Name: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls; 2/3 cup half and half; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter, cubed; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

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Hey there, my fellow flavor adventurer! Let’s bake up something that’s going to whisk you away to paradise—Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. These fluffy, golden rolls are swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with a tropical pineapple glaze that’s pure sunshine in every bite. Imagine pulling apart a warm roll, the scent of cinnamon and pineapple filling the air—it’s cozy, it’s exotic, and it’s way easier than you’d think. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s a little taste of the islands right in your kitchen. Let’s roll some dough!

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re starting Easter morning with a sweet twist, treating your family to a weekend brunch, or just craving a tropical escape, these rolls are your ticket. Here’s why they’re a total game-changer:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack—they’re a hit any time of day!
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples with a splash of pineapple—no need to break the bank for this island vibe.
Quick and Easy: Simple dough and a fast glaze—proofing’s the hardest part, and it’s worth it!
Customizable: Add coconut, tweak the sweetness, or swap the glaze—make them your own paradise.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids will love the sticky sweetness, and adults will swoon over the tropical flair. Everyone’s smiling!

Ingredients in Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes these rolls a tropical treasure—simple stuff, big aloha:

Flour

The fluffy foundation. It gives these rolls their soft, pillowy texture—perfect for pulling apart.

Yeast

The magic that makes them rise. It’s what turns dough into those airy, golden beauties.

Milk

Warm and cozy, it activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and rich.

Sugar

Sweetens the dough just right and fuels that golden rise—plus extra for the filling!

Butter

Melts into the dough and filling for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Cinnamon

Warm and spicy, it’s the classic swirl that makes these rolls irresistible.

Pineapple Juice

The tropical twist in the glaze—bright, sweet, and oh-so-Hawaiian.

Powdered Sugar

Whisks into the glaze for a smooth, drizzly finish that’s pure island magic.

Salt

A pinch to balance the sweetness—small but mighty!

Instructions

Let’s bake up some island vibes—these rolls are a breeze to make!

Preheat Your Equipment

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) later—first, we’ll need a warm spot for the dough to rise.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar—let it foam for 5 minutes. Add flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter, then knead until smooth and elastic—about 8 minutes of love!

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this is where your rolls will rise and bake into golden perfection.

Assemble the Dish

Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with a mix of sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up tight, slice into 12 pieces, and nestle them in the dish. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and fragrant—your kitchen’s going to smell like a tropical bakery!

Finishing Touches

Whisk pineapple juice with powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle over the warm rolls—watch it soak in and glisten!

Serve and Enjoy

Pull them apart warm and dig in! That first bite—soft, cinnamony, and pineapple-kissed—is pure paradise.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including rising)

How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are a tropical treat on their own, but here’s how to make them shine:

Fresh Salads: Pair with a bowl of pineapple chunks or tropical fruit salad for extra island flair.
Crusty Bread: Skip the bread—serve with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of coconut milk!
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting? Oh, yes!
Vegetable Sides: Nope, these are all about sweet, sunny vibes—no veggies needed!
As a Standalone: Pile them on a platter with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a few pineapple bits—picture-perfect.

Additional Tips

Make these rolls your own with these fun ideas:

Prep Ahead: Make the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, then bake fresh in the morning.
Spice It Up: Toss in some shredded coconut or a pinch of nutmeg for a tropical twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free version—still delicious!
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or fridge for 5—reheat gently.
Double the Batch: Feeding a luau? Double up and bake in two pans—more rolls, more aloha!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute pineapple juice with something else?

A1: Sure! Orange juice or even a splash of lemon juice with extra sugar works—still zesty!

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A2: Yep! Prep the rolls, let them rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh when ready.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: In an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or fridge for 5—warm them up for that fresh-baked feel.

Q4: Can I freeze these rolls?

A4: Totally! Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to 2 months—thaw, warm, and glaze later.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?

A5: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or oven at 325°F for 5-10 minutes—keeps them soft and gooey!

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: You bet! Double everything and use a bigger pan or two—perfect for a crowd.

Q7: Can I use canned dough?

A7: Sure, but homemade is fluffier—canned works in a pinch, just add the glaze!

Q8: What if my dough doesn’t rise?

A8: Check your yeast—it might be old—or make sure your milk’s warm, not hot, next time.

Q9: Can I add nuts?

A9: Oh, yes! Chopped macadamia nuts or pecans in the filling would be amazing—crunchy aloha!

Q10: Are these kid-friendly?

A10: Absolutely! Sweet, soft, and fun—they’ll be a hit with the little ones!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend—Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls that’ll transport you straight to the islands with every fluffy, sticky bite. These rolls are a perfect blend of cozy cinnamon comfort and tropical pineapple pizzazz, ready to make any day feel like a luau. Whether you’re sharing them with your ohana or sneaking an extra one for yourself (you deserve it!), they’re a recipe worth savoring. So knead that dough, drizzle that glaze, and let’s bake some island magic. You’ve got this—and it’s going to taste like a warm, sweet escape!