Imagine biting into a warm, soft cinnamon roll that’s filled with a tropical twist—sweet pineapple, coconut, and a hint of vanilla. These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls bring the flavors of the islands right to your kitchen. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, an indulgent breakfast, or even a sweet afternoon snack. With a soft, pillowy dough and a rich, gooey cinnamon filling, these rolls are guaranteed to become your new favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls; – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; – 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; – 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; – 3/4 cup powdered sugar; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1-2 tablespoons milk

These rolls are a fun, tropical take on the classic cinnamon roll. Here’s why they’re totally worth baking:

Tropical Flavor: Pineapple and coconut give these rolls a refreshing twist that makes them stand out.
Soft & Fluffy: The dough is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the filling is perfectly spiced.
Deliciously Sweet: The cream cheese icing adds a rich sweetness that balances out the flavors perfectly.
Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends—they’re bound to disappear fast!
Easy to Make: You won’t need any special skills to create these delicious rolls—they come together with ease.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls combine classic cinnamon roll ingredients with a tropical twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that gives it structure.
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise perfectly for that soft, fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Eggs: Give the dough its soft, rich texture.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the filling, providing the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Brown Sugar: For a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
Pineapple (dried or crushed): A tropical addition that gives these rolls their Hawaiian flair.
Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a little extra sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough and filling.
Cream Cheese: Used in the frosting for a rich, creamy finish.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect smooth texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these rolls is easier than you might think! Here’s how you can enjoy these tropical treats in no time:

Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and mix until smooth. Gradually add flour, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Set it aside.

Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Then, scatter the dried pineapple and shredded coconut on top. Roll up the dough tightly and slice it into 12 rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully during this time.

Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and a little milk until smooth and creamy.

Finish & Serve: Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 220
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:

Serve them with a fresh tropical fruit salad on the side for a light and refreshing balance.
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice for the ultimate breakfast treat.
They’re also great as a dessert after a savory meal like grilled chicken or barbecue.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help make these rolls even better:

Don’t skip the rising time—letting the dough rise properly is key to getting soft, fluffy rolls.
Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls neatly without squishing them.
If you don’t have dried pineapple, you can use crushed canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy rolls.
For a fun twist, you can add macadamia nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh pineapple in this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well before using it to prevent the dough from getting soggy.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before, let it rise, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, roll, cut, and bake as usual.

3. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.

4. How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

5. How do I get my rolls extra fluffy?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your dough has plenty of time to rise. Don’t rush the process!

6. Can I make these rolls without the frosting?
Yes! They’re delicious on their own, but the frosting adds a creamy sweetness that complements the rolls beautifully.

7. Can I add nuts to these rolls?
Yes! Macadamia nuts or toasted pecans would be a great addition for some extra crunch.

8. Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough—just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough-making.

9. How can I make the rolls less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or omit the frosting.

10. Can I add coconut extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, coconut extract would enhance the tropical flavor even more—go ahead and use it in place of the vanilla.

CONCLUSION

These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a fun, tropical twist on the classic cinnamon roll, packed with sweet pineapple, coconut, and a delicious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rolls will surely bring a bit of sunshine to your day. Enjoy the warm, fluffy goodness and let the flavors transport you to the islands!

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, utilizing the soft and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls as a base. This quick and easy recipe combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, topped with a sweet glaze, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

– 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

– 3/4 cup powdered sugar

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1-2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as one piece. Place the bottom half in the greased baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

4. Spread half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Place the top half of the rolls over the cinnamon-sugar layer.

5. Spread the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the rolls.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

7. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

8. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.