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