Cozy Up with King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon drifting through the house — it’s the scent of warmth, comfort, and sweet memories. Whether you’re starting your morning with a special brunch, hosting a family gathering, or just craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect indulgence. Soft, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, this recipe brings a deliciously tropical twist to a classic comfort food, thanks to the irresistible sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls.

This recipe was inspired by a Sunday morning tradition in our home — warm cinnamon rolls shared with family over coffee and laughter. But one day, a package of King’s Hawaiian rolls sitting on the counter sparked a culinary experiment that changed everything. The result? A faster, easier, and even more delightful version of cinnamon rolls that’s become a household favorite.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, quick-to-make dessert or brunch delight that’s as shareable as it is scrumptious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
✔️ Shortcut Cinnamon Rolls – No dough-making or waiting for rising time.
✔️ Rich, Buttery Flavor – The unique taste of King’s Hawaiian rolls elevates every bite.
✔️ Perfect for Brunch or Dessert – A versatile treat for any time of day.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing – Sweet, gooey, and topped with homemade cream cheese icing — what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these easy cinnamon rolls with a tropical twist:

🧺 Main Ingredients

1 package (12 oz) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
These soft and slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for this recipe. They bake up beautifully and soak in the cinnamon sugar mixture like a dream.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar caramelize.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Gives that deep, molasses-y sweetness and creates that gooey cinnamon layer.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
The star spice of this dish — warm, fragrant, and comforting.

🍰 For the Icing

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness perfectly.
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Sweetens the icing without making it too runny.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the icing flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and allows the sugar mixture to bubble and caramelize without burning.

🧈 Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (you can also use an 8×8 dish or round pan if preferred).
Place the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in the dish, keeping them in a grid pattern, nestled closely together. No need to separate them!

🍯 Step 3: Mix and Spoon the Cinnamon Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Spoon this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, ensuring each one is coated. You can use the back of the spoon to gently spread it across the tops and edges for full coverage.

Pro Tip: Let the cinnamon mixture seep between the rolls slightly for extra gooey centers.

⏱️ Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cinnamon-sugar mixture is bubbling.

Watch them closely at the 15-minute mark. You want that golden color without drying out the rolls.

🍥 Step 5: Prepare the Icing

While the rolls are baking, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Mix until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick for your taste, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it slightly.

🍽️ Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. This helps the icing melt into the grooves and adds that perfect gooey finish.

Serve warm for maximum enjoyment. Leftovers (if any!) can be reheated the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to turn your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls into a full spread or elevate them even further? Here are a few serving ideas:

☕ Perfect Pairings:

A steaming cup of coffee or chai latte
A mimosa or sparkling cider for brunch gatherings
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

🥓 Make it a Meal:

Pair with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory breakfast combo
Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness

Tips for Success

🔄 Don’t Separate the Rolls

Keeping the rolls together helps them stay moist and allows the cinnamon mixture to seep through the sides and bottom, creating that luscious gooeyness we all crave.

🍯 Double the Cinnamon Mixture (Optional)

If you love extra-gooey cinnamon rolls, double the butter-sugar-cinnamon topping and spoon it not just on top, but also in between the rolls.

🧁 Make It Ahead

You can prep everything the night before (up to the baking step), cover the dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it into the oven and enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the morning hassle.

Customization Ideas

Want to get creative? Here are a few ways to add your own twist to this cinnamon roll recipe:

🍫 Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet surprise.

🍎 Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Add finely chopped apples between the rolls before baking for a fall-inspired flavor.

🥥 Coconut Cream Rolls

Sprinkle shredded coconut into the icing or topping for a tropical touch.

🍓 Berry Bliss Rolls

Top with fresh strawberries or blueberries before serving for a fruity twist.

Why Use King’s Hawaiian Rolls?

King’s Hawaiian rolls are beloved for their soft texture and signature sweetness. They’re not only perfect for sliders and sandwiches but also shine in baked dishes like these cinnamon rolls.

💡 What Makes Them Special?

Enriched dough gives a light, fluffy texture
Sweetened with real sugar for a hint of tropical flavor
Versatile for both savory and sweet recipes

The slight sweetness pairs perfectly with cinnamon and brown sugar, resulting in a flavor combo that’s out of this world.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat:

🧊 To Store:

Let the rolls cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔁 To Reheat:

Microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds.
Or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

Add a small pat of butter on top before reheating to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Recipe Card

Here’s a quick summary you can print or pin:

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 package (12 oz) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Place rolls inside, keeping them in a grid.
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spoon over rolls.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Drizzle icing over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts: Try It, Share It, Love It

These King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are the kind of recipe that turns a regular day into something special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort — a true win-win.

They’re easy enough for weekday mornings but indulgent enough