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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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