Imagine sinking your fork into layers of pillowy, buttery sweetness, with every bite infused with gooey cinnamon and a dreamy sugar glaze. That’s the wonder of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls—a recipe that transforms irresistible King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking. These rolls are all about rich flavor and simple preparation, promising the perfect blend of soft textures and caramelized cinnamon goodness, finished off with a luscious, creamy icing. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your baking repertoire!

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls comes from just a few key ingredients—each one adding something special to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters. Together, these basics create a symphony of fluffy, sweet, and spiced flavors with almost no fuss.

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These iconic, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect fluffy canvas to soak up every bit of buttery cinnamon filling.
Brown sugar: Lends caramel notes and a touch of moisture to the cinnamon filling, creating those iconic sticky swirls we all crave.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice! Brings warmth and that comforting aroma every cinnamon roll needs.
Unsalted butter, softened: Helps bind the filling to the rolls and adds rich, creamy flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Icing sugar (powdered sugar): Whips up into a dreamy, drizzle-ready glaze that ties everything together in a sweet, silky finish.
Milk or cream: Just a splash to loosen the glaze, turning the powdered sugar into pourable deliciousness—creamier if you use cream!

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This ensures the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, you’ll get those delicious caramelized edges everyone loves!

Step 2: Mix Up the Cinnamon-Sugar Magic

In a small bowl, combine your brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This duo is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe—make sure you mix them well so every bite is a perfect blend of warm spice and deep, molasses-y sweetness. Set this aside for just a moment.

Step 3: Slice and Butter the Rolls

Grab the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and cut each roll in half horizontally so you have a top and bottom layer. Now, generously spread softened butter over the cut sides. Don’t skimp—this butter creates that decadent, melty layer inside and helps all the cinnamon-sugar goodness stick.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Press

Take your prepared cinnamon-sugar blend and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered surfaces. Press gently, so all that spicy-sweet flavor adheres to the butter. If some falls off, scoop it up—don’t waste a speck!

Step 5: Reassemble and Bake

Carefully sandwich the tops and bottoms of the rolls back together and arrange them upright in your greased baking dish. Pop them in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Mix and Drizzle the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together icing sugar and your choice of milk or cream until smooth and thick but pourable. Once the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are hot out of the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade into the cracks and crevices. Serve warm for best results!

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, dust your finished rolls with a little more powdered sugar or scatter over a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. If you’re feeling fancy, a touch of orange zest or a few fresh berries make a delightful visual (and flavor) upgrade.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are a showstopper on their own, but you can turn them into a memorable brunch with some balance from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a crispy side of bacon. A big pot of coffee or a pitcher of orange juice completes the spread in style!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls on a pretty cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or serve them in individual ramekins for an elevated touch. For a playful twist, slice the finished rolls into bite-sized pieces and offer them with mini skewers as a party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the cooled rolls tightly and store them at room temperature for up to two days. Their sweetness and softness hold up beautifully, but a quick warm-up will restore that fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

You can freeze King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls before or after adding the glaze. Just wrap them well in plastic and foil, then pop them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming and glazing for a just-baked experience any time!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds or warm a whole batch, covered, in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If you froze yours, be sure to let them thaw fully first. A quick reheat brings back all that gooey, melty perfection.

FAQs

Can I make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

What type of milk or cream should I use for the glaze?

Both work beautifully! Milk gives a lighter, classic glaze while cream adds extra richness and thickness. Use what you have on hand, or mix things up for your preferred drizzle consistency.

How do I keep my King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls from drying out?

Be sure to cover the rolls well with foil or an airtight lid while storing. Enjoying them within a couple days of baking helps too! If they’re a tad dry, a short microwave zap with a damp paper towel can work wonders.

Can I add raisins or nuts?

Definitely! Sprinkle a handful of raisins, chopped pecans, or walnuts onto the buttered, cinnamon-sugar rolls before baking. They add wonderful texture and flavor to the classic recipe.

Is it possible to make these vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) for the glaze. Just check that your rolls are vegan-friendly too, as some Hawaiian rolls may contain dairy or eggs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the softest, most irresistible cinnamon rolls with minimal fuss, I can’t recommend these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls enough. Whether for a special occasion or just a little midweek pick-me-up, they’re bound to bring huge smiles to your table. Give them a try—and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite treat!

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with this easy-to-follow recipe. These soft and gooey cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Prepare the Rolls: Cut each sweet roll in half horizontally and spread softened butter on the cut sides.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surfaces, pressing slightly to adhere.
Bake the Rolls: Stack the rolls back together, place them upright in the baking dish, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Drizzle with Icing: Drizzle with icing sugar mixed with milk or cream before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American