Easy Hawaiian Sweet Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Hawaiian Sweet Roll Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate shortcut to gooey, bakery-style cinnamon rolls at home. Using sweet Hawaiian rolls, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a silky glaze, this easy recipe delivers soft, flavorful results : no rising or yeast needed.

If you thought cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better, think again. These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and gooey:with a subtle sweetness from the rolls that makes them extra tender and flavorful. Each bite is swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with creamy vanilla glaze.

And the best part? They come together quickly using store-bought King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, making them perfect for a last-minute brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or even dessert.

Whether you’re hosting holiday guests, making a surprise breakfast-in-bed, or just craving something indulgent and homey, this easy recipe hits all the sweet spots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and elevate them with a unique, buttery sweetness that only King’s Hawaiian rolls can deliver. They’re cozy, comforting, and filled with irresistible flavor:but also easy enough to make on a lazy weekend morning.

Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite treat:

✔️ Unbelievably Soft & Fluffy
King’s Hawaiian rolls are already known for their pillowy texture, and when baked with cinnamon sugar and melted butter, they become even softer:almost melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

✔️ Sweet with a Hint of Tropical Warmth
The subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian bread adds a unique flavor profile that’s slightly different from traditional rolls:making each bite feel indulgent but perfectly balanced.

✔️ No Dough, No Stress
No yeast, no proofing, no fuss. These rolls come together in under 30 minutes with zero dough-making required, so you get all the comfort with none of the wait.

✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve them for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, sleepovers, baby showers:or just because you need something warm and gooey with your coffee.

✔️ Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing
You can add nuts, fruit, cream cheese frosting, or even turn them into sticky buns. No matter how you serve them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

💡 Pro Tip: Bake them in a cast iron skillet for an even cozier, golden-edged finish!

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

• 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Carefully remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package, keeping them connected as one block. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer (like slicing a sandwich roll).

2️⃣ Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.

Place the top half back on and gently press down. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolls into individual pieces and arrange them slightly spaced apart in the prepared baking dish.

3️⃣ Bake

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 6–8 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

4️⃣ Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner consistency if desired.

5️⃣ Glaze & Serve

Drizzle the warm glaze over the cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls is how easily they can be personalized. Whether you want to add a nutty crunch, a fruity twist, or an extra indulgent glaze, these simple variations make it easy to take your rolls to the next level.

🔹 Cream Cheese Frosting

Replace the vanilla glaze with a classic cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy upgrade.
How to make it: Beat together 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

🔹 Sticky Pecan Rolls

Turn these into sticky buns by spreading chopped pecans and a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar in the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolls. Bake, then flip upside down for a gooey, caramel-topped treat.

🔹 Tropical Cinnamon Rolls

Add a tropical twist by sprinkling shredded coconut or diced pineapple into the cinnamon-sugar filling. Pair it with a coconut glaze for full island flavor.

🔹 Apple Pie Style

Dice peeled apples and mix them into the cinnamon filling. The result is a warm, fruity, apple-pie-inspired cinnamon roll that’s perfect for fall.

🔹 Pumpkin Spice Rolls

Swap the cinnamon filling for a mix of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal version your fall-loving heart will adore.

🔹 Mini Rolls for a Crowd

Cut the rolls smaller and place them close together in a mini muffin tin or baking sheet to create bite-sized cinnamon roll sliders:perfect for brunch buffets or party platters.

💡 Pro Tip: Want an extra gooey center? Add a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the rolls before baking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, simply take them out while the oven preheats and bake as directed. They’re perfect for prepping the night before a special brunch or holiday morning.

❓ Do I need to separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls before baking?

Nope! Keep the rolls together in one connected block when slicing them horizontally. After spreading the filling, you’ll cut and separate them into individual rolls for baking. It’s super easy and keeps things soft and cohesive.

❓ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes:but it’s best to freeze them after baking (without glaze). Let the rolls cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the oven and drizzle with freshly made glaze.

❓ What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with granulated sugar + 1 tsp molasses per ½ cup, or just use white sugar in a pinch. Brown sugar adds that classic caramel-like depth, but the recipe is still delicious without it.

❓ Can I make these without a glaze?

Absolutely! These cinnamon rolls are delicious as-is, but the glaze adds a gooey, sweet finish. If you prefer something lighter, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a thin honey glaze.

❓ Can I use homemade dough instead?

Of course! If you prefer making cinnamon rolls completely from scratch, use your favorite yeast dough recipe and follow the same filling and baking method. But for ease and flavor, King’s Hawaiian rolls are hard to beat.

Conclusion: Gooey Cinnamon Roll Bliss Made Easy

These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls prove that you don’t need homemade dough or complicated steps to create a bakery-style treat at home. With their unbelievably soft texture, gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls, and warm vanilla glaze, they deliver everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls:with a tropical, melt-in-your-mouth twist.

Whether you’re making breakfast extra special, treating guests to a cozy brunch, or just enjoying a slow morning with a hot cup of coffee, these rolls will hit the spot every single time. They’re fast, flexible, and practically guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

So go ahead:grab a pack of sweet rolls, mix up that cinnamon butter, and let your oven do the magic. This is one shortcut that tastes like anything but.

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