King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

If you’ve ever had a warm, soft cinnamon roll that practically melts in your mouth, then you know the magic of a perfect cinnamon roll. Now imagine that, but with the added sweetness and fluffiness of King’s Hawaiian bread. Yep, you guessed it—King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a game-changer. These cinnamon rolls are irresistibly soft, slightly sweet, and have a hint of that iconic King’s Hawaiian flavor that makes them truly one-of-a-kind. Trust me, once you make these, your cinnamon roll game will never be the same!

Why You’ll Love King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s why this recipe is going to be your new favorite way to enjoy cinnamon rolls:

Soft and Fluffy:

These cinnamon rolls are soft, tender, and pillow-like thanks to the sweet, buttery texture of King’s Hawaiian bread. Every bite is like biting into a cloud.

Sweet, But Not Overly Sweet:

The slight sweetness of King’s Hawaiian bread gives these rolls just the right balance of sweetness without being overpowering. Paired with the cinnamon-sugar filling and sweet glaze, it’s the perfect balance.

Easy to Make:

Even if you’re not a baking expert, these cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and the process is simple—there’s no need for fancy techniques, just a little patience as they rise.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because you feel like it, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress everyone. They’re so good, your family and friends will ask for the recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls:

King’s Hawaiian Bread: The base of the dough, giving these rolls their soft, sweet, and fluffy texture.

Butter: Use plenty of butter—both in the dough and the filling. It adds richness and a comforting flavor.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key to that signature cinnamon roll flavor. It’s the perfect spice to balance the sweetness.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in both the dough and filling to give the rolls their sweet flavor.

Egg: This adds richness to the dough and helps it rise.

Milk: Whole milk is best for the dough, creating a soft and smooth texture.

Active Dry Yeast: The yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy, so don’t skip it!

Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to the dough and glaze.

Powdered Sugar: Used to make the sweet glaze that goes on top of the rolls.

Cream Cheese: The cream cheese in the glaze makes it creamy and irresistible.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls:

Make the Dough:

In a small saucepan, warm the milk and melt the butter together until the mixture is warm (but not too hot to touch). Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Add in the King’s Hawaiian bread (cut into pieces) and stir until it forms a soft dough.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl. Set it aside.

Roll Out the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×9 inches.

Brush the dough with softened butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.

Roll and Slice:

Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one edge. Once rolled, slice it into 8-10 rolls, depending on how big you like them.

Bake the Rolls:

Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them so they’re just touching each other. Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Make the Glaze:

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Add a little milk if needed to reach your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too runny.

Glaze the Rolls:

Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for:

Brunch:

Serve them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate brunch experience. The soft, fluffy texture pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.

Holiday Gatherings:

These rolls are a wonderful addition to any holiday meal—whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or just a cozy weekend breakfast.

Dessert:

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, these cinnamon rolls make an excellent dessert! They’re indulgent without being overly heavy.

A Special Treat:

Sometimes, it’s nice to treat yourself to a little sweetness. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, or even just a “treat yourself” kind of day.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can prep these cinnamon rolls the night before. After rolling them up, place the unbaked rolls in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply let them rise for 30-40 minutes before baking.

Freeze for Later:

These rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, store the rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick treat.

Customize the Filling:

Want to get creative? You can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the filling for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of bread instead of King’s Hawaiian?
A1: While King’s Hawaiian bread gives these cinnamon rolls their unique softness and flavor, you can use any sweet bread dough as an alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

Q2: Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. For the glaze, use dairy-free cream cheese or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and plant-based milk.

Q3: How can I make these cinnamon rolls more indulgent?
A3: If you love a little extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate sauce on top of the glaze, or add a cream cheese filling for a richer taste.

Q4: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can prep the rolls the night before, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them in the morning for a fresh and hot breakfast.

Q5: Can I freeze these rolls before baking?
A5: Yes! After you’ve sliced the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, simply let them rise and then bake as directed.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Q7: Can I use other fillings for cinnamon rolls?
A7: Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings like brown sugar, nut butter, or even chocolate. It’s all about getting creative with your favorites!

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger batch. Just use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time.

Q9: Can I add icing on top of the glaze?
A9: Yes, if you prefer extra sweetness, you can add a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a thicker cream cheese icing on top.

Q10: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A10: To make the glaze thicker, just add a little more powdered sugar or less milk. You want it to be thick enough to coat the rolls without dripping too much.

Conclusion

These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet, soft, and indulgent treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re perfect for any time you want something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. Enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!

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