Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Oh, if you’re on the lookout for a recipe that’s both easy and irresistibly delicious, this Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how it takes those sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls and elevates them with a luscious cream cheese filling and a cinnamon-sugar butter glaze. It’s like having a fresh bakery treat right in your own kitchen without any stress.

Whenever I make these, whether it’s for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, they disappear fast. You’ll find that the sweet rolls soak up the cinnamon butter perfectly, while the cream cheese adds that creamy, tangy twist that makes each bite feel extra special. Trust me, once you try this Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are delightfully simple—most you probably already have in your kitchen. The magic starts with the iconic King’s Hawaiian rolls, which are naturally soft and slightly sweet, so they soak up the cinnamon butter and cream cheese filling beautifully.

• King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls: Using these pre-made rolls saves so much time and makes the recipe foolproof.
• Salted Butter: I prefer salted because it adds a subtle savory note to balance the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: Choose fresh cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor impact.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture without overpowering it.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the cream cheese filling set nicely during baking.

Variations

I love how versatile this Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is. While the original is amazing, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs to keep things exciting in the kitchen.

• Add Nuts or Raisins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins into the cream cheese filling for a bit of crunch and texture—my family really enjoys this twist.
• Use Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: To make it vegan-friendly, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a butter substitute—you’ll still get that creamy goodness.
• Extra Cinnamon Kick: If you’re a cinnamon fanatic like me, feel free to increase the cinnamon in the butter mixture or sprinkle a little on top before baking.
• Drizzle Icing: For extra indulgence, try topping the baked rolls with a simple powdered sugar glaze or even maple syrup.

How to Make Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent any sticking while baking. Then place the King’s Hawaiian rolls evenly in the dish. The trick I discovered is to carefully slice a small square out of the top of each roll and gently hollow it out without cutting all the way through the bottom. This little “pocket” is where the magic happens, so be gentle here for a perfect filling hold.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined. This mixture smells incredible—and don’t be shy with brushing it on. Generously coat the tops and insides of each hollowed roll with the cinnamon butter. I like to use a pastry brush for even coverage, which helps infuse that sweet and spicy flavor directly into the bread.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then add in the granulated sugar and egg and mix until the filling is creamy and fully blended. This mixture should be silky with no lumps—softening the cream cheese thoroughly beforehand really makes a difference in texture.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each hollowed roll—don’t be shy here; the more filling, the better! Once filled, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for golden tops and cream cheese filling that has set firm but still looks luscious. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes after baking—they’re best enjoyed warm, but not hot, for that perfect gooey texture.

How to Serve Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these rolls with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey for a pretty, sweet touch. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped pecans on top right before baking to add a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft rolls and creamy filling.

Side Dishes

For a complete brunch, I often serve these cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad to brighten the plate. A hot cup of coffee or fresh brewed tea also pairs beautifully and rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes arrange the baked rolls on a pretty serving platter, adding some edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive look. You could also serve them in individual ramekins or small cups for a fun single-serve presentation perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After trying these out, I usually keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. The rolls stay moist for a couple of days, and you’ll want to bring them back to room temperature or warm them gently before serving to refresh that softness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these cinnamon rolls after baking. Wrap them individually or place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the oven or microwave. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep moisture in. This method keeps the rolls soft and creamy without drying them out, unlike microwaving which can sometimes toughen the bread.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines ease with that bakery-quality wow factor. I used to shy away from cinnamon roll recipes thinking they were long and complicated, but this one changed the game for me. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortless it is to make something so comforting and crave-worthy. Trust me, once you share these with friends or family, you’ll be the star of every breakfast or brunch.

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