If you have a soft spot for sweet, fluffy breakfast treats, you are going to fall head over heels for the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon swirling with the signature tender, pillowy texture of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls—each bite melting in your mouth with a perfect balance of buttery richness, cinnamon spice, and a luscious vanilla glaze. This recipe transforms an already beloved bread into a show-stopping batch of cinnamon rolls that are sure to boast smiles around your kitchen table. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cinnamon rolls without that iconic King’s Hawaiian touch!

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on these cinnamon rolls means gathering some simple yet incredible ingredients that work together to create the softest dough, the sweetest cinnamon filling, and the creamiest glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich butter and aromatic vanilla to the all-important King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls that bring softness and sweetness straight out of the bag.

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack, 12 count): The base of this recipe, providing unbeatable softness and subtle sweetness for the dough.
Warm milk (1/4 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast gently without killing its power.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast to help your dough rise beautifully.
Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic starter that makes your dough fluffy and airy.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet undertones to both dough and glaze.
Large eggs (2): Enrich the dough and help bind everything together.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Key ingredient for the gooey cinnamon filling.
Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Deep caramel flavor needed for the filling.
Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that infuses the rolls with irresistible warmth.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze that crowns the rolls.
Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by gently warming your milk to about 110°F—warm enough to feel cozy, but not hot. Sprinkle in the sugar and yeast, then stir to blend and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. You want it bubbly and alive; that’s your cue that the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Soak the Sweet Rolls

Tear the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the active yeast mixture over the bread pieces and let them soak for 5 minutes. This step hydrates the bread so it will transform into a silky dough that’s anything but ordinary.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Dough Ingredients

Mix in the melted butter, eggs, and salt with the soaked bread. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—this is the foundation of your fluffy dough, promising delicate texture with a buttery hint in every bite.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. This stretch and fold action builds strength and elasticity in the dough. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time to reach a smooth, elastic ball that springs back gently when poked.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Find a cozy, warm spot to let it rise until doubled in size, about one hour. This rise infuses the dough with air bubbles that give your rolls their perfect soft, light texture.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, whip up the cinnamon filling by stirring together softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable—this gooey filling is the secret to each bite’s irresistible sweet-spicy goodness.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle, preparing a perfect canvas for the cinnamon filling.

Step 8: Spread the Cinnamon Filling

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over your rolled dough, leaving about a half-inch border free around the edges. This clean edge will help seal the roll later and keeps everything neat and delicious.

Step 9: Form the Rolls

Starting with the long side of your rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 even rolls. Each spiral will have a juicy swirl of cinnamon sugar waiting inside.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls snugly, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for 30 minutes—this second rise develops their fluffiness and makes them extra tender.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slip the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown on top and are cooked through. Your kitchen will fill with a heavenly cinnamon aroma that’s pure joy.

Step 12: Whip Up the Glaze

While your cinnamon rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. This sweet topping makes the rolls shine with an irresistible shine and drippy softness.

Step 13: Glaze and Cool

Once out of the oven, give your rolls about 5 minutes to cool slightly, then generously drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. The heat helps the icing spread luxuriously so every bite has that creamy finish.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls warm for the ultimate cozy breakfast or special treat. Watch as your family and friends savor the soft, sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness bursting from each roll.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze for a fun texture boost, or even some fresh fruit on the side to brighten the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a comforting morning duo. Fresh fruit salad or creamy scrambled eggs provide a savory counterpoint that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert twist. Or, slice them and stack on a platter for a brunch centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rolls left after your feast, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and glazing, let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover cinnamon rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness and gooey glaze.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

While regular bread can be used in a pinch, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls provide a unique sweetness and softness that’s key to the authentic texture and flavor of this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Using them really makes a difference!

Do I have to knead the dough by hand?

Not at all! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for convenience. Just knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes. The process is very similar whether by hand or machine.

What if I don’t have active dry yeast?

Instant yeast can be substituted in the same amount. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing first. However, the bubbly yeast starter step adds extra proof the yeast is alive and kicking.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, you’ll need plant-based substitutes for butter, milk, and eggs. There are great vegan butters and non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk, and flax or chia eggs work well as egg replacements. The King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls themselves are not vegan, so you’d need to find a similar vegan sweet roll or bread.

How long do these cinnamon rolls keep fresh?

Freshly baked, these rolls are best enjoyed within two days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Beyond that, their texture may begin to firm up, but reheating can help bring back moisture and softness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe at home—it’s like wrapping your kitchen in a warm, sweet hug. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast, celebration brunch, or an everyday treat, these rolls bring unmatched softness, flavor, and sunshine to your table. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the magic of King’s Hawaiian sweetness combined with cinnamon spice; once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a cherished favorite for years to come!