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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired

Description

These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, combining the sweet, buttery flavor of King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a creamy cream cheese filling, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a crispy, sugary exterior. Dipped in a cinnamon custard and pan-seared like French toast, these rolls are a decadent and irresistible way to start your day or enjoy a sweet brunch.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For Custard:

  • 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls
  • 2/3 cup half and half
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

For Filling:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

For Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
    1. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until it forms a paste.
    2. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:
    1. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
    2. Set aside.
  3. Fill Rolls:
    1. Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half.
    2. Spread softened cream cheese on both sides of the rolls.
    3. Drizzle the cinnamon swirl over the cream cheese.
    4. Sandwich the top and bottom buns together.
    5. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  4. Prepare Custard:
    1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  5. Dip Rolls:
    1. Dip each chilled roll into the custard mixture for 15-30 seconds, ensuring it’s well coated.
  6. Sear Rolls:
    1. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat for 1 minute.
    2. Add one cube of butter to the pan.
    3. Sear the custard-dipped rolls in batches like French toast until golden brown on at least 3 sides (around 4-5 minutes per batch).
    4. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel between batches to prevent burning the sugar.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
    1. Remove the seared rolls to the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss until fully coated.
    2. Place on a serving plate.
  8. Serve:
    1. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure your cream cheese is softened to make it easier to spread.
  • Adjust the amount of cinnamon swirl to your preference.
  • Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the rolls from burning.
  • Serve with a drizzle of icing or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half.
  • If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar.
  • Storing leftovers: keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg