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King's Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, sweet King's Hawaiian Rolls transformed into gooey cinnamon rolls with a luscious cream cheese frosting—perfect for a cozy morning with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pack Original King's Hawaiian Rolls 12-count slab, connected
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter for cinnamon filling
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar for cinnamon filling
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon for cinnamon filling
  • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese for frosting
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter for frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk to loosen frosting

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Remove King's Hawaiian Rolls slab from package and place on prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a spiral into the top of each roll, starting from the center and working outward—do not cut all the way through.
  3. Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until butter is melted. Stir until mixture forms a thick paste.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the warm cinnamon filling evenly over the rolls, pressing gently into the spiral cuts. Let the rolls rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Bake rolls on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes until tops are golden brown and cinnamon filling bubbles. Let cool slightly.
  6. Step 6: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low then medium until silky. Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time, beating until thick and spreadable.
  7. Step 7: Spread cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, creamy cinnamon roll experience.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days because of the cream cheese frosting. They freeze well when individually wrapped—freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently. For variations, add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling, or swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.