Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls – Soft Sweet Pull-Apart Rolls

ByBella Skye
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Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic sweet roll, combining the soft, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls with the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon. What makes this dish special is its perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness the rolls are airy yet rich, while the cinnamon filling adds a comforting aroma and depth of flavor. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that rely on yeast dough, using Hawaiian rolls creates a softer, pull-apart texture that melts in your mouth.

More Hearty Desserts

People love Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls because they are versatile and approachable. They can be served for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or as a dessert during holidays or special occasions. Their small, perfectly portioned size makes them easy to enjoy without the fuss of cutting large rolls, and their rich, buttery flavor paired with cinnamon sugar makes them irresistible to kids and adults alike.

Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning, a Christmas Day gathering, or a quick sweet treat after dinner, these cinnamon rolls elevate Hawaiian rolls from a simple dinner bread to a luxurious indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls recipe is designed for home cooks who want a bakery-quality result without complicated steps. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Soft and Fluffy Texture The use of Hawaiian rolls ensures each cinnamon roll is tender, airy, and pulls apart easily.
  • Sweet and Buttery Flavor A combination of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar enhances the rolls’ natural sweetness for an indulgent experience.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation This recipe minimizes kneading and rises, making it suitable for busy mornings or quick weekend desserts.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion Perfect for Christmas Day snack ideas, brunches, or even as part of a breakfast casserole Hawaiian rolls dish.
  • Customizable The rolls can be topped with icing, cream cheese frosting, or drizzled with chocolate, making it an adaptable recipe for different tastes.
  • Family-Friendly Their size and flavor make them ideal for children’s breakfasts, holiday spreads, or easy sweet rolls recipe options for gatherings.
  • Chef-Level Finish Simple techniques like warming the butter and evenly spreading the cinnamon sugar filling ensure professional-quality results every time.
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12–15 rolls

This timing ensures the rolls remain soft and warm, perfect for serving immediately or preparing ahead for a festive table.

Ingredients

For the Rolls

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, split horizontally
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Icing (Optional)

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitution Notes:

  • Hawaiian rolls can be replaced with any soft sweet rolls for similar results.
  • Brown sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar or white sugar, though flavor may vary slightly.
  • Butter can be replaced with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free options.
  • Powdered sugar icing can be omitted or replaced with cream cheese frosting for richer flavor.
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 1: Prepping the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms separate. Place the bottoms in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer for your cinnamon rolls. This ensures that the rolls stay soft while allowing the cinnamon sugar to seep into the bread.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 2: Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir until well combined to form a thick, spreadable paste. The butter helps the sugar and cinnamon coat the rolls evenly and infuse them with rich flavor. Add vanilla extract if desired for a subtle aromatic note.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 3: Assembling the Rolls

Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Make sure every corner is coated to maximize flavor. Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling, pressing gently so they stay together but still allow some pull-apart texture.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 4: Baking the Cinnamon Rolls

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the rolls are warm and the cinnamon sugar has melted into a caramel-like layer. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to slightly crisp the tops if desired.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 5: Preparing the Icing (Optional)

While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed. This icing adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness, enhancing the rolls’ visual appeal and flavor.

Cinnamon rolls vector

Step 6: Finishing and Serving

Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls immediately after removing from the oven. Use a spoon or piping bag for even coverage. Allow the rolls to sit for 2–3 minutes so the icing can set slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

  • Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Pair with a breakfast casserole Hawaiian rolls or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
  • Dessert: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for a decadent dessert.
  • Holiday Spread: Perfect for Christmas Day snack ideas or family gatherings, adding color and flavor to your table.
  • Snack: Serve individually as quick sweet rolls recipe options for afternoon treats.
  • Plating: Use a shallow dish or tray for pull-apart rolls, garnish with extra cinnamon, or sprinkle with toasted nuts for texture.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Hawaiian Rolls Fresh rolls make the final texture soft and fluffy. Avoid stale bread for best results.
  • Even Cinnamon Sugar Layer Spread filling uniformly to ensure each roll has the perfect flavor balance.
  • Warm Butter Melting butter before mixing helps the sugar and cinnamon blend better and seep into the rolls.
  • Foil Tent Covering the rolls with foil prevents the tops from drying while baking.
  • Serve Warm Cinnamon rolls taste best fresh from the oven, though they can be reheated for later enjoyment.
  • Optional Toppings Cream cheese frosting or a light glaze enhances sweetness and visual appeal.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar layer for a chocolaty twist.
  • Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls: Spread a thin layer of crushed pineapple under the cinnamon sugar for a tropical Hawaiian flavor.
  • Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts over the filling before placing tops.
  • Maple Glaze Option: Substitute vanilla icing with maple glaze for a warm, autumnal flavor.
  • Mini Pull-Apart Rolls: Use slider-sized Hawaiian rolls for bite-sized cinnamon rolls, ideal for brunch or parties.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Assemble rolls without icing and freeze in a covered dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave individually for 15–20 seconds. Add icing after reheating.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Make extra rolls for holidays or weekend desserts. They reheat well and taste freshly baked each time.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Final Words

Hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls are the kind of bake that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm and welcoming. The moment they go into the oven, the smell of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar fills the air and pulls everyone a little closer to the table. What makes these rolls special is how effortless they are. You get the soft, fluffy texture of classic cinnamon rolls without the long dough process, thanks to sweet, pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls. It is a smart shortcut that still delivers bakery level flavor and that is exactly the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket.

I always tell people that the best recipes are the ones you actually want to make again. These hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls check every box. They are quick enough for a lazy weekend morning, cozy enough for holiday brunch, and special enough to serve as part of your Christmas Day snack ideas or breakfast sweets spread. You can bake them for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quiet night when you just want something warm and homemade. The tops turn golden and lightly crisp, while the centers stay soft and buttery, soaking up all that cinnamon sugar. Every bite tastes rich, sweet, and comforting without feeling heavy.

Another reason this recipe earns a permanent place in your rotation is how flexible it is. You can dress the rolls up with cream cheese glaze, nuts, or fruit, or keep them simple and classic. They work beautifully alongside eggs and coffee for breakfast, or as an easy weekend dessert after dinner. You can even prep them ahead, pop them in the oven when guests arrive, and look like you spent hours baking from scratch. That kind of reliability is priceless in a home kitchen, especially when life gets busy.

At the end of the day, baking should feel joyful, not complicated. These hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls prove that great food does not require advanced skills or fancy techniques. With a few everyday ingredients and a simple method, you create something warm, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. Keep this recipe close, make it your own, and do not be surprised if it becomes the one everyone requests again and again. Once you serve these fresh and gooey rolls, they will not just be a treat. They will become a tradition.

FAQ’s

Yes, assemble rolls ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for best freshness.

Serve with coffee, tea, fresh fruit, breakfast casserole Hawaiian rolls, or a light salad for a balanced brunch.

Yes, soft sweet rolls work, but Hawaiian rolls provide the signature sweetness and fluffiness.

Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk in icing. Ensure rolls are vegan-friendly.

They remain soft and fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, longer if refrigerated.

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls - Soft Sweet Pull-Apart Rolls
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Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls – Soft Sweet Pull-Apart Rolls

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Desserts
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

210

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Rolls

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, split horizontally

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

  • For the Icing (Optional)

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms separate. Place the bottoms in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer for your cinnamon rolls. This ensures that the rolls stay soft while allowing the cinnamon sugar to seep into the bread.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir until well combined to form a thick, spreadable paste. The butter helps the sugar and cinnamon coat the rolls evenly and infuse them with rich flavor. Add vanilla extract if desired for a subtle aromatic note.
  • Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Make sure every corner is coated to maximize flavor. Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling, pressing gently so they stay together but still allow some pull-apart texture.
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the rolls are warm and the cinnamon sugar has melted into a caramel-like layer. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to slightly crisp the tops if desired.
  • While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed. This icing adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness, enhancing the rolls’ visual appeal and flavor.
  • Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls immediately after removing from the oven. Use a spoon or piping bag for even coverage. Allow the rolls to sit for 2–3 minutes so the icing can set slightly before serving.

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