Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

I absolutely adore making and sharing my Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe because it combines the soft, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls with a classic cinnamon swirl and a luscious cream cheese glaze. This recipe feels like a little pocket of joy in every bite, perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime I want something sweet but effortless. I love how the rolls bake together in one pan, making the whole process so simple yet incredibly satisfying. Plus, there’s nothing quite like that melty cream cheese icing drizzled over warm cinnamon rolls that keeps me coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

One of the things that excites me most about this Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls enhances the rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling, while the cream cheese icing adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly cuts through the richness. It’s that harmony of soft, sweet, and lightly spiced that makes these rolls so irresistible to me.

Another reason I can’t get enough of this recipe is how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing any of that homemade charm. Since the rolls come pre-made, you avoid the time-consuming dough prep and rise, but you still get that fresh-baked aroma filling your kitchen. It’s a perfect recipe for holidays, weekend breakfasts with family, or whenever you want to impress guests without stress. I find myself recommending it for cozy mornings or celebratory brunches because it’s impressive yet so easy to pull together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. These essentials combine to create the perfect texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color of the rolls and icing.

• 12 count Hawaiian Rolls (12 ounce package): These soft, sweet rolls are the star base, providing a fluffy texture that’s perfect for cinnamon rolls.
• 10 tablespoons butter (divided): Butter adds richness and moisture, helping the sugar and cinnamon stick beautifully to the rolls.
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed): The brown sugar lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor everyone loves.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Cream cheese creates a luscious, velvety icing that adds tang and sweetness in perfect harmony.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Added to the icing for extra creaminess and smooth texture.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing to just the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and aroma, bringing out the flavors.
• ¼ cup whole milk: Milk thins the icing slightly so it spreads perfectly over the rolls.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the rolls.

Step 2: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. You should have a top half and a bottom half, each as one whole piece.

Step 3: Place 2 tablespoons of butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then put the dish in the oven just long enough for the butter to melt completely.

Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately lay the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls into the buttery pan.

Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter, heating it in 30-second bursts until fully melted.

Step 6: Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon into the melted butter until everything is well combined.

Step 7: Spread half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls in the pan.

Step 8: Place the top half of the Hawaiian roll buns over the brown sugar cinnamon layer.

Step 9: Pour the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.

Step 10: Bake the assembled rolls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized.

Step 11: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.

Step 12: Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the melted butter, then whisk everything together until the icing is smooth and creamy.

Step 13: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them sit and cool for about 10 minutes to avoid melting the icing too much.

Step 14: Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top of the warm rolls, then slice and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe yields about 12 servings, perfect for a group or family brunch. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes since there’s minimal slicing and mixing. Baking takes 15 minutes, while the icing preparation and cooling time add another 15 minutes, making the total time about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying recipe when you want delicious cinnamon rolls without the overnight rise.

How to Serve This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Serving these cinnamon rolls warm is really where the magic is at. The cream cheese icing is soft and melty on warm rolls, making each bite a dreamy, gooey experience. I like to place a few rolls on a serving platter, then garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves for a subtle pop of color and freshness.

Pairing these rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte brings out the cinnamon and vanilla flavors beautifully. For a fun brunch twist, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit or crispy bacon, which offers a nice balance of sweet and savory. On more festive occasions, I love adding a bright orange or pineapple juice cocktail to the table to complement the tropical undertones of the Hawaiian rolls.

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or as a sweet treat at weekend brunches. You can also slice them into smaller portions for party platters or afternoon tea. I find they’re best enjoyed within a couple of hours of baking to enjoy their soft texture and warm flavors at their peak.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this recipe depending on the occasion or dietary needs. For instance, if I want to make it vegan, I swap the butter with a vegan margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the icing, which works wonderfully without losing flavor. Coconut milk can replace the whole milk for an even more tropical vibe.

Flavor-wise, I’ve added chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled between the layers before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes I swirl in a little maple syrup with the cinnamon sugar mixture for a richer sweetness. If you want to skip the cream cheese, you could also try a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

For a different cooking method, I have even tried warming these rolls in an air fryer for a few minutes when reheating—the heat crisps the edges slightly while keeping the center soft, which gives a fun textural contrast.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. For longer storage, I transfer them to the refrigerator in a sealed container to maintain freshness. You’ll want to let refrigerated rolls come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I usually wrap the cooled, un-iced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm them gently in the oven. I find freezing with the cream cheese icing already applied can make reheating messy, so it’s best to add the icing after thawing.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these cinnamon rolls is by warming them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave each roll for 20 to 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method helps keep the texture soft without making them soggy. After reheating, I like to add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese icing or serve with a little butter on the side for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls offer a distinct sweet and soft texture, regular dinner rolls can substitute in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor and sweetness will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a lovely cinnamon roll experience.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge overnight before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven. This makes for a convenient morning treat with almost no prep.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure to spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly and watch your baking time carefully. Overbaking can dry them out, whereas underbaking might leave them soggy. Also, letting the rolls cool slightly before icing helps prevent the icing from seeping in too much.

Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead?

Definitely, the icing can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge, covered. Just whisk it briefly before spreading to restore its creamy texture. I recommend adding it right before serving for the best look and taste.

Are these rolls gluten-free?

Traditional Hawaiian rolls contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try using gluten-free sweet rolls or rolls made with gluten-free flour blends, though texture and rise might vary slightly.

Conclusion

Making these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to bring a warm, comforting treat to the table without hours of fuss. I love how effortlessly they turn into a crowd-pleaser with their tender crumb, perfect cinnamon sweetness, and luscious icing. I can’t wait for you to try them out and experience that magical combination of flavors and textures that make this recipe so special to me.

Print