix 1 tbsp maple syrup into the cream cheese frosting
- Top with extra toasted pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup
- For extra decadence, add a maple glaze on the bottom of the pan before baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! I do this all the time for holiday mornings. Assemble the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls completely (through step 3), but don't bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. Make the frosting fresh while they bake for the best results!
While I strongly recommend King's Hawaiian rolls for their unique sweetness and texture, I have successfully used other options in a pinch. Brioche rolls work beautifully and give a similar rich, buttery flavor. Potato dinner rolls are another good substitute. However, avoid using regular sandwich bread or hard rolls. They won't give you that signature soft, pull-apart texture that makes these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls so special. The slight sweetness of Hawaiian rolls really is the secret ingredient here!
Store any leftover Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, I wrap individual rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. They come out almost as soft as fresh! For longer storage, you can freeze them (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and add fresh frosting. Pro tip: they're also delicious cold straight from the fridge if you like a firmer texture!
The most common culprit is overbaking! These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls bake quickly because the bread is already cooked. Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes and remove them as soon as the tops are golden brown. Also, make sure you're using enough butter. Don't skimp on it! The butter keeps the rolls moist and tender. Finally, always cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to trap moisture. If your rolls are still dry, try reducing your oven temperature by 25°F and checking a few minutes earlier next time.
Of course! While I absolutely love the tangy cream cheese frosting on these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls, there are plenty of alternatives. Try a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla), maple glaze, caramel sauce, or even chocolate ganache. Some people just dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter option. My kids actually prefer them with a simple butter and honey drizzle. Honestly, these rolls are so flavorful on their own that they don't absolutely need frosting—but let's be real, why would you skip it?
Yes! I regularly double this recipe for large gatherings. Simply use two packages of Hawaiian rolls and double all the other ingredients. You'll need two 9x13-inch pans, or one large roasting pan. Baking time remains the same since you're using multiple pans. If using one large pan, you may need to add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time. I find that Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are perfect for feeding a crowd because they're easy to pull apart and serve—no need for individual plating!
The secret to clean cuts is using a serrated bread knife with a gentle sawing motion. Never press straight down! I let the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls cool for exactly 5 minutes (not longer) before cutting, and I wipe the knife clean between each cut. Follow the original roll perforations as your guide. If you're finding it difficult, the rolls might still be too hot and soft. Give them another 2-3 minutes to set up. For the cleanest cuts, some people prefer using unflavored dental floss. Slide it under the rolls, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight. Works like a charm!
Storage & Serving Tips
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. These Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls actually soften slightly over time!
- Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and add fresh frosting.
Beverage Pairings
- Morning Coffee: Bold dark roast balances the sweetness perfectly with these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls
- Chai Tea Latte: The spices complement the cinnamon beautifully
- Cold Milk: Classic pairing that never fails, especially for kids
- Hot Chocolate: For an extra-indulgent treat during winter months
Common Mistakes
- Overbaking: Watch closely! These cook faster than traditional cinnamon rolls
- Cold Butter: Softened butter spreads easily; cold butter tears the bread
- Skipping the Foil: Always cover first! It steams the Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls and keeps them tender
- Too Much Filling: More isn't better—it will leak out and burn in the pan
Serving Suggestions
- Warm is Best: Serve these Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls slightly warm for maximum gooeyness
- Add Ice Cream: Top with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries to balance the sweetness
- Extra Frosting: Keep extra frosting on the side for those who want more!
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Bryan Murphy is the creator of Hawaii’s Best Travel and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau. He’s an active member of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and continues ongoing education focused on Hawaiian culture, history, and sustainable travel. As the host of the “Hawaii’s Best Travel” podcast—one of the top travel podcasts in the U.S.—Bryan shares practical, respectful guidance to help visitors experience Hawai‘i in a more meaningful way. His work reaches nearly half a million people across podcast, blog, and social media.