Name: King's Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls - Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 1 (12 count) package King's Hawaiian original sweet rolls; 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 large egg

Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a portal to pure, unadulterated joy. Have you ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, gooey cinnamon filling, impossibly soft bread, and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth? That’s the magic we’re unlocking today. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. The secret lies in the legendary Kings Hawaiian bread, its signature sweetness and pillowy texture providing the ultimate foundation for a truly decadent experience. We take that divine base and elevate it with a swirl of warm cinnamon and brown sugar, then crown it all with a luscious, homemade cream cheese glaze. Get ready to ditch the store-bought and embrace a homemade marvel that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Prepare for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients:

1 (12 count) package King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg

Preparing the Rolls

Step 1: Halving and Arranging the Rolls

The foundation of our delicious Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls starts with these wonderfully soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls. Begin by carefully taking the entire 12-count package of rolls and slicing them horizontally, just as you would a bagel. A serrated knife works best for this to avoid squishing the delicate rolls. Once sliced, arrange the bottom halves of the rolls snugly in a single layer in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Ensure they are packed together tightly; this helps them bake into a cohesive, pull-apart treat and prevents the filling from escaping. Save the tops of the rolls; we’ll be using those later.

Step 2: Crafting the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

Now, let’s create that irresistible spiced filling. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir these together thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This mixture will be sprinkled over the buttered rolls to infuse them with that classic cinnamon-sugar flavor we all love. Don’t overmix, just ensure it’s well combined so each bite gets that perfect sweet and spicy balance.

Creating the Cream Cheese Mixture

Step 3: Whipping the Cream Cheese Base

This is where the “cream cheese” magic happens for our Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. In a medium bowl, ensure your 8 ounces of cream cheese is nice and soft. You can achieve this by leaving it out on the counter for about an hour before you start, or by gently microwaving it for 10-15 second intervals, being careful not to melt it. Add the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a lump-free and wonderfully creamy filling. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporating the Egg for Richness

Next, we’ll add the 1 large egg to our cream cheese mixture. Crack the egg directly into the bowl with the cream cheese and sugar. Continue beating with your mixer or whisk until the egg is fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture. The egg acts as a binder and adds a richness that complements the sweetness of the rolls and the cream cheese. Again, ensure there are no streaks of egg white or yolk visible. The goal is a uniform, pale yellow, smooth, and luxurious cream cheese filling.

Assembling and Baking

Step 5: Layering the Flavors and Baking

Now it’s time to bring all the elements together for our Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. Take the melted 6 tablespoons of salted butter and generously brush it over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish. Don’t be shy with the butter; it helps create a wonderfully tender and slightly crisp bottom. Next, evenly sprinkle the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered rolls. Distribute it as evenly as possible so every roll gets its fair share of this delicious topping. Then, carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brown sugar and cinnamon layer, spreading it gently to cover the tops of the rolls. Finally, place the reserved top halves of the King’s Hawaiian rolls on top of the cream cheese filling, cut side down.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly, a true testament to the delightful Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls you’re about to enjoy. Let them cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before attempting to pull them apart and serve. This allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to firm up slightly, making them easier to serve and preventing them from falling apart too much. For an extra decadent treat, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over them once slightly cooled.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delightful way to elevate your mornings or satisfy a sweet craving! These Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing together the unparalleled softness of Kings Hawaiian rolls with a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling and a perfectly spiced cinnamon swirl. The result is a decadent yet surprisingly easy treat that’s sure to become a household favorite. I hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, devouring them as much as I do!

For serving, I love these warm, perhaps with an extra drizzle of the cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar. They are fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For variations, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra crunch. You could also experiment with different extracts in the frosting, like a touch of almond or orange zest. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the dough for these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with rolling and filling.

Q: My cream cheese frosting is too thick or too thin. What can I do?

A: If your frosting is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up.