Turn soft Hawaiian sweet rolls into a warm, cinnamon-scented breakfast treat with this simple recipe. The rolls bring plenty of natural sweetness and a pillowy texture, while buttery cinnamon flavors and a creamy frosting make every bite feel extra special. With minimal preparation and a short baking time, these golden rolls are perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
King's Hawaiian cinnamon rolls
Butter
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Included frosting packet
Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the baking dish
How to Make
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F so it's ready when the rolls are prepared.
Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to help prevent the rolls from sticking.
Separate the rolls: Carefully open the package and gently separate the Hawaiian cinnamon rolls, keeping them intact.
Arrange in the dish: Place the rolls in the greased baking dish, arranging them so they have a little room to expand as they bake.
Bake until golden: Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rolls are heated through and their tops turn golden brown.
Add the frosting: Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the included frosting over them while they're still warm, allowing it to soften and coat the tops.
Serve warm: Let the rolls cool briefly before serving. Enjoy them while they're soft, warm, and full of cinnamon flavor.
Important Recipe Tips
Choose your preferred sweetness: Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a naturally sweet, tender base. Regular dinner rolls can be used instead if you prefer a less-sweet result.
Try a dairy-free variation: Coconut oil can replace butter, and almond milk can be used in place of regular milk where needed. Check the other ingredients and frosting to ensure they're also dairy-free.
Prepare ahead: Arrange and cover the rolls the night before, then refrigerate. Take them out about 30 minutes before baking so they can come closer to room temperature. Follow the package instructions if using a prepared cinnamon-roll product.
Experiment with toppings: Maple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or salted caramel drizzle can add a different finishing touch.
Serve them with your favorite breakfast foods: Pair the rolls with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory breakfast. For dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream. They also go wonderfully with coffee or cappuccino.
Store leftovers carefully: Keep the rolls loosely covered at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for later: Freeze unglazed rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat before serving: Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or heat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Check that they're warmed through before serving.
Final Thought
These Hawaiian cinnamon rolls make it easy to bring something warm, sweet, and comforting to the table without a lot of fuss. Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite morning drink, or dress them up with an extra drizzle of frosting for a special treat. They're a lovely choice whenever you're craving a cozy cinnamon-filled bite.
