King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, then you’re in for a real delight with this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine the soft, pillowy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls transformed into a gooey, cinnamon-spiced masterpiece, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. This recipe elevates those beloved rolls into an irresistible breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on a cozy morning. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles, fills kitchens with amazing aromas, and has everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are a beautiful balance of pantry staples and a few special touches, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the tender sweet rolls that provide the rich base, to the cinnamon and brown sugar combo that creates that classic swirl of flavor, every item has its purpose in making these rolls simply unforgettable.

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack, 12 count): The foundation, naturally sweet and incredibly soft for that tender dough.
• Warm milk (1/4 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast perfectly to get the dough rising beautifully.
• Sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
• Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffiness and rise.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon for glaze): Brings warm fragrance and depth to the flavor.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while enriching the dough’s texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): For the decadent cinnamon filling that melts all over the rolls.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Gives the filling that deep caramel sweetness and moist texture.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that flavors every bite with warmth.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the creamy glaze that crowns the rolls perfectly.
• Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Makes the glaze smooth and pourable.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to just the right temperature, warm enough to awaken the yeast but not too hot to kill it. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top, and watch as it bubbles to life within 5 minutes—this is your first hint that these rolls are going to be incredible.

Step 2: Soak the Sweet Rolls

Tear those fluffy King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into pieces and soak them with the activated yeast mixture. This step is so clever because it infuses the already sweet bread with the yeast’s magic, creating a wonderfully soft and rich dough base.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to your soaked bread mixture. Stirring these together forms a luscious dough that’s packed with flavor and substance, setting the stage for an irresistible texture.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and get ready for a little arm workout! Kneading for about 5-7 minutes turns the mixture into a smooth, elastic dough—this is the secret to those wonderfully tender rolls that pull apart with ease.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Pop the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and place in a warm spot. Waiting about an hour while it doubles in size builds up that lightness and volume we all crave in cinnamon rolls.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the luscious filling. This blend is delightfully spreadable and packed with classic cinnamon roll flavor that will swirl throughout the rolls perfectly.

Step 7: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Punch down your risen dough and roll it onto a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling, leaving a little border around the edges—this step ensures that every bite has that rich cinnamon sweetness.

Step 8: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough up from the long edge into a tight log. Then slice this log into 12 even rolls. This shaping step creates those classic swirls filled with cinnamon goodness that make this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe so special.

Step 9: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Let them rise again, allowing them to puff up beautifully before baking at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. When golden on top, you know they’ve reached perfection.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls after they’re out of the oven to add that final indulgent touch that melts into every swirl.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To make your presentation irresistible, consider a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder atop the glaze. Fresh berries or a little extra vanilla bean paste swirled into the glaze can add a delightful twist, bringing color and fresh bursts of flavor to the classic cinnamon roll experience.

Side Dishes

These rolls are decadently rich on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or warm chai tea makes the perfect breakfast duo. For an extra special brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad – the contrast of flavors will brighten up the table and amplify the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Try these rolls pulled apart in a large serving bowl for a casual, shareable experience. Or, serve individual rolls in cozy ramekins, drizzled generously with glaze and sprinkled with nuts for a pretty, individual portion that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cinnamon rolls tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon snacks.

Freezing

This King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and glazing, allow the rolls to cool completely, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can always have a sweet treat on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a roll for 20-30 seconds until warm and gooey, or pop in a preheated oven at 300°F wrapped loosely in foil for 10-15 minutes. Reheating brings back that just-baked charm every time!

FAQs

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

While you could substitute with other soft bread, using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls adds a unique sweetness and softness that really elevates this recipe. The rolls’ signature texture is part of what makes this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe so special.

Do I need to use active dry yeast, or can I use instant yeast?

Active dry yeast works perfectly for this recipe because it needs to be activated in warm milk. If you use instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour, but adjust rising times as it acts faster.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. The slow rise will deepen flavors, and you can simply continue shaping, filling, and baking the next day for fresh morning rolls.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the glaze?

You can absolutely use milk in place of heavy cream. It will still make a smooth glaze, just slightly thinner. Adding a little less liquid helps keep the glaze nice and thick.

How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

The key is to store leftovers in airtight containers and always cover the dough while it rises. Also, make sure not to overbake the rolls—pull them out as soon as they’re golden to keep them soft and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that turns simple ingredients into pure joy. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and indulgent glaze that creates a moment worth savoring. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—you’ll keep coming back to it just like I do!

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