25-Minute Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

There are weekend mornings, and then there are weekend mornings. The latter are the ones where the smell of something warm, sweet, and cinnamony drifts from the kitchen, promising a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting. These Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are the key to unlocking that next-level weekend bliss. Imagine the soft, sweet perfection of King’s Hawaiian rolls, transformed into individual cinnamon-swirled, cream cheese-filled pastries. It’s the ultimate breakfast hack, delivering the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll and a tangy cheesecake Danish in under 30 minutes. No kneading, no rising, just pure, gooey delight.

Why make this recipe

If you’re not already convinced, here’s why this recipe needs to be on your “must-make” list immediately:

Unbelievably Fast: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a bake time of 15 minutes, you can have these warm, decadent rolls on the table in less time than it takes to watch a cartoon with the kids. It’s the perfect recipe for an impressive but low-effort breakfast or brunch.

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry and fridge staples. The star, King’s Hawaiian rolls, provides a massive shortcut, giving you a soft, sweet, and fluffy base without any of the work of making dough from scratch.

The Perfect Mashup: Can’t decide between a gooey cinnamon roll and a tangy cream cheese Danish? Now you don’t have to! This recipe combines the best of both worlds into one perfect bite.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday breakfast, a lazy Sunday brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast. For another genius way to use these sweet rolls for breakfast, you have to try this Hawaiian Roll French Toast!

Ingredients

• 1 (12 Count Package) King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
• 6 tbsp Salted Butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 Egg

How to make Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the entire slab of King’s Hawaiian rolls in your prepared dish. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully cut a square into the top of each roll. Be gentle and make sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Gently pull out the small square of bread from the center to create a little cavity for the filling.

Step 3: In a small bowl, create the cinnamon-sugar magic. Combine the melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops and the insides of each hollowed-out roll with this buttery, spiced mixture.

Step 4: Now for the creamy filling! In a separate mixing bowl, grab a hand mixer and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and free of lumps. Add the granulated sugar and the egg, and continue mixing until the mixture is creamy, luscious, and well-blended.

Step 5: Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each roll’s cavity. Don’t be shy—fill them up generously!

Step 6: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the rolls are a beautiful golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set and slightly puffed. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

How to serve Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are absolutely divine served warm, straight from the oven. The buttery cinnamon sugar is gooey, and the cream cheese is perfectly soft. For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust them with a little powdered sugar before serving. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a bigger brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

How to store Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

While these are best enjoyed the day they are made, leftovers can be stored. Once completely cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to help them crisp up slightly.

Tips to make

Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest, creamiest filling, make sure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This prevents lumps and helps everything combine beautifully.

Don’t Over-Cut: Be careful when hollowing out the rolls. You want to create a well for the filling, but if you cut through the bottom, the filling can leak out during baking.

Add a Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll, whisk together a simple glaze of powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drop of vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the warm rolls right before serving.

Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-butter mixture for a warmer spice profile. If you’re a true cinnamon and cheesecake fan, our Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is another dessert you won’t want to miss!

FAQs About Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use a different type of roll?

While King’s Hawaiian rolls are recommended for their signature sweetness and soft texture, you could experiment with other soft dinner rolls or brioche sliders. The taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Because they are so quick to assemble, they are best made fresh. However, you could prepare the rolls (hollowing them out and placing them in the dish) and mix the filling a few hours ahead of time. Store both separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before you want to serve them.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

No problem! You can mix the cream cheese filling by hand with a whisk or a sturdy spatula. Just make sure your cream cheese is very soft to start with, and be prepared to use a little elbow grease to get it completely smooth and lump-free before adding the other ingredients

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavor of cinnamon rolls but not the time they take to make. It’s a simple, brilliant hack that transforms a package of sweet rolls into a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible breakfast treat. Perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or any time you need a quick dose of comfort, these Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.

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