There is something truly magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is my absolute favorite go-to for that cozy, indulgent morning treat. These rolls combine the soft, fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a dreamy glaze, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to treat yourself. If you love warm, gooey pastries with that perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe is about to become your next obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is delightfully simple, and every single item plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture, sweet flavor, and gorgeous golden color that make these cinnamon rolls so memorable.
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack, 12 count): The foundation of these rolls, providing incredible softness and a hint of sweetness straight from the start.
- Warm milk, 1/4 cup (110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a tender dough.
- Sugar, 1/4 cup: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
- Melted butter, 1/4 cup: Locks in moisture for a rich flavor.
- Active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons: Essential for making the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and give structure to the dough.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (softened): For the luscious cinnamon filling.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup (packed): Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons: The star spice that brings warmth and spice.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Key ingredient for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Heavy cream or milk, 2 tablespoons: Creates the perfect drizzle consistency for the glaze.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon (for glaze): Finishes the glaze with a touch of fragrant sweetness.
How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to be comforting on your fingers but not hot—and sprinkle the yeast and sugar right on top. Let this mixture sit for five minutes until it becomes bubbly and alive, a sure sign your yeast is ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Soak the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Tear your sweet rolls into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the bubbly yeast mixture over the bread, letting it soak for about 5 minutes. This step transforms the rolls into the soft, luscious base for your dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to your soaked bread pieces. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the dough starts to come together in a sticky but manageable mass.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps to develop the gluten and create that perfect, airy texture. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but don’t overdo it—this dough is meant to stay soft.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and set in a warm spot to rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size. This patient step is crucial for achieving fluffy, tender rolls.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, whip up the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable, packed with that classic cinnamon roll charm.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
After the rise, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle—this will give you enough surface area for the delicious filling to really shine.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Spread your cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. This helps the filling stay inside as you roll it up.
Step 9: Shape the Rolls
Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 even rolls, each bursting with swirls of cinnamon goodness.
Step 10: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange your cinnamon rolls close together in the dish for soft sides that touch after baking, making each piece irresistibly tender.
Step 11: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This rise results in that perfect fluffy texture once baked.
Step 12: Bake Until Golden
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. The smell alone will tell you they’re ready.
Step 13: Whip Up the Glaze
While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. This glaze is what takes your cinnamon rolls from amazing to absolutely dreamy.
Step 14: Glaze and Cool
When the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the warm rolls so it sinks into every crevice.
Step 15: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm, soft cinnamon rolls immediately and enjoy the melty, gooey sweetness paired perfectly with the iconic taste of the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe!
How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cinnamon rolls even more special, try sprinkling some toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top of the glaze just before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon or a small pat of butter melting into the rolls can add an extra touch of indulgence too.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are a standout on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples balances the sweetness perfectly. A steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte complements the flavors beautifully and rounds out your breakfast or brunch plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange these rolls on a pretty platter with a drizzle of extra glaze and a few fresh mint leaves. You can also serve individual rolls in cute ramekins or mini baking dishes for a charming single-serving presentation that makes everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess but don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly—they’re that good!
Freezing
If you want to keep these rolls longer, you can freeze them after baking and glazing. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm your leftover or thawed cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the glaze gooey again—just like they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?
While you can experiment with other bread, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls give this recipe its uniquely soft texture and subtle sweetness that’s tough to replicate. Regular bread may result in a different texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
Active dry yeast is preferred to get that perfect rise, but you can substitute instant yeast in a slightly smaller quantity. Just keep in mind that the rising times may vary slightly.
Can I make the cinnamon rolls vegan?
To make a vegan version of the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, swap the butter for plant-based butter and use flax or chia eggs instead of real eggs. You’ll also want to choose a dairy-free milk alternative for the milk and glaze.
How sweet are these cinnamon rolls?
The rolls are moderately sweet with a wonderful balance from the brown sugar in the filling and the powdered sugar glaze. The natural sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe for a fresh bake in the morning.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy that a batch of warm, fresh cinnamon rolls can bring, and the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe captures that magic perfectly. From the soft, sweet dough to the buttery cinnamon swirl and the silky glaze on top, every bite feels like a hug. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these delicious cinnamon rolls a beloved staple in your home just like they are in mine.
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King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, made using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as the base for a soft, fluffy, and flavorful dough. The rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar butter filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine the beloved sweet bread texture with a homemade cinnamon roll experience.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pack (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over the warm milk and stir to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and activated.
- Soak the Rolls: Tear King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Pour the yeast mixture over the bread pieces to soak for about 5 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted butter, eggs, and salt with the soaked bread mixture until well combined.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic; add flour as needed if sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving 1/2 inch border around edges.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Arrange rolls closely in the baking dish, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Rolls: Remove rolls from oven, cool 5 minutes, then drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading time is important to develop gluten for a soft elastic dough.
- Do not skip the second rise for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
- Use softened butter for the filling to make spreading easier.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off completely.
- Can substitute heavy cream with milk in the glaze if desired.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
