Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re ready to turn your breakfast or brunch into something unforgettable, you simply have to try this Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Picture this: soft, pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls soaked in homemade cinnamon butter, swirled with juicy bits of pineapple and toasted nuts, and crowned with a bright, tropical glaze. The flavors are warm and comforting, but with a playful island twist that makes each bite a little mini-vacation. Whether you’re serving guests or just indulging yourself, these rolls are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of key ingredients, the Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe captures that signature tropical sweetness and a hint of sunshine in every bite. Each ingredient brings its own delicious magic, helping to create dreamy, gooey rolls with a perfect balance of flavor.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 x 16 oz package): Their extra-soft texture and subtle sweetness are the ultimate foundation for these cinnamon rolls.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Blends smoothly into the cinnamon filling, creating luscious, gooey layers.
- Packed brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and melts perfectly with the butter and spices.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The heart of any great cinnamon roll, delivering irresistible warmth and spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch lifts the flavor and adds cozy depth if you like.
- Crushed pineapple (1/2 cup, drained): Tropical, juicy bursts keep every bite unique and moist.
- Chopped pecans or macadamia nuts (1/2 cup, optional): For a toasty crunch and a hint of buttery, nutty flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for the glaze): Makes an ultra-smooth, silky topping.
- Pineapple juice or milk (2–3 tablespoons, for the glaze): Pineapple juice adds tangy brightness, milk keeps it classic and creamy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for the glaze): Rounds out the glaze with sweet, fragrant notes.
How to Make Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Without pulling the rolls apart, slice the whole loaf horizontally, like you’re making a giant sandwich. This keeps everything neat and lets that lovely cinnamon butter soak through every layer.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter
In a medium bowl, blend the softened butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg if you’re using it. Mix until you have a smooth, easily spreadable paste that smells absolutely divine—you can already imagine how good these will taste!
Step 3: Layer on the Goodness
Place the bottom half of your rolls into the baking dish. Generously spread the cinnamon butter mixture over this layer, making sure to reach all the corners. Sprinkle the surface with the crushed pineapple for pops of sweet, juicy flavor, and scatter the nuts over the top if you like them for extra crunch.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Set the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back in place and gently press down. Pop the whole dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops are golden, the filling is bubbling, and the kitchen smells like pure heaven. You’ll want to dig in immediately, but let’s add that finishing touch first!
Step 5: Whip Up the Tropical Glaze
While the rolls are baking, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar, pineapple juice (or milk), and vanilla extract. Stir until your glaze is silky smooth and pourable—add a touch more liquid if needed. When the rolls come out, immediately drizzle that gorgeous glaze all over while they’re warm for a glossy, sweet finish.
How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Take your rolls to the next level by sprinkling a little extra crushed pineapple, a handful of toasted coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze. These tropical touches make them look as special as they taste!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with a side of fresh fruit salad, or serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast spread. A hot cup of caramel coffee or a chilled glass of pineapple juice pairs perfectly and highlights the flavors in your Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these in a vintage baking dish or cast iron pan straight from the oven for a rustic look. For brunch parties or potlucks, cut the rolls into smaller pieces and stack them on a tiered platter, drizzling the glaze just before guests arrive for maximum “wow” effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and pillowy, ready for a quick breakfast or sweet snack.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual rolls or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the glaze, and drizzle after reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge first, then glaze and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I add coconut or cream cheese to the glaze?
Absolutely! Mixing in shredded coconut or a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese adds another layer of tropical richness to the glaze. Start with small amounts, then adjust to your taste.
Do I have to use pineapple in the filling?
Pineapple is what gives this Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe its bright, tropical character, but you can swap it for diced mango or leave it out for a more classic cinnamon roll taste if you prefer.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking as usual the next morning. It’s a brunch time-saver!
Are these rolls sweet enough for dessert?
Yes! The gooey cinnamon filling, juicy pineapple, and glossy glaze make this treat just as suitable for dessert as it is for breakfast or brunch.
Can I double the Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a crowd?
For sure—just use two packages of rolls and double all the filling and glaze ingredients. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and watch them disappear at your next gathering!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something a little different, a bit of sunshine in your kitchen, this Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is pure joy in every bite. Give it a try and share it with someone you love—you may find it quickly becomes a new favorite on your table!
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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls with a delightful pineapple twist. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, crushed pineapple, and optional nuts, topped with a pineapple glaze.
Ingredients
Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 (16 oz) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts (optional)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons pineapple juice or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread cinnamon butter mixture on the bottom half, add pineapple and nuts, then replace the top half.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until warm and golden.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Best served warm and fresh.
- Try adding coconut or cream cheese to the glaze.
- Can be made ahead and gently reheated before glazing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
