The moment you bite into these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe, you are instantly transported to a paradise of flavors. Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with tropical pineapple and shredded coconut create a mouthwatering blend of sweet and warm spices that make every bite unforgettable. Creamy frosting glides over the top, combining the classic indulgence of cinnamon rolls with a fresh island twist. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, this recipe brings a tropical breeze to your kitchen and joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry essentials that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and tropical flair. Each component plays its part, from the rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling to the bright pineapple and creamy glaze, making it a harmonious recipe to savor.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the rolls their soft, tender crumb.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to feed the yeast and sweeten the dough.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for that fluffy, risen dough texture everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F): Activates the yeast and contributes to a soft, moist dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Help bind the dough and add a lovely golden color.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon filling.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings warmth and deep sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines classic cinnamon rolls.
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained: Introduces the tropical, juicy surprise in every bite.
- ½ cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened: Adds chewy texture and island flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze): Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze): Makes the glaze rich and silky.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
- ¼ cup milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for smooth spreading.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with warm, comforting notes.
How to Make Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. This crucial step wakes up the yeast to ensure your dough rises beautifully and becomes irresistibly fluffy. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—a sign that the yeast is active and ready.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Stir together the melted butter and lightly beaten eggs into the foamy yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt, then gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mixing until you have a shaggy dough is the goal here—this forms the foundation of your cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Knead the Dough to Perfection
Turn the dough out on a floured surface and knead by hand for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you prefer, a stand mixer with a dough hook can do the work in 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky, which indicates the perfect balance of moisture and gluten development.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, coat it well to prevent drying, and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size. This resting period is what gives your rolls their airy, soft structure.
Step 5: Prepare the Tropical Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and smooth. Then gently fold in well-drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. This vibrant filling adds a tropical twist that elevates the humble cinnamon roll into something truly special.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches on a floured surface. Spread the tropical cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a small border along one long edge. Roll the dough tightly from the opposite edge, then pinch the seam closed to seal in the delicious filling.
Step 7: Cut and Second Rise
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss. Arrange these spirals cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up slightly, priming them for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will surely boost your anticipation for the first bite.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in milk and vanilla extract to achieve a creamy, spreadable glaze that perfectly complements the tropical cinnamon rolls.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls have cooled for about 10 to 15 minutes, slather them generously with the luscious cream cheese glaze. Serve warm for a gooey, decadent treat that truly fulfills the promise of Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe.
How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm cinnamon rolls with extra shredded coconut or a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts to enhance the tropical vibe and add a satisfying crunch that contrasts delightfully with the soft rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit platters featuring mango, papaya, or pineapple slices for an extra burst of Hawaiian freshness. A cup of strong coffee or a tropical smoothie also makes a fantastic accompaniment to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual cinnamon rolls on tropical-themed plates, drizzle with passion fruit syrup, or even transform leftovers into cinnamon roll bread pudding for a decadent brunch centerpiece that keeps the tropical theme alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best results, keep them slightly warm before serving to restore their delightful softness and flavor.
Freezing
To keep your tropical treats fresh longer, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe whenever craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds per roll also works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the pineapple very well to avoid making the filling too wet, which could affect the texture of your cinnamon rolls.
Is shredded coconut necessary?
While the shredded coconut adds wonderful texture and flavor, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute with chopped macadamia nuts for a different island crunch.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The first rise usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size, and the second rise after shaping takes about 30 to 45 minutes. These steps are key for achieving soft, fluffy rolls.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
With some tweaks like using plant-based milk, butter substitutes, and vegan cream cheese, you can absolutely adapt this recipe to a vegan version without losing that tropical magic.
What’s the best way to store leftover cream cheese glaze?
Keep the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using, as it may thicken when chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing a taste of the islands into your home kitchen, and this Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe does just that in the most delightful way. With its lush pineapple and coconut filling, perfect cinnamon spice, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Don’t wait to experience the joy of these irresistible rolls—you’ll want to share the tropical love with everyone you know!
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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate tropical treat, combining classic cinnamon swirl goodness with the sweet flavors of crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls make for a perfect breakfast or dessert that transports you to an island paradise with every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk well. In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon; mix until creamy.
- Drain Pineapple: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well drained to avoid sogginess in the filling.
- Combine Filling: Gently fold the drained pineapple and shredded coconut into the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut Slices: Use a serrated knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish cut-side up, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
- Make Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add more milk as needed for desired consistency.
- Glaze Rolls: Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the tropical flavors.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best yeast activation and dough consistency.
- If you don’t have dental floss, a sharp serrated knife works well for cutting the rolls evenly.
- For a fluffier texture, avoid adding too much flour during kneading to keep the dough slightly tacky.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
