Sweet Tropical Paradise: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Crafting these delectable hawaiian cinnamon rolls brings a tropical twist to your breakfast table.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Soft dough infused with pineapple and warm spices creates an unexpected flavor journey.

Fluffy layers melt in your mouth, transporting you to island paradise.

Delicate swirls promise indulgence without overwhelming complexity.

Each bite connects tradition with innovative culinary creativity.

Bake these rolls and watch smiles bloom around your dining space.

Reasons to Enjoy Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Crack Open Flavor Fusion: Combines classic cinnamon roll taste with Hawaiian roll convenience, creating a unique dessert experience that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Master Gourmet Technique: Transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality treat through strategic layering, custard dipping, and pan-frying methods that elevate home cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Star: Perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations where people crave something beyond ordinary sweet treats, guaranteeing impressed guests and empty platters.
• Customize with Ease: Allows flexible variations like adding nuts, different spices, or cream cheese flavors, making it adaptable to personal preferences and kitchen creativity.

Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that provide the perfect foundation for this decadent dessert.

• Butter, Melted: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cinnamon mixture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor to both filling and coating.

• Cream Cheese, Softened: Adds creamy texture and helps hold the rolls together.
• Half and Half, Eggs: Form a rich custard that adds moisture and depth to the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, complex notes.

• Butter, Cube: Helps pan-fry the rolls and prevents sticking.
• Paper Towel: Used to clean the pan between batches and prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Create Luscious Cinnamon Mixture

Whip up a delectable cinnamon blend by combining melted butter with ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture becomes a rich, smooth paste that will make your taste buds dance.

Set this heavenly concoction aside for later magic.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Base

Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally with a gentle touch.

Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on both halves, creating a creamy foundation. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon mixture over the cream cheese, then reunite the roll halves.

Step 3: Chill and Firm

Place the assembled rolls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This cooling period helps the flavors meld and makes the rolls easier to handle during the next steps.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Custard Bath

• Half and half
• Fresh eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Blend these ingredients until smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Soak and Saturate

Carefully dip each chilled roll into the custard mixture.

Allow each roll to bathe for 15-30 seconds, ensuring complete coverage without becoming waterlogged.

Step 6: Golden Frying Technique

Heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat.

Drop a cube of butter to create a non-stick surface. Fry the custard-soaked rolls in small batches, rotating to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color on multiple sides.

This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 7: Clean Pan Between Batches

Quickly wipe the pan with a paper towel between batches to prevent burnt sugar and maintain a clean cooking surface.

Step 8: Final Sugary Embrace

While the rolls are still warm, roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Ensure each roll is completely coated in this sweet, fragrant mixture.

Step 9: Serve and Delight

Plate the warm, crispy, sugar-coated rolls immediately. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite of these extraordinary Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls!

Insider Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Briefly dip rolls in custard mixture to avoid oversaturation, which can make them fall apart during cooking.
• Use medium-low heat and wipe pan between batches to prevent burnt sugar and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Spread softened cream cheese evenly to create a smooth, rich base that complements the cinnamon filling.
• Refrigerate assembled rolls for 20 minutes to help them hold together during the custard dip and pan-frying process.
• Enjoy rolls right after coating with cinnamon-sugar for the best texture and warmest flavor experience.

Creative Twists on Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Tropical Paradise Rolls: Replace half and half with coconut milk, add shredded coconut to the filling, and sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor explosion.
• Pineapple Fusion Rolls: Mix crushed pineapple into the cream cheese spread, incorporate pineapple chunks into the cinnamon filling, and garnish with caramelized pineapple pieces.
• Mango Sunrise Rolls: Blend mango puree into the custard mixture, spread mango jam between roll layers, and dust with a light mango-cinnamon sugar coating.
• Coconut Cream Dream: Infuse coconut extract into the custard, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and roll in toasted coconut flakes after cooking.

Best Pairings with Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair with Tropical Fruit Smoothie: Blend fresh pineapple, mango, and coconut milk for a refreshing drink that complements the cinnamon rolls' warm, sweet flavors.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: Brew an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and caramel drizzle to enhance the rich, buttery notes of the Hawaiian rolls.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm rolls for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Complement with Hawaiian Roasted Macadamia Nut Coffee: Brew a light roast coffee with subtle macadamia undertones to echo the Hawaiian-inspired theme of the dish.

Proper Storage Tips for Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain best texture and flavor.

Warm rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed to prevent dryness.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap rolls in foil to retain moisture. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain soft and tender.

FAQs

• What makes these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls different from traditional cinnamon rolls?

These rolls use pre-made Hawaiian rolls as a base, which gives them a sweeter, softer texture and makes the recipe much quicker to prepare compared to traditional from-scratch cinnamon rolls.

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

No special equipment is needed. You only require a large saute pan, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen utensils like a whisk and spatula.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

While best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the rolls up to the chilling stage in advance and complete the cooking and coating just before serving to maintain their crispy exterior and soft interior.

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian cinnamon rolls blend tropical warmth with classic comfort, offering a delightful twist on traditional bakery favorites. Buttery, fragrant layers promise a mouthwatering experience that transports you to island paradise with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base:

• 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls

Main Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup (66 grams) brown sugar

Custard and Topping:

• 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) half and half
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, cubed
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious cinnamon mixture by blending melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar into a rich, velvety paste. Create a separate coating blend of granulated sugar and additional cinnamon.
2. Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, revealing soft inner layers. Generously spread softened cream cheese across both halves, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Lavishly drizzle the prepared cinnamon filling over cream cheese-coated surfaces. Reunite roll halves, pressing gently to secure the filling. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and structure to firm.
4. Whisk together half and half, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and uniform. Create a custard bath with elegant, even consistency.
5. Remove chilled rolls from refrigerator. Delicately immerse each roll into custard mixture, ensuring thorough but gentle coating. Allow 15-30 seconds of submersion without oversaturating.
6. Heat large saute pan over medium-low temperature. Add butter cube to create a smooth cooking surface. Carefully pan-fry rolls in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior on multiple sides.
7. Cook each batch approximately 4-5 minutes, maintaining consistent heat. Clean pan between batches using paper towel to prevent sugar caramelization and burnt residue.
8. Transfer warm rolls directly into reserved cinnamon-sugar coating. Gently tumble to ensure complete, even coverage. Serve immediately while temperature remains perfect for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the rolls by using different flavored cream cheese like strawberry or blueberry for a unique twist.
• Prevent rolls from becoming soggy by not over-soaking in the custard mixture, quickly dipping for maximum flavor absorption.
• Maintain consistent heat while pan-frying to achieve an even golden-brown exterior without burning the sugary coating.
• Experiment with gluten-free Hawaiian rolls or alternative bread options to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 187 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg