Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Quick and easy Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten any morning. Made using King’s Hawaiian rolls, these cinnamon rolls are filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with a delicious cinnamon sugar butter. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: With minimal prep time, you can have fresh cinnamon rolls ready in just 25 minutes.
- Flavorful Filling: The creamy, sweet cream cheese filling pairs perfectly with the rich cinnamon topping.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or an indulgent weekend treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls are sure to impress your family and friends, making them ideal for sharing.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness and fun of pulling apart these soft rolls.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and provides a great way to serve the rolls directly from the oven.
- Hand mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing the cream cheese filling to a smooth consistency.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Rolls
- 1 (12 Count Package) King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
- 6 tbsp Salted Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prepare for the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Place the King’s Hawaiian rolls in the greased baking dish. Carefully cut a small square in the top of each roll and gently pull out some of the bread. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the rolls.
Step 3: Make Cinnamon Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until fully combined. Brush this mixture generously over the tops and insides of each roll.
Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in granulated sugar and egg, mixing until creamy and well-blended.
Step 5: Fill Each Roll
Carefully fill each roll with the cream cheese mixture. Ensure each cavity has a generous amount of filling.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls!
How to Serve Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
These Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delight on their own but can be complemented with several serving suggestions to enhance your breakfast or brunch experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Strawberries: Juicy strawberries add a refreshing touch to the sweet rolls.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of pineapple, mango, and kiwi pairs perfectly with the flavors of Hawaii.
Drizzled with Icing
- Cream Cheese Icing: A light drizzle of cream cheese icing adds extra sweetness and creaminess.
- Vanilla Glaze: A simple vanilla glaze can elevate the cinnamon rolls with a delightful finish.
Served Warm
- Warm from the Oven: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a gooey, melty experience.
- Microwaved for 10 Seconds: If you have leftovers, a quick microwave will bring back their softness.
Accompanied by Beverages
- Coffee: A cup of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: This adds a zesty contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.

How to Perfect Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cream cheese and butter for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overfill the Rolls: Fill each roll with just enough cream cheese mixture to prevent overflow during baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake; remove them once they’re golden brown for best results.
- Allow Cooling Time: Let them cool slightly before serving so the filling sets well and is easier to handle.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing your Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon provides a salty contrast that complements the sweetness.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and a savory note to balance the meal.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a hearty addition that contrasts nicely with soft rolls.
- Smoothies: A tropical smoothie brings in more fruity flavors that enhance the Hawaiian theme.
- Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes can be served as an additional sweet treat alongside the cinnamon rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can ensure your Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat to 375 degrees for the best results.
- Overfilling Rolls: Filling the rolls too much can cause them to overflow during baking. Use a generous but controlled amount of cream cheese filling.
- Not Greasing the Dish: Failing to grease your baking dish may cause the rolls to stick. Use cooking spray or butter for easy removal.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the rolls too soon can make them fall apart. Let them cool slightly before serving for better structure.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese makes it hard to blend. Ensure it’s softened for a smooth filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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- Containers: Keep in an airtight container or tightly wrap with plastic wrap.
Freezing Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
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- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months if you want to save some for later.
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- Containers: Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
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- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake covered with foil for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
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- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
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- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls that might help you out.
Can I use other types of rolls?
Yes, while King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness, you can use any soft dinner roll as a substitute.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls?
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This is great for brunches!
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or simply use regular granulated sugar.
How do I serve Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls?
These cinnamon rolls are perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert. Drizzle with icing or serve plain!
Final Thoughts
Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress anyone at your table. They are versatile enough for breakfast or dessert and can be customized with various fillings or toppings. Don’t hesitate—try this simple recipe today!

Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Easy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful morning treat that brings a taste of the islands to your breakfast table. Made with soft King’s Hawaiian rolls, these cinnamon rolls are filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with a luscious cinnamon sugar butter. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up these irresistible rolls, perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply indulging yourself. Their creamy filling and sweet topping create a flavor explosion that everyone will love, making them a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 Count Package) King's Hawaiian original sweet rolls
- 6 tbsp Salted Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place the King's Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish and cut a small square on top of each roll to create pockets.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl; brush generously over the rolls.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth; mix in granulated sugar and egg until combined.
- Fill each roll with the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy warm!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg