Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Indulge in the sweet, soft, and buttery goodness of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, made with their signature sweet rolls, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious vanilla glaze. These cinnamon rolls combine the fluffy texture of Hawaiian bread with a classic cinnamon swirl, perfect for breakfast or dessert.


Ingredients

Dough and Base

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over the warm milk, stir to dissolve, and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and activated.
  2. Soak the Bread: Tear King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into small pieces, place in a large bowl, pour the yeast mixture over them, and allow to soak for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the soaked bread mixture. Stir well to combine fully.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed if the dough is sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
  6. Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving 1/2 inch margin around edges.
  9. Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
  10. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  11. Second Rise: Place rolls close together in the dish, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffed.
  12. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  14. Glaze the Rolls: Cool baked rolls for 5 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over them.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm to enjoy their sweet, gooey flavor.

Notes

  • Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Letting the rolls rise twice ensures a fluffy texture.
  • For a dairy-free glaze, substitute heavy cream with plant-based milk.
  • If dough is sticky during kneading, add flour gradually to avoid toughness.
  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.