If you have a soft spot for sweet, indulgent treats with a tropical twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. These rolls marries the pillowy, slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls with a luscious cream cheese layer and a magical cinnamon sugar swirl, all pan-seared to golden perfection like a dreamy French toast. Every bite is soft, gooey, and bursting with warm cinnamon spice, making it an irresistible comfort breakfast or dessert that feels like a warm hug from the islands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines bright because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together in a surprisingly spectacular way. Each component is essential, contributing to the irresistible texture, sweet flavor, or that lovely golden color that makes these rolls so special.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These naturally sweet rolls bring a soft, fluffy base perfect for soaking up the custard and cinnamon sugar flavors.
- Half and half: Richer than milk but lighter than cream, it creates the perfect custard for dipping the rolls.
- Eggs: Beaten and combined with vanilla and cinnamon, eggs bind the custard and give the rolls a lovely French toast-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Used generously for that iconic, spicy-sweet flavor throughout both the swirl and sugar coating.
- Butter: Used both in cubes for searing and melted for the cinnamon swirl, it adds richness and helps create that caramelized finish.
- Cream cheese: Softened to spread easily, it adds creamy tang and luscious texture between the roll halves.
- Brown sugar: Mixed with melted butter and cinnamon for a sticky, gooey swirl that melts into the cream cheese layer.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet coating after the rolls are seared to golden perfection.
How to Make Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Start by mixing melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until they form a thick, luscious paste. This blend is going to be your secret weapon for deep, gooey pockets of sweetness nestled inside each bite of the roll.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Next, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon in a large bowl. This simple mixture will coat the rolls after searing, giving them a delightful, slightly crunchy exterior bursting with cinnamon aroma.
Step 3: Fill the Rolls with Cream Cheese and Swirl
Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on both sides, then drizzle the cinnamon swirl over it. When you sandwich the two halves back together, you create a rich, gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Chill the Filled Rolls
Pop the stuffed rolls into the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps the cream cheese set slightly, making the rolls easier to handle during the next step and ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Custard Dip
Whisk together half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This custard mix is going to infuse the rolls with moisture and flavor while giving them that irresistible golden crust when seared.
Step 6: Dip and Sear the Rolls
Dip each chilled roll into the custard for about 15 to 30 seconds, making sure it’s thoroughly coated but not soggy. Then, heat a skillet over medium-low, add a cube of butter, and sear the rolls on several sides like French toast until they’re a deep golden brown. Don’t forget to wipe the pan clean between batches to avoid burning sugar residues—that caramelized goodness is what you want!
Step 7: Coat the Rolls in Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately after searing, toss the warm rolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step bestows a delightful crunch and even more cinnamon magic, making each bite an unforgettable balance of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are absolutely delightful on their own, topping them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can add an elegant touch. Fresh pineapple chunks or toasted macadamia nuts make unique, tropical garnishes that highlight the Hawaiian inspiration behind this recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or a smooth cup of coffee or chai tea. The light acidity of grapefruit or a tart berry compote complements the rich cinnamon and cream cheese perfectly, balancing the sweetness without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these individually on pretty plates with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar for dipping, or arrange them family-style on a large platter surrounded by edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece. You can also slice them in half for slider-style bites, perfect for sharing at a party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Hawaiian cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture without making the rolls soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared, unseared rolls before dipping and cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the custard dip and searing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm rolls gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven, just enough to revive the gooey filling and crisp the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the rolls tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls for this recipe?
While King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and soft texture, you can experiment with other soft, sweet rolls like brioche. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will vary slightly.
Is cream cheese necessary for this recipe?
Yes, cream cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness and cinnamon perfectly. You could try mascarpone as a substitute, but the flavor and texture will be different.
How long should I soak the rolls in the custard mixture?
About 15 to 30 seconds per roll is perfect — enough to soak through without becoming overly soggy, ensuring a tender interior and crispy exterior after searing.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can substitute with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream to approximate half and half’s richness. Skim or low-fat milk will result in a lighter texture but still work.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, look for dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use plant-based milk with a suitable egg replacer in the custard. The flavor and texture will shift, but it can still be a delicious treat!
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe truly brings a touch of island magic to any breakfast or dessert table. The combination of soft, sweet rolls, creamy cheese, and rich cinnamon sugar is a game-changer you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite indulgence to share with friends and family—grab your rolls and get ready to wow your taste buds!
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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls with a creamy cinnamon swirl and a custard dip, then pan-seared like French toast to create a golden, caramelized crust. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat, these rolls are coated in cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor and served warm for maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Swirl
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup brown sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Custard Mixture
- â…” cup half and half
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Rolls and Spread
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. Set aside for coating later.
- Fill Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Spread softened cream cheese evenly on both the top and bottom halves. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon swirl paste over the cream cheese on both sides, then sandwich the halves together to form filled rolls.
- Chill Rolls: Place the stuffed rolls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up and help the filling set.
- Prepare Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip Rolls: Remove the chilled rolls from the fridge and dip each roll into the custard mixture for 15-30 seconds, allowing them to soak well without falling apart.
- Preheat Sauté Pan: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat for about 1 minute. Add one cube of butter to melt and coat the pan.
- Sear Rolls: Place the custard-dipped rolls into the pan in batches. Cook them like French toast, searing each roll until golden brown on at least three sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Between batches, wipe the pan with a paper towel to prevent burning the sugar residue.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: After searing, immediately toss the rolls in the cinnamon sugar bowl to coat thoroughly, ensuring a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Serve: Arrange the coated rolls on a serving plate and serve warm. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and cinnamony flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
- Chilling the rolls helps maintain their structure during dipping and cooking.
- Use medium-low heat to avoid burning the sugar during searing.
- Wiping the pan between batches keeps the rolls from sticking and prevents burnt flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
