If you’re a lover of sweet, pillowy-soft treats, you’re in for something truly special with these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Marrying the beloved fluffy texture and subtle tropical sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with the gooey, spiced charm of classic cinnamon rolls, this easy bake is a breezy shortcut to bakery-level bliss. With a fragrant cinnamon-brown sugar swirl and a luscious icing drizzle, these irresistible rolls are always the first to disappear at breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving an indulgent treat!

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls lies in just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays its delicious part, from the impossibly plush base to the buttery cinnamon filling and creamy glaze on top!

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These provide a soft, subtly sweet foundation that elevates cinnamon rolls to a new level—nothing else gives that iconic flavor and texture.
Brown sugar: Rich in molasses, it brings depth and caramel-like notes to the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for warmth and that unmistakable, aromatic swirl.
Unsalted butter, softened: Melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps blend the filling, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Icing sugar (powdered sugar): Crucial for a smooth, sweet icing that elegantly seeps into all those crevices on top.
Milk or cream: Adds just the right amount of richness and drape to your icing for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set the stage for cinnamon roll greatness by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish—this not only keeps the rolls from sticking but also helps with even, tender browning as they bake.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir so every spoonful is fragrant and deeply spiced. This classic combo will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas once these rolls hit the oven!

Step 3: Slice and Butter the Rolls

Use a sharp serrated knife to carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll in half horizontally, creating tops and bottoms. Spread a generous layer of the softened butter on both cut sides—the more evenly you spread, the better your filling will stick.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Stack

Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture atop the buttered sides, gently pressing so all that sweet goodness adheres. Then, neatly stack each top back onto its bottom, reassembling the rolls for perfect individual servings loaded with cinnamon flavor.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Stand the filled rolls upright and snugly in your prepared baking dish. Pop them into the preheated oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re deeply golden and your kitchen smells like a dream bakery.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Icing

While those King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls bake, whisk together the icing sugar with milk or cream until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the hot rolls so it melts into every nook and cranny, creating a luscious, picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For a bit of extra flair, you can add a light dusting of cinnamon, a few chopped toasted pecans, or an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar atop your warm King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Even a little orange zest can bring a zingy brightness!

Side Dishes

Serve these cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit, a simple fruit compote, or a scoop of thick Greek yogurt to balance out the sweetness. Hot coffee or a tall glass of ice-cold milk pairs perfectly with every soft, sticky bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in a festive ring or stacking them for a pull-apart effect. If you’re entertaining, place each roll in a cupcake liner for easy, mess-free serving. You can even slice them up and serve on a wooden board brunch-style, surrounded by other pastries and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you actually manage to have any leftovers, simply store your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rolls stay plush and delicious when kept covered.

Freezing

You can freeze these beauties before adding the icing—wrap the baked rolls tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh icing before serving to recapture that straight-from-the-oven magic.

Reheating

To rewarm, pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual rolls in short bursts until warm. If already glazed, warm gently to avoid melting all the icing away (though no one will complain about gooey icing, trust me!).

FAQs

Can I make King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them up to a day in advance, keep covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when ready. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, or will other rolls work?

The unique flavor and texture of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are what set these cinnamon rolls apart, but you can use other soft dinner rolls in a pinch. However, you won’t get that signature pillowy sweetness.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts and even plump raisins can be sprinkled over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

How do I prevent my King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls from getting soggy?

Be sure not to oversaturate the rolls with butter or icing and bake until the rolls are deeply golden. This will keep the texture perfect: tender, but never mushy!

What kind of milk works best for the icing?

Whole milk or heavy cream yields a rich, creamy icing, but you can use any milk you have on hand—even plant-based options like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you try these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls and fall in love with their ultra-soft texture and sweet, sticky cinnamon swirl just like I have. They’re proof that a handful of simple ingredients can make moments—whether weekend mornings, special occasions, or just because—feel extra joyful. Happy baking, friend!

King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of homemade King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls are filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy icing. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Prepare Rolls: Cut each sweet roll in half horizontally and spread softened butter on the cut sides.
Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surfaces, pressing slightly to adhere.
Assemble Rolls: Stack the rolls back together, place them upright in the baking dish, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Ice the Rolls: Drizzle with icing sugar mixed with milk or cream before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American