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My kitchen turns into a slice of paradise when I whip up these Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls. The pillowy Kings Hawaiian rolls cradle a velvety cream cheese mixture, all wrapped in a buttery cinnamon coating that'll make your mouth water. I came up with this treat during a boring weekend at home, and now we can't go without them on Sunday mornings.
When I made these for my daughter's graduation breakfast, they vanished in minutes. Everyone left clutching napkins with the recipe scribbled on them. I got wide-eyed looks of surprise when folks found out I'd started with Kings Hawaiian rolls as the base.
Key Ingredients Explained
- Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: They've got that special softness and hint of sweetness you won't get from regular dinner rolls
- Full-fat cream cheese: Gives you that rich, tangy goodness. Make sure it's sitting out at room temp for the best filling
- European-style butter: It's got more fat in it, which makes the glaze taste so much better
- Fresh ground cinnamon: Fills your home with cozy, spicy smells that'll make everyone come running
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper flavor with hints of molasses
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Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Get The Rolls Ready: Scoop out the middle of each roll to make little cups for the filling. Don't throw away those bread middles. They're perfect for snacking while you cook! Just make sure to leave enough bread around the sides so everything stays together.
Whip Up The Glaze: Melt your butter until it's just turned liquid, then mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it's all smooth. You want it warm so it spreads nicely but not so hot it soaks through the rolls. Brush it all over inside those little bread cups.
Mix The Filling: Beat your room temp cream cheese for about 3 minutes until it's fluffy. Slowly add sugar, then the egg, and mix till it's super smooth. You want it thick enough to keep its shape but easy to spoon. Add a tiny bit of salt to bring out all the flavors.
Put It All Together: Fill each hollowed roll with plenty of the cream cheese mix. Don't hold back. It'll turn into this amazing custardy center when baked. My family sometimes likes to sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before they go in the oven.
Bake Them Up: Let them work their magic in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes. Look for tops turning golden brown and centers slightly puffed up. The filling should be set but still have a little wobble to it.
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Prep Ahead Options and Keeping Leftovers
You can totally get ahead with these rolls:
- Put everything together before bed
- Cover them up tight with foil and stick in the fridge
- When baking from cold, add about 5 extra minutes
- Any leftovers will stay good in the fridge for 3 days if they don't get eaten first!
Tasty Twists I've Tried
After countless Sunday morning experiments, I've found some awesome ways to change things up:
- Mix orange zest into the cream cheese
- Pour maple glaze on top after baking
- Add chopped pecans before they go in the oven
- Mix in some berry jam with the cream cheese
Perfect Times to Serve These Delights
These rolls work really well for:
- Breakfast during holidays
- Brunch at baby showers
- Family breakfasts on weekends
- Something sweet with afternoon tea
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Insider Tips for Amazing Results
Getting the temperature right makes all the difference:
- Let cream cheese sit out so it's soft for a smooth filling
- Butter should be warm but not super hot for the glaze
- Let the rolls sit for 10 minutes after baking before you dig in
These rolls aren't just food in our home. They've become part of our family traditions. My daughter now makes them for her friends at college, and my mother-in-law asks for them whenever she stops by. There's something special about watching everyone gather around the table, building memories with each sweet, creamy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these early?
- Sure, prep to the filling step, chill overnight, and bake fresh the next day.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before eating.
- → What fruits pair well?
- Raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries are all fantastic options. Add them right before baking.
- → Is freezing possible?
- Not ideal as freezing might mess with the bread’s texture and filling consistency.
- → How do I get rolls browner?
- Brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking to get that nice golden finish.