Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
This quick Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls recipe uses King’s Hawaiian rolls, cream cheese, butter, and cinnamon to create a rich, custard-dipped treat—no dough required.
12 Servings
Ingredients
For the custard soak:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls 12-count
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into cubes (for frying)
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the filling and coating:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar to form a paste. In a separate large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and remaining ground cinnamon to make the coating. Set both aside.
Prepare the rolls:
- Using a serrated knife, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls intact as one sheet. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves. Spoon the cinnamon-butter paste across the cream cheese layer. Reassemble the rolls and gently press to secure. Chill the filled rolls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help them firm up.
Make the custard mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Cut and soak the rolls:
- After chilling, cut the filled rolls into individual portions. Dip each roll into the custard mixture for 15 to 30 seconds, ensuring each side is coated but not overly saturated.
Cook the rolls:
- Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Add a cube of butter to the pan. In batches, sear the custard-soaked rolls on at least three sides until golden brown and warmed through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Between each batch, carefully wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to prevent burning.
Finish with cinnamon sugar:
- Immediately after cooking, transfer each roll to the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss gently until fully coated. Repeat with remaining rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
To make these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free, substitute King’s Hawaiian rolls with certified gluten-free sweet rolls or buns of similar texture. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the vanilla extract and cream cheese, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Due to the delicate structure of gluten-free rolls, reduce the custard soaking time to prevent crumbling during cooking.