Introduction
Few things are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. The warm, gooey cinnamon filling, paired with a luscious cream cheese icing, is the ultimate indulgence. Now, imagine taking this classic treat to the next level by using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as the base. The result? King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
Unlike standard cinnamon rolls, which require time-consuming dough preparation, this recipe takes a shortcut with King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, known for their soft, slightly sweet texture. The rolls soak up the rich butter-cinnamon mixture while baking, resulting in a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re making these for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of King’s Hawaiian rolls, the origin of cinnamon rolls, creative variations, and expert tips to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect every time. Plus, we’ll include serving suggestions and pairing ideas to elevate your experience.
-The History of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls have a fascinating origin. They were first created by Robert Taira, a Japanese-American baker, in 1950 in Hilo, Hawaii. Inspired by Portuguese sweet bread (pão doce), Taira developed a recipe that featured a soft, fluffy texture and a distinctive sweetness.
His bakery, originally called Robert’s Bakery, quickly became popular, and by the 1970s, he expanded operations to California, where he rebranded as King’s Hawaiian Bakery. The rolls gained national recognition for their light, slightly sweet flavor, making them a staple in American households.
Today, King’s Hawaiian products go far beyond the traditional dinner roll—offering sandwich buns, slider rolls, and even pre-sliced bread. They are often used for French toast, bread pudding, and now, these decadent cinnamon rolls!
-The Origin of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls, or “kanelbullar” as they are called in Sweden, date back to the 1920s. Originally a Scandinavian delicacy, they became popular across Europe and eventually made their way to America, where they evolved into a larger, more indulgent version often topped with icing or glaze.
Traditional cinnamon rolls require yeast-based dough, which must be kneaded, proofed, rolled, and shaped before baking—a process that can take several hours. However, with King’s Hawaiian rolls, you can skip the long prep time and still enjoy the rich, gooey flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in just 30 minutes!
-Ingredients for King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe keeps things simple, using a handful of ingredients to create a dessert (or breakfast!) that tastes like it took hours to make.
For the Rolls:
1 package (12 oz) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, these rolls make the perfect base.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture soak into the rolls.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star ingredient, delivering warmth and spice.
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – Creamy and slightly tangy, it balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup powdered sugar – For a smooth, sweet glaze.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
-Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Rolls
Place the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into the baking dish, keeping them in a grid pattern (as they come in the package). This ensures they stay soft and gooey in the center.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Mixture
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be thick and syrupy.
Step 4: Coat the Rolls
Spoon the cinnamon-butter mixture over the top of the rolls, making sure to coat each roll evenly. Use a spoon or brush to spread the mixture so it seeps into the cracks.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the sugar mixture is bubbling.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, make the icing by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
Step 7: Drizzle the Icing
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the icing over the top while they’re still warm. This allows the icing to slightly melt into the rolls.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh. Enjoy them as-is or pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk.
-Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is perfect on its own, you can customize your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls in many ways:
1. Nutty Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Substitute pumpkin spice for the cinnamon.
Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the icing for a fall-inspired twist.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Cinnamon Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the rolls before baking.
Drizzle with a mix of chocolate ganache and cream cheese icing.
4. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Layer thinly sliced apples between the rolls before adding the cinnamon mixture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
-Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth icing.
Let the butter-cinnamon mixture seep into the rolls by spreading it evenly with a brush.
Don’t overbake! The rolls should be golden brown but still soft and gooey in the middle.
Make them ahead! You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
-Serving Suggestions and Pairings
King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to take your cinnamon roll experience to the next level:
For Breakfast or Brunch:
Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a sweet-and-savory combination.
Pair with a vanilla latte or chai tea.
For Dessert:
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For a Holiday Treat:
Add candied pecans and a caramel drizzle.
Serve with hot chocolate or spiced cider.
-Final Thoughts
King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls offer the perfect balance of ease and indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a rich, gooey, and decadent treat that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So, the next time you’re craving warm cinnamon rolls without the hassle of making dough from scratch, grab a pack of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and transform them into a dessert that everyone will love.
