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Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls (Easy Recipe)

These Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are the easiest shortcut cinnamon rolls ever. Soft Hawaiian rolls get stuffed with buttery cinnamon sugar and baked until gooey and golden. Finished with a creamy homemade frosting, theyโ€™re perfect for brunch or holiday mornings.

Side angle of hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls with gingerbread house in background.

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Thereโ€™s something about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll that just flips a switch in my brain. Instant comfort. Instant โ€œI deserve this.โ€

But making actual cinnamon rolls from scratch? Yeahโ€ฆ absolutely not happening on a random Tuesday morning.

Thatโ€™s where these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls come in and save the day. Theyโ€™re lazy-girl baking at its finest.

Soft, fluffy sweet rolls loaded with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a thick cream cheese frosting that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

But the best part? They take almost no effort. Like, you could make these half asleep with a coffee in hand.

Theyโ€™re perfect for brunch, holidays, or the days you just want something warm and sweet without spending 3 hours kneading dough like a pioneer woman.

One tray, one big swoop of frosting, and everyone will think youโ€™re a domestic goddess. Let them believe it.

If you love this cinnamon bun recipe you may also like my Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies or my Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe.

Cream cheese frosting covered over cinnamon buns.

Simple Ingredients You Need For The Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this easy breakfast (the exact measurements, nutrition information and the printable recipe card are all below):

  • Hawaiian sweet rolls โ€“ Any soft dinner roll works, but these are preferred for that subtle sweetness.
  • Butter โ€“ Salted or unsalted both work.
  • Brown sugar โ€“ Light or dark brown sugar. Coconut sugar works but wonโ€™t get as sticky.
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt โ€“ Just a pinch to balance everything.
  • Cream cheese โ€“ Full-fat or light both work. Greek yogurt is an option but the frosting will be thinner.
  • Butter (for frosting)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract โ€“ Almond extract works too, just use less since itโ€™s stronger.
Top down view of hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls cut in half with brown sugar mixture spread over them.

How To Make

  1. Slice the top layer off the Hawaiian rolls, keeping the sheet intact so the rolls stay connected.
  2. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  3. Spread about two-thirds of the butter mixture evenly over the inside of the rolls, making sure it reaches the edges. Then replace the top section of the rolls.
  4. Spread the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
  5. Bake at 350ยฐF for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbling.
  6. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  7. Spread or drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
Top down view of butter brown sugar mixture on top of hawaiian sweet rolls.
Top down view of baked cinnamon buns fresh out of the oven.

Tips And Tricks For Best Results

  • Use the softest Hawaiian rolls you can find.
  • Let the frosting sit at room temp so it spreads easier.
  • If the tops start browning too fast, foil tent to save the day.
  • Serve warm. Trust me. Cold cinnamon rolls just arenโ€™t cute.
Side angle of hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese frosting layer on top.
Side angle of hawaiian roll cinnamon rolls with gingerbread house in background.
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5 from 1 vote

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls (Easy Recipe)

These Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are the easiest shortcut cinnamon rolls ever. Soft Hawaiian rolls get stuffed with buttery cinnamon sugar and baked until gooey and golden. Finished with a creamy homemade frosting, theyโ€™re perfect for brunch or holiday mornings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Calories: 205kcal

Ingredients 

  • 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • ยฝ cup butter softened
  • โ…” cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 4 oz plain cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ยฝ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Slice the top layer off the Hawaiian rolls, keeping the sheet intact so the rolls stay connected.
  • In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  • Spread about two-thirds of the butter mixture evenly over the inside of the rolls, making sure it reaches the edges. Then replace the top section of the rolls.
  • Spread the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
  • Bake at 350ยฐF for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbling.
  • While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread or drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on @basicswithbails

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftoversโ€ฆ fridge them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Warm in the microwave for a few seconds to bring them back to life.

Faqs

Can I use regular dinner rolls?

You can, but the Hawaiian sweetness is the secret sauce here.

Can I prep the night before and bake in the morning?

Yep. Assemble it all and bake fresh in the morning.

Other Classic Treats For The Holiday Season You May Like To Try!

HAPPY BAKING! IF YOU TRIED THESE HAWAIIAN ROLL CINNAMON ROLLS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. Itโ€™s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. Itโ€™s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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5 from 1 vote

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Easy to make and delicious gooey and sweet and tasty!!