King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for irresistible, tender treats with a hint of tropical sweetness, then you are in for a real delight with the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This recipe takes the beloved King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and transforms them into pillowy, cinnamon-spiced swirls topped with a luscious glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and cinnamony flavors wrapped up in a warm, comforting package that’s guaranteed to brighten any morning or cozy up any afternoon. Trust me, once you try this, there’s no turning back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the soft texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color of these cinnamon rolls. From the special King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls to the warm spices and creamy glaze, every component brings its own magic.

• 1 pack (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The base of this recipe, their sweet, fluffy texture sets these cinnamon rolls apart.
• 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the dough soft.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: Ensures the dough rises perfectly fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle aromatic depth to the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that luscious cinnamon filling.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives the filling a deep molasses sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice of the filling for warm, cozy flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Key to the silky glaze topping.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk): Creates a smooth, pourable glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that extra layer of sweetness to the glaze.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk to the perfect temperature of about 110°F — this warmth wakes up your yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the milk, give it a quick stir, and let the mixture bubble to life. In just minutes, you’ll see it froth with activity, meaning it’s ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 2: Soak the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Tear the sweet rolls into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the bubbly yeast mixture over the bread and let it soak for about 5 minutes. This step allows the bread to soak up the liquid, softening it perfectly to create that incredibly tender dough.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the soaked bread mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly so every piece of the bread is coated and ready for kneading. This combination is what infuses the dough with flavor and richness.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5 to 7 minutes. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough that’s soft but not sticky. Don’t rush this step, as good kneading develops the gluten for those tender yet structured rolls. Add flour carefully, a tablespoon at a time, if it feels too wet.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Leave it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until it exactly doubles in size. This is where patience pays off — that rise brings airiness to the cinnamon rolls you’ll soon bake.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the filling is smooth and spreadable. This sweet and spicy mixture is the heart of your cinnamon rolls, so make sure it’s evenly blended for consistent flavor.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. This gives you the perfect canvas for spreading that rich cinnamon filling in the next step.

Step 8: Spread the Cinnamon Filling

Evenly spread your cinnamon sugar butter mixture all over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges clear. This ensures the filling stays put when you roll it up and bakes into those glorious cinnamon swirls.

Step 9: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Then slice it into 12 even rolls. These slices will puff and expand during baking to give you perfectly sized cinnamon rolls that fit snugly in your pan.

Step 10: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking dish, then arrange your rolls close together inside. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 minutes until they’re puffed and ready to bake.

Step 11: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Bake your rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. The heavenly scent filling your kitchen is the first sign that your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is almost ready to enjoy.

Step 12: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze adds the perfect finishing touch — sweet, creamy, and just a little decadent.

Step 13: Glaze and Serve

Let the cinnamon rolls cool for five minutes before drizzling the glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly, soaking into each swirl, creating that irresistible gooey top we all love.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

These cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but for a little extra wow, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze. Freshly sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely finishing touch that ties sweetness and crunch together.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a creamy cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or brunch spread. For a savory balance, pair them with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to make your morning meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends at a brunch? Arrange your cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves scattered around. You could also bake them in colorful individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh — perfect for enjoying later without losing that tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for longer, wrap each cinnamon roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Adding a tiny pat of butter before reheating can help restore their moist, dreamy texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

While King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls provide unique sweetness and texture, you can substitute with other soft dinner rolls, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. The Hawaiian rolls give this recipe its signature tender crumb and subtle sweetness.

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The dough needs about 1 hour for the first rise, until it has doubled in size, and another 30 minutes after shaping the rolls. Rising times depend on your kitchen’s warmth; a cozy spot speeds up the process.

Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?

Brown sugar is best for the filling due to its moisture and caramel notes, but you could try white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar effect. Keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this dough relies heavily on gluten for its soft, elastic texture. To make a gluten-free version, you’d need a specialized gluten-free blend and binding agents, which would require a different recipe altogether.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise fully before rolling and baking the next day. This can make your morning bake easier and more convenient.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a warm cinnamon roll that’s bursting with sweet spices and the rich, tropical charm of King’s Hawaiian rolls. The King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves soft, indulgent treats with a unique twist. Whether you’re sharing these with family, friends, or savoring one quietly by yourself, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch of cinnamon rolls that will quickly become a treasured favorite.

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