King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet cinnamon rolls, then this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the signature pillowy texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling and a luscious glaze, these cinnamon rolls deliver that perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’ll brighten your mornings or make any occasion a little more special. Trust me, once you try making them, you’ll see why this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe quickly becomes a household favorite that everyone can’t stop talking about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a critical role in bringing the magic of this recipe to life. From the soft King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls acting as the base to the warm spices, these components come together to create the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack, 12 count): These rolls are the heart of the recipe, offering a tender, sweet bread that soaks up the cinnamon mixture beautifully.
• Warm milk (1/4 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness without overpowering the rolls’ softness.
• Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the yeast mixture, helping it bloom properly.
• Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds moistness and flavor to the dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): Essential for helping the dough rise and develop that fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Enhances the warm, sweet aroma in both dough and glaze.
• Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the dough.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Combines with sugar and cinnamon to form the irresistible filling.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Gives the filling its deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that defines this recipe’s warm and cozy flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base of the creamy, sweet glaze.
• Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Makes the glaze silky smooth and easy to drizzle.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by warming your milk to just about 110°F – warm to the touch but not hot. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the milk and gently stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant, signaling your yeast is properly activated and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Soak the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Tear the sweet rolls into small pieces and toss them into a large bowl. Pour the warm yeast mixture over the torn bread, giving it 5 minutes to absorb all the liquid so that the rolls soften and start melding with the yeast mixture, laying the groundwork for a delightfully tender dough.

Step 3: Combine the dough ingredients

Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to your bread mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly combined, ensuring your dough has all the rich, aromatic ingredients to help it bake into the perfect cinnamon roll base.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, elastic dough. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time. Kneading is crucial here – it builds structure so your rolls rise beautifully and have that soft but sturdy chew.

Step 5: Let the dough rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Set it somewhere warm and cozy for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is where your dough gathers fluffy strength and sweetness, making every bite heavenly.

Step 6: Prepare the cinnamon filling

While your dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until spreadable and smooth. This filling is what gives these rolls their signature indulgence—rich, gooey, and packed with comforting spice.

Step 7: Shape the dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air pockets. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. This size creates the perfect canvas to layer on that cinnamon filling generously.

Step 8: Spread the filling

Evenly spread your cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges to keep it neat when rolling.

Step 9: Roll and slice into individual rolls

Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice it into 12 uniform rolls. Each slice promises a spiral of buttery cinnamon sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Step 10: Prepare to bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and arrange your rolls snugly so they can grow into one another while baking.

Step 11: Final rise before baking

Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up and nearly double. This second rise ensures maximum fluffiness and softness for your finished rolls.

Step 12: Bake the rolls

Pop the cinnamon rolls into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown top. The aroma filling your kitchen by now is nothing short of mouthwatering.

Step 13: Make the glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweet creaminess to finish the rolls perfectly.

Step 14: Glaze your cinnamon rolls

Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled for about 5 minutes, drizzle your glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze soaks in slowly, giving every bite that irresistible sweet finish unique to the King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Step 15: Serve and enjoy

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm to fully enjoy their melty, gooey texture and cozy flavors. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet, comforting treat.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for extra crunch and nuttiness. A few fresh berries can also add a lovely contrast that brightens the warm flavors beautifully without overpowering the classic cinnamon goodness.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness, or serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt if you’re aiming for a more rounded brunch spread. A dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting can also elevate the experience for truly decadent gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, stack cinnamon rolls in a tiered presentation or arrange them in a circle with a generous glaze drip in the center, making an eye-catching centerpiece. Wrapping individual rolls with colorful ribbons or serving them in cute mini baskets also adds a festive touch that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They stay soft and flavorful thanks to the King’s Hawaiian bread base, which holds moisture wonderfully well.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cinnamon rolls (without glaze) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently in the oven before glazing and serving.

Reheating

Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that freshly baked softness. Add glaze after reheating for best results, ensuring every bite tastes like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

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

While you can, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls bring a unique softness and sweetness that sets this recipe apart. Using regular rolls might result in less tender cinnamon rolls, so this brand really makes a noticeable difference.

Do I need to activate the yeast every time?

Yes, activating the yeast in warm milk with sugar is key to ensuring your dough rises properly, giving you those fluffy, light cinnamon rolls everyone loves.

Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and cover them to refrigerate overnight, then let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day. This makes morning prep a breeze.

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

Milk works just fine as a substitute in the glaze, although heavy cream adds a richer, silkier texture. Either choice will give you a lovely finishing touch.

How can I make these cinnamon rolls extra gooey?

Make sure to spread the cinnamon filling generously and don’t overbake your rolls. Also, drizzling ample glaze while the rolls are still warm helps achieve that melty, gooey deliciousness everyone craves.

Final Thoughts

Making this King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is such a joyful experience, and the rewards are out of this world. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate how these soft, sweet rolls practically melt in your mouth, carrying the warmth of cinnamon and the comforting familiarity of King’s Hawaiian bread. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet start to your day, this recipe promises to delight every time. Give it a go—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it again and again!

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