How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Easiest Cream Cheese Recipe
Looking for a king’s hawaiian cinnamon rolls recipe that’s both impressive and effortless? These sweet, gooey treats are ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for those mornings when you want something special without the fuss.
Whenever I need to create a memorable breakfast, I turn to these cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls that never disappoint. Imagine serving these cream cheese filled cinnamon rolls on a holiday morning, with the warm aroma of cinnamon filling your home. These hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing are more than just delicious – they’re versatile enough for any occasion, from casual weekend brunches to festive celebrations.
What makes our king’s hawaiian cream cheese cinnamon rolls recipe so amazing? Each bite delivers 262 calories of pure indulgence – soft, gooey texture throughout and topped with an incredible cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth[-4]. The best part? No heavy prep work required!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our simple step-by-step process, share our favorite variations, and reveal all the tips you need to make these cinnamon rolls absolutely perfect every time.
Why King’s Hawaiian Rolls Work So Well
Why King’s Hawaiian Rolls Work So Well
The secret to these quick-yet-impressive cinnamon rolls begins with the rolls themselves. Unlike traditional recipes that demand hours of preparation, King’s Hawaiian rolls provide an ingenious shortcut while delivering extraordinary results.
Soft texture and sweet flavor
King’s Hawaiian rolls come with a built-in advantage – their uniquely soft, pillowy texture and subtle sweetness create an ideal foundation for cinnamon rolls. This inherent sweetness adds a tropical touch to the classic cinnamon roll experience, essentially serving as a blank canvas ready for delicious toppings.
Furthermore, these rolls maintain their softness remarkably well after baking. While many traditional cinnamon rolls tend to dry out quickly, the texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls stays light and airy. The slightly sweet flavor profile complements both the cinnamon-sugar mixture and cream cheese filling perfectly, creating a balanced treat that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet.
Perfect base for cream cheese filling
What makes these rolls particularly special is how beautifully they work with cream cheese filling. The rolls’ texture allows them to:
- Absorb flavors while maintaining structural integrity
- Hold the cream cheese filling without becoming soggy
- Create that irresistible contrast between bread and creamy filling
Additionally, the rolls develop a slightly crisp edge during baking while staying soft inside – reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls but without the extensive preparation. This textural contrast makes each bite satisfying and memorable.
No need for dough prep
Traditional cinnamon rolls require significant effort – kneading dough, waiting for it to rise, rolling, cutting – all before you even begin baking. In contrast, using King’s Hawaiian rolls eliminates this entire process.
Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you’ll save valuable time by simply transforming pre-made rolls into something extraordinary. The convenience factor cannot be overstated – these cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Despite their convenience, these king’s hawaiian cream cheese cinnamon rolls deliver all the comfort and satisfaction of homemade treats. They’re proof that sometimes the easiest recipes yield the most impressive results.
Gather Your Ingredients
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into making these delicious king’s hawaiian cinnamon rolls, I always recommend measuring and organizing everything. This prep work makes the process flow smoothly and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
For the rolls and filling
The foundation of this recipe starts with one 12-count package of Original King’s Hawaiian Rolls. These sweet, soft rolls create the perfect base for our cream cheese filling. For the cream cheese component, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 large egg for a richer filling
The cream cheese filling adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the rolls. Precisely because the rolls already have a built-in sweetness, you don’t need excessive sugar in the filling.
For the cinnamon butter topping
Next, prepare the aromatic cinnamon butter topping that gives these rolls their signature flavor:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened or melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon [103]
- Optional: ¼ cup honey for a honey butter variation
The honey butter option truly elevates these rolls to new heights. It adds a unique floral sweetness and velvety texture that creates a flavor symphony. Moreover, the sweetness of honey perfectly balances the richness of butter.
For the cream cheese icing
Finally, gather ingredients for the indulgent cream cheese icing that crowns these delicious rolls:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted [112]
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened [112]
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract [93]
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency) [112]
The thickness of your icing is entirely customizable. Specifically, you can add more liquid for a thinner drizzle or keep it thick for a more substantial topping. Either way, this cream cheese icing provides the perfect finishing touch to your king’s hawaiian cream cheese cinnamon rolls.
As you prepare these ingredients, remember that measuring everything beforehand will make the assembly process much simpler. Now that everything is organized, you’re ready to transform these simple ingredients into an impressive breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step: Making the Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these cream cheese filled cinnamon rolls begins with transforming ordinary King’s Hawaiian rolls into extraordinary treats. Let’s jump into the simple process that yields incredible results.
1. Prep the rolls and baking dish
Initially, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature. Prepare your baking dish by either buttering it or spraying with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden exterior. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping the individual rolls connected. Set the top half aside temporarily as you work with the bottom portion.
2. Mix and fill the cream cheese center
For the cream cheese filling, combine softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. If you prefer a richer filling, incorporate a beaten egg. Spread this mixture generously across the bottom half of your rolls, ensuring even coverage. The cream cheese creates a delicious contrast to the sweet bread and cinnamon.
3. Add the cinnamon butter topping
Next, prepare the cinnamon butter by mixing softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Spread approximately three-quarters of this mixture over the cream cheese layer. Then, place the top half of the rolls back onto the bottom half, creating a sandwich. Use the remaining cinnamon butter mixture to coat the top surface completely.
4. Bake to golden perfection
Place your assembled rolls in the preheated oven and bake until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Different recipes suggest varying baking times—anywhere from 11-13 minutes to 20-25 minutes. The key indicator is a lightly golden top with slightly crispy edges. For even browning, consider covering with foil halfway through.
5. Make and spread the icing
Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese icing by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach your desired consistency. After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool for 1-5 minutes. Then spread the icing generously over the still-warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into all the crevices.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
These delicious king’s hawaiian cinnamon rolls deserve some creative touches to make them truly special. Let me share my favorite ways to customize and serve them.
Add nuts or fruit for texture
Chopped pecans or walnuts make excellent additions to the cinnamon butter mixture. Simply sprinkle one cup of chopped nuts over the filling before assembling the rolls. Certainly, raisins or fresh berries can likewise add exciting texture and flavor contrasts.
Try different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice
Apart from traditional cinnamon, these rolls taste amazing with alternative spices. Consider substituting the cinnamon with apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or even chai spice mix for seasonal variations. A simple pinch of pumpkin spice added to the cinnamon butter creates a wonderful fall-inspired twist.
Serve warm for best flavor
These cream cheese stuffed cinnamon rolls truly shine when served warm—this ensures the best gooey experience. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tall glass of cold milk, or as I often do, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Make ahead and reheat tips
You can prepare these hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls the night before. Assemble everything, cover with foil, then refrigerate overnight. Subsequently, bake as directed the following morning. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at 60% power.
Conclusion
These king’s hawaiian cinnamon rolls truly represent the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence. Throughout this recipe, we’ve seen how ordinary store-bought rolls transform into an extraordinary breakfast treat with minimal effort. Undoubtedly, the cream cheese filling adds a rich tanginess that complements the inherent sweetness of the hawaiian rolls.
What makes this recipe stand out is not just its simplicity but also its versatility. You can customize these rolls countless ways – adding nuts for crunch, incorporating seasonal spices, or experimenting with different fillings. Additionally, their make-ahead potential makes them perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without waking up at dawn.
Time spent in the kitchen doesn’t always equate to quality results. This recipe proves that sometimes, smart shortcuts yield the most impressive outcomes. From start to finish, you’ll spend less than 30 minutes actively preparing these cinnamon rolls, yet your family and guests will think you’ve been baking all morning.
The next time you crave homemade cinnamon rolls but lack the patience for traditional recipes, remember this king’s hawaiian rolls hack. Your breakfast table will thank you. After all, nothing brings people together quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven – especially when they’re this easy to make!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls? These cinnamon rolls can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
Q2. Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before, cover with foil, refrigerate, and bake them the next morning as directed.
Q3. What makes King’s Hawaiian Rolls ideal for cinnamon rolls? King’s Hawaiian Rolls have a soft texture and subtle sweetness that create an excellent base for cinnamon rolls, eliminating the need for time-consuming dough preparation.
Q4. How can I customize these cinnamon rolls? You can add chopped nuts, fresh berries, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to create unique flavor variations.
Q5. How should I store and reheat leftover cinnamon rolls? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at 60% power for best results.