King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of cinnamon rolls that are impossibly soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor, then the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Made with the famously fluffy King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, this recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness — gooey cinnamon filling wrapped in tender, buttery dough, then crowned with a silky vanilla glaze. It’s the perfect way to start your morning or brighten a weekend brunch, delivering irresistible warmth and sweetness with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple and each plays an important role in building the flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color you want in your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the rich softened butter to the fragrant cinnamon, every element contributes to the magic.

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack, 12 count): The star base, providing soft and fluffy bread with a delicate sweetness perfect for cinnamon rolls.
• Warm milk (1/4 cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for tender dough.
• Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
• Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The rising agent that makes the dough light and airy.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a lovely warm aroma to the dough.
• Large eggs (2): Helps bind the dough and enrich the texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Essential for the cinnamon filling’s creamy texture.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The unmistakable spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze.
• Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Gives the glaze a luscious, pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A final flavor boost in the glaze.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — warm enough to gently wake up the yeast but not hot enough to kill it. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, stirring just until dissolved. Let this sit for five minutes as it becomes bubbly and alive, setting the stage for your dough to rise beautifully.

Step 2: Soften the Sweet Rolls

Tear the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm yeast mixture over the bread pieces so they soak up all the liquid, softening and prepping the base for your dough’s tender texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dough Ingredients

Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the soaked bread. Stir everything until it comes together into a sticky, rich dough that holds the promise of softness and deliciousness.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful — the dough should remain soft and pliable, not stiff or dry.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm and cozy. After about an hour, you’ll see it double in size — proof that the yeast is working its magic.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This filling blends sweet, buttery, and spicy notes that will melt into the rolls as they bake.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough to release the air, then roll it into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. This is the canvas for your irresistible filling.

Step 8: Add the Filling

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a half-inch border all around to prevent overflowing when rolled.

Step 9: Shape the Rolls

Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even rolls — each one a perfect bite of cinnamon bliss.

Step 10: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls closely in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover them lightly, and let rise again for 30 minutes. Once puffed, bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and heavenly.

Step 11: Finish with Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla into a glossy glaze. Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle this sweet topping generously to maximize that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze for extra crunch and flavor. A few fresh berries on the side can also brighten up the plate with a pleasant tang.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit salads, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even savory breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to balance sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board for cozy brunch vibes, or place each roll on a delicate dessert plate paired with a small dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream to elevate the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness and flavor. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option but may require reheating to regain their fresh-baked texture.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled rolls individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat gently before serving to enjoy them almost as fresh as the day they were baked.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. This brings back their soft, buttery delight and perfectly melty glaze.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

While you can experiment with other rolls, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls have a unique sweetness and softness that make this recipe truly special, so sticking with them yields the best results.

Do I have to use active dry yeast?

Active dry yeast works best here because it blooms in warm milk, but instant yeast can be used with slight adjustments — just mix it directly into the dry ingredients and reduce the rising time.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Use the dough hook attachment and mix on low to medium speed until smooth and elastic. This is a great time-saver and helps develop the dough perfectly.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and moisture that complements the cinnamon filling beautifully, but you can skip it or substitute with cream cheese frosting if preferred.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You would need to use a gluten-free bread roll alternative and a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast breads. Keep in mind the texture and rising process may vary.

Final Thoughts

This King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to homemade cinnamon rolls. The convenience of using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls layered with a rich cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious glaze creates a treat that feels both special and effortlessly achievable. I can’t wait for you to try it and fill your kitchen with that irresistible sweet aroma — trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

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