King's Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls made quickly and easily using Original King's Hawaiian Rolls, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting—perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Knife (paring or serrated)
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 package Original King's Hawaiian Rolls whole slab
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter for filling
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk to thin frosting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the entire slab of King's Hawaiian Rolls on the parchment.
- Step 2: Using a sharp paring or serrated knife, carefully cut a spiral into the top of each roll, starting from the center but not cutting all the way through to keep rolls connected.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves into a thick paste.
- Step 4: Spoon the warm cinnamon filling evenly over the rolls, pressing gently into the spiral cuts. Let the rolls rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soak in the filling.
- Step 5: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cinnamon filling is bubbling.
- Step 6: While rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Step 7: Once rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter frosting, substitute cream cheese frosting with a powdered sugar glaze mixed with milk and vanilla. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for extra crunch. Rolls can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated; add a few extra minutes to baking if chilled. Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.