Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
I have to tell you, the Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those delightful treats that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The way the soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up that buttery cinnamon goodness, combined with the creamy, dreamy filling, makes this recipe an absolute winner for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. It s quick enough for a weekend morning but special enough to impress family and friends without breaking a sweat.
What I love most about this Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how approachable it is-no complicated dough or fancy equipment needed. You get all the flavor and sweetness packed into those little rolls that you can grab at your local store, making it perfect for when you want a homemade vibe without too much fuss. Trust me, once you try these, they ll become a regular request at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Uses store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls, so no need to make dough from scratch.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Adds a luscious richness that elevates these cinnamon rolls beyond the ordinary.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The brown sugar cinnamon butter glaze perfectly complements the soft rolls.
- Versatile and Crowd Pleaser: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a special occasion brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that iconic sweet, soft, and gooey texture we all crave in cinnamon rolls. Each element plays a role in balancing flavors and textures perfectly.
- King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls: The foundation of this recipe; their signature softness and sweetness make the rolls irresistible.
- Salted Butter: Use melted for easy spreading and for that rich buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: The soul of any cinnamon roll; make sure to use fresh for the best aroma.
- Softened Cream Cheese: So important to be soft for a smooth filling that blends easily.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without overpowering.
- Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese filling, giving it a custardy texture.
Variations
I love how forgiving this recipe is, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to swap in your favorite spices, add fruit, or even adjust sweetness levels, these rolls handle it all like a champ.
- Berry Addition: I like slipping in fresh strawberries or blueberries right on top of the cream cheese filling before baking-it adds a fresh, tangy contrast that’s delicious.
- Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a great crunch and a cozy flavor from my experience.
- Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter to make these suitable for vegan friends-I’ve tested it and still got rave reviews!
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture gives the rolls a warming depth I adore.
How to Make Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Prepare Your Rolls
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish-this helps the rolls bake evenly without sticking. Then grab your Kings Hawaiian rolls and carefully cut a small square into the top of each-don t cut all the way through! Pull out a bit of the bread from inside to make room for that luscious cream cheese filling. This part can be a little delicate, so go slow and keep the bottoms intact; that’s what holds the filling in.
Step 2: Mix and Brush the Cinnamon Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you get a smooth, spreadable glaze. Don t skimp here-the cinnamon butter is what gives the rolls that addictive flavor! Brush the mixture generously over the tops and inside each hollowed-out roll to ensure every bite is flavorful and buttery. Trust me, the more you brush, the better.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Cream Cheese Mixture
Take the softened cream cheese and beat it with a hand mixer until nice and smooth-this prevents any lumps in your filling. Mix in the granulated sugar and egg until the mixture feels creamy and holds together well. Using a spoon or small spatula, carefully fill each roll s cavity with the cream cheese mixture, filling them generously but avoiding overflow.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the filled rolls into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You ll know they re done when the tops turn a light golden brown and the cream cheese filling looks set but still soft. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions-that way, the filling won t spill everywhere, and you get those perfect cozy bites.
Pro Tips for Making Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Don t Skip Softening the Cream Cheese: I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese makes mixing tough and the filling lumpy-give it at least 30 minutes on the counter.
- Be Gentle When Hollowing: Pull out just enough bread to hold filling without biting into the bottom of the rolls to avoid leaking during baking.
- Generously Brush Butter Mix: I always double-coat mine on both sides of the hollow and tops for an ultra-moist, flavorful roll.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the rolls cool slightly, or you ll end up with cream cheese filling everywhere-it s worth the wait.
How to Serve Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey just before serving, but I ve also topped mine with fresh berries-especially strawberries-which add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans brings a delightful crunch and depth.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich latte for a perfect brunch vibe. On occasion, I ll serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to round out the meal if breakfast is the star occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holiday breakfasts, I like to arrange these rolls on a decorative platter and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for a fresh pop of color. Another fun idea is serving each roll in a mini individual ramekin-adds a touch of elegance and makes serving a breeze at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for about 2 days. When ready to eat, just let them come to room temperature or gently warm them up-still tastes surprisingly fresh and delicious!
Freezing
If I want to save rolls for later, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When thawing, I bring them to the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole batch in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10-12 minutes. This revives the softness and warmth without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use other rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian for this recipe?
While King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their signature sweetness and softness, you can experiment with other sweet rolls or soft dinner rolls. Just note that the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but the recipe will still work well overall.
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How soft should the cream cheese be before mixing?
The cream cheese should be room temperature and very soft, so it blends smoothly with the egg and sugar. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps and make filling difficult to spread, so I recommend leaving it out for at least 30 minutes before starting.
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Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?
Yes! You can fill the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, so they heat evenly.
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What s the best way to avoid filling leaks during baking?
Be careful not to hollow out the rolls too deeply or cut through the bottom-it acts as a natural barrier holding in the cream cheese filling and keeps everything contained while baking.
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Can I add fruit inside the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely! Adding fresh small berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese before baking creates a lovely flavor contrast and delightful texture. Just be sure not to overload to keep the filling stable.
Final Thoughts
This Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for when you want something special without fuss. It holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines the joy of comfort food with the simplicity of using store-bought ingredients. I encourage you to gather those sweet rolls, whip up the filling, and enjoy that gooey, flavorful magic fresh out of the oven-you and your loved ones will thank me later!
Print
Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls, a quick and easy twist on a classic favorite. Sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture, swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls combine soft, fluffy bread with a creamy, cinnamon-kissed filling for a comforting indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 (12 Count Package) King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
- 6 tbsp Salted Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the rolls: Place the King’s Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish. Carefully cut a small square on the top of each roll without cutting through the bottom, then gently pull out some bread from each cut to create a cavity for the filling.
- Mix cinnamon butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well blended. Brush this mixture generously over the tops and inside each hollowed roll, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and the egg, then continue mixing until the filling is well blended and fluffy.
- Fill the rolls: Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each roll, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing into individual portions. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cream cheese and soft cinnamon-spiced bread at their best.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a slice of fresh strawberry, blueberries, or your favorite berries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.
