If you’ve been looking for an irresistible, speedy way to enjoy everyone’s favorite gooey treat, Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. They combine that pillowy soft sweetness of classic Hawaiian rolls with swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar and a generous slathering of tangy cream cheese glaze. Even better? These come together in minutes—no kneading, no dough rising, no fuss—so you can say yes to cinnamon rolls for breakfast, brunch, or a last-minute dessert any day. If you’ve got a pack of rolls and a few pantry staples, you’re all set to enjoy the magic of Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls!

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls works together to craft layers of flavor and create their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gather these simple staples, and you’ll see how each one makes an impact on the final result.

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The foundation—light, fluffy, and sweet, these rolls guarantee perfectly soft cinnamon rolls in record time.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and depth, making the cinnamon filling extra decadent and ensuring the topping is golden and flavorful.
Packed Light Brown Sugar: Brings out notes of caramel in the filling, giving that classic cinnamon roll stickiness we all crave.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! It infuses every layer with warm, cozy flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla in both the filling and glaze awakens all the sweet flavors and brightens the aroma.
Powdered Sugar: This is what creates a cloud-like smooth glaze—don’t skip the sift for an especially silky finish.
Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the glaze, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
Heavy Cream: It makes the glaze extra luscious and pourable—just the right consistency for drizzling everywhere.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you begin, crank up your oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×13″ baking dish or a baking sheet with foil and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. This helps the cinnamon rolls bake evenly and ensures you can lift them out easily (plus, you’ll thank yourself later during cleanup!).

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Take the Hawaiian sweet rolls out of the package, keeping them together as one big slab, and use a serrated knife to slice them horizontally into two layers, as if making a giant sandwich. Aim to cut closer to the top third—the extra-thick bottom layer will soak up all that cinnamon-butter without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the softened salted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract until you have a super smooth, spreadable mixture. This is the flavor powerhouse for your Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls!

Step 4: Fill and Assemble

Gently place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, into your prepared pan. Spread about three-quarters of the cinnamon butter evenly all the way to the edges, then place the top slab of rolls back on. Smooth the remaining cinnamon butter over the tops of the rolls—more flavor, more fun.

Step 5: Bake Until Buttery and Golden

Loosely cover the pan with foil to help the rolls steam and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for another 5 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden and you see the filling bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen should smell positively dreamy at this point.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are finishing in the oven, mix up your glaze. Beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, salted butter, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once your Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven, spread or drizzle this luxurious glaze over the warm rolls so it seeps into every crevice. Serve immediately while gooey and fresh!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Heighten the wow factor with a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling playful. A fresh grating of orange zest adds a pop of color and a citrusy aroma that’s surprisingly delightful with these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness by pairing your rolls with fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a big bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries. They also work beautifully alongside a piping hot mug of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, bringing out the buttery, cinnamon-swirled comfort in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls on a cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, stack them high in a basket lined with a pretty napkin, or cut them into mini squares for bite-sized treats at a party. If you like things extra gooey, let a bit more glaze pool onto the serving platter for swoon-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors meld together beautifully as they sit, and a gentle reheat brings back that bakery-fresh taste and texture.

Freezing

Planning ahead? You can freeze the baked, unglazed rolls tightly wrapped for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and rewarm in the oven, then finish with fresh cream cheese glaze for the perfect just-baked experience every time.

Reheating

For a quick solo treat, pop an individual Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Roll in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place the whole pan (covered with foil) in a 300ºF oven for about 10 minutes. Warm glaze is always a good idea, so don’t hesitate to add an extra drizzle before serving!

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and filling, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake them fresh in the morning and make the glaze while they’re in the oven for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.

What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

While the signature sweetness and soft texture of Hawaiian rolls make these unique, you can substitute plain sweet dinner rolls or soft brioche slider buns in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the glaze?

If you prefer a more classic icing, you can simply blend powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk or cream. The tanginess from the cream cheese really balances the sweetness, but it’s flexible to your tastes!

Can these be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based butter and non-dairy cream cheese, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a thick oat milk for a totally dairy-free version of Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

Slicing the rolls so that you have a thicker bottom layer and using the recommended amount of cinnamon butter helps prevent sogginess. Also, baking uncovered at the end lets any excess moisture evaporate while caramelizing the tops.

Final Thoughts

If you crave fuss-free baking and showstopping flavor, Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls deliver big on both fronts. Whether you need a quick brunch treat, an impressive dessert for guests, or just a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe will win you over with its crazy-good taste and ease. Give them a try, and get ready to make new cinnamon roll memories—these won’t last long!