Fluffy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Tropical Morning Joy

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls take on a tropical twist with this mouthwatering Hawaiian cinnamon rolls recipe that brings island flavors to your breakfast table.

Sweet pineapple and delicate coconut dance together in a soft, pillowy dough that promises pure delight.

Each roll bursts with rich, caramelized notes and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

The aroma of fresh-baked goodness will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor these irresistible treats.

Layers of cinnamon swirl create a stunning visual that matches the incredible taste.

A drizzle of creamy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to these heavenly rolls.

You won’t be able to resist these decadent, island-inspired pastries that transform an ordinary morning into a tropical celebration.

Storage Advice to Keep Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Fresh

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure complete sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Unwrap and let sit for 2 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Are Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls different from traditional cinnamon rolls?

These rolls use Kings Hawaiian Rolls as a base, creating a unique French toast-like texture with a custard dip and crispy fried exterior, unlike traditional soft-baked cinnamon rolls.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls up to the custard-dipping stage and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying, which helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?

You’ll need a large saute pan, whisk, mixing bowls, and a spatula. A non-stick pan works best for even frying and easy roll handling.

The Sweet Magic of Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Burst with Fruity Flavor: Dried peaches add a delightful sweet and tangy twist to classic oatmeal cookies, creating a unique and memorable taste experience.
• Customize with Chocolate Dip: White chocolate coating transforms these cookies from simple to spectacular, offering a luxurious touch that makes them perfect for special occasions or gifting.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With straightforward mixing and baking steps, these cookies are achievable for bakers of all skill levels, making them an excellent choice for beginner and experienced cookie lovers alike.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Nutty sprinkles and sweet peach chunks ensure these cookies appeal to multiple taste preferences, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert time.

Ingredients That Make Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Irresistible

• Kings Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that serve as the base for this delightful dessert.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy layer inside the rolls.
• Half and Half: Creates a rich, custardy mixture for soaking the rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Butter: Form a thick, sweet, and spicy paste that adds depth of flavor inside the rolls.
• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a crispy, sweet coating for the fried rolls.

• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the custard mixture with richness and aromatic flavor.

• Butter: Used for frying the rolls and preventing sticking in the pan.

Baking Instructions for Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Butter Spread

Create a delicious cinnamon butter mixture by combining melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar into a smooth, rich paste. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Blend granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, creating a sweet and aromatic coating for the final rolls.

Step 3: Slice and Cream Rolls

Carefully slice Kings Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally.

Generously spread softened cream cheese on both the top and bottom halves of each roll.

Step 4: Layer Cinnamon Butter

Spread the prepared cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Gently reassemble the rolls by placing the tops back on.

Step 5: Chill Rolls

Refrigerate the assembled rolls for about 20 minutes to help them set and absorb flavors.

Step 6: Prepare Custard Mixture

• Half and half
• Beaten eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Soak Rolls

Remove rolls from refrigerator and carefully dip each one into the custard mixture.

Ensure thorough soaking for 15-30 seconds without letting them fall apart.

Step 8: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat.

Add a cube of butter to create a non-stick cooking surface.

Step 9: Fry Rolls

Cook the soaked rolls in batches, frying each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

This typically takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 10: Clean Pan Between Batches

Wipe the pan clean after each batch to prevent any burnt residue and ensure consistent cooking.

Step 11: Coat and Serve

Immediately toss the warm, freshly fried rolls in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure each roll is completely coated.

Serve while warm and enjoy the delightful treat!

Helpful Tips for Baking Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Ease

• Pat Hawaiian rolls gently with paper towels before dipping in custard to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when frying.
• Use a digital thermometer to maintain medium-low heat around 325°F for even browning without burning the delicate rolls.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to spread smoothly and evenly across roll surfaces.
• Keep fried rolls warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) while completing remaining batches to maintain optimal serving temperature.
• Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use almond milk instead of half and half for a lactose-free version of these decadent rolls.

Fun Variations to Customize Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and add shredded coconut to the cinnamon-butter mixture for a tropical Hawaiian flavor profile.
• Nutty Macadamia Adventure: Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts into the cinnamon-butter paste and sprinkle crushed nuts on top after frying for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Delight: Swap Kings Hawaiian Rolls with gluten-free sweet rolls and use almond flour in the coating to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Island Treat: Use plant-based butter, coconut milk instead of half and half, and egg substitute to transform the recipe into a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.

Pairings That Enhance Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Experience

• Elevate Sweet Flavor Companions: Pair these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with tropical pineapple sorbet for a complementary island-inspired dessert experience.
• Craft Beverage Match: Brew a rich cold brew coffee or spiced chai latte that beautifully balances the rolls' warm cinnamon notes and creamy texture.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the crispy, caramelized roll exterior.
• Boost Brunch Delight: Add a side of fresh passion fruit or mango salsa to introduce bright, tangy flavors that cut through the rolls' richness.

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls blend tropical sweetness with classic comfort, bringing island-inspired warmth to your breakfast table. Pillowy dough infused with pineapple and coconut creates a mouthwatering treat you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread:

• 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (160 ml) half and half
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Prepare a luxurious cinnamon-butter mixture by blending melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar into a smooth, rich paste.
2. Create a separate coating mixture combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, setting it aside for later use.
3. Carefully slice Kings Hawaiian Rolls horizontally, creating a delicate sandwich-like structure.
4. Generously spread softened cream cheese across both the top and bottom halves of each roll.
5. Distribute the prepared cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
6. Reassemble the rolls by gently placing the tops back onto their respective bottoms.
7. Refrigerate the assembled rolls for approximately 20 minutes to firm up the filling.
8. Whisk together half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
9. Remove rolls from refrigerator and delicately submerge each one in the custard mixture for 15-30 seconds, ensuring complete saturation without compromising structural integrity.
10. Preheat a large saute pan over medium-low heat, adding a cube of butter to create a non-stick cooking surface.
11. Carefully place custard-soaked rolls into the pan, frying in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
12. Between batches, wipe the pan clean to prevent burning and maintain consistent cooking quality.
13. Immediately transfer the hot, freshly fried rolls into the prepared cinnamon-sugar coating.
14. Thoroughly coat each roll, ensuring complete coverage of the sugary mixture.
15. Serve the warm, decadent rolls immediately, savoring their crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.

Notes

• Prevent rolls from falling apart by gently soaking them in the custard mixture, ensuring they absorb the liquid without disintegrating.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and smoother texture across the rolls.
• Maintain consistent medium-low heat while frying to achieve even golden-brown coloration without burning the exterior.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by substituting Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread or rolls for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg