If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth breakfast treat or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. These pillowy sweet rolls soak up gooey cinnamon sugar and get topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. With barely any prep and the fluffiest texture imaginable, they’re a total showstopper for brunches, holidays, or those cravings that hit on a cozy weekend morning.

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls is how the simplest ingredients create unforgettable flavor. Each one plays its part, from buttery richness to that trademark sweet-bread base. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway to cinnamon roll heaven!

King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package, 12-count): The star of the show, their signature sweetness and soft texture make these rolls irresistible.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup), softened: Makes the filling ultra-creamy and infuses every crevice with richness.
Brown sugar (1 cup), packed: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness that mingles perfectly with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Adds classic cinnamon roll spice and warmth.
Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives an optional boost of aromatic, nutty depth you can’t quite put your finger on.
Cream cheese (4 ounces), softened: Forms the creamy base for the luscious glaze on top.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Balances the tang of the cream cheese with gentle sweetness for your glaze.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze so it drizzles perfectly over those warm rolls.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with comforting, classic vanilla notes.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and those rolls remain perfectly intact for pulling apart later. Getting this step done first means everything moves quickly once your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls start coming together.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls as One Slab

Without separating the individual rolls, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire package horizontally—imagine you’re slicing a bagel, only bigger! This cutting style keeps all the rolls snuggled together, which results in a pull-apart masterpiece.

Step 3: Layer in the Sweet Filling

Mix up your softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and (if you love a little extra spice) nutmeg in a small bowl until you have a thick, spreadable paste. Smear every glorious bit over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls, making sure you get into those nooks and crannies. This buttery filling melts and oozes into the bread for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Gently set the top half of the rolls over the filling, like you’re putting a lid back on. Cover the whole dish with foil so things steam and stay moist. Bake for 20 minutes, and prepare for your kitchen to fill with the most mouthwatering cinnamon-sugar aroma. By the time the timer rings, your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls will be golden, gooey, and begging for icing.

Step 5: Whip Up Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky-smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable—add a splash more milk if you like it extra drippy. This is what makes these rolls unforgettable!

Step 6: Glaze and Serve Warm

Once the rolls are out, immediately drizzle them with generous swoops of cream cheese glaze. Serve them while they’re warm and the filling is at its gooey best. Invite everyone to pull apart their own glorious King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Roll for ultimate fun—they won’t last long!

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For extra flair and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze or tucked into the filling layer before baking. A dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny pinch of cinnamon right before serving ups the “wow” factor. If you’re feeling bold, try a fresh orange zest on the glaze for citrusy brightness.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls shine brightest alongside a savory breakfast spread. Pair them with creamy scrambled eggs, sausage links, or a crispy bacon platter for perfect salty-sweet harmony. Sliced fresh fruit—think strawberries or orange wedges—adds a refreshing counterpoint to all that gooey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Arrange the freshly glazed rolls on a pretty cake stand and let everyone dig in family style. For potlucks or parties, transfer warm rolls to a bread basket lined with a cheerful towel. If gifting, wrap up individual King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in wax paper and tie them with ribbon for a sweet homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The rolls will stay soft, and the filling remains satisfyingly gooey. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the ultimate texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these rolls! Once baked and cooled, wrap individual rolls or the whole slab in plastic wrap, then pop into a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before enjoying for best results.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked magic, warm King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in a 300°F oven (covered with foil) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds per roll. The glaze gets extra melty and the rolls spring back to pillowy perfection.

FAQs

Can I prep King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Just assemble everything (filling and all), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed—your only job will be whipping up the cream cheese glaze. It’s a genuine breakfast shortcut.

Is there a dairy-free version for these rolls?

Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and choose a dairy-free cream cheese and milk for the glaze. You’ll still get all the flavor and irresistible texture of the original King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make these without nuts or add-ins?

Of course. The nuts are completely optional, and the base recipe is nut-free, making these rolls a super friendly choice for kids and anyone with allergies. If you do want to get creative, dried cranberries or chopped chocolate are fun to try.

How do I avoid the rolls getting soggy?

Allow the rolls to rest uncovered for five minutes after baking to release a little steam before glazing. This keeps the interior gooey but not overly moist, ensuring you get those traditional cinnamon roll layers, pull-apart and perfect.

Can I use homemade dough instead?

Definitely! If you’re up for it, homemade sweet dough can work wonderfully—just be sure to bake it long enough and keep your dough balls tucked closely together. The joy of using King’s Hawaiian, though, is in that signature flavor and the convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, you’re in for such a treat. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and have a way of gathering everyone around the table in record time. Give this recipe a go the next time you want to make morning (or dessert) extra special—you truly can’t go wrong!