From-scratch Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Looking for viral recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat? These Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Are a sweet twist on a classic favorite. Using soft King’s Hawaiian rolls as the base, you’ll learn how to make cinnamon rolls with a shortcut method that’s soft-centered, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Well-balanced for brunch, holiday mornings, or a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

These decadent and creamy Hawaiian cream cheese cinnamon rolls are the well-balanced shortcut to get soft and creamy cinnamon rolls from oven to table in less than 30 minutes.

Why this stays in the rotation

1. Uses store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls for a speedy and straightforward base.
2. A rich cream cheese filling makes them extra decadent.
3. Well-balanced for beginners who want to learn how to make cinnamon rolls without yeast dough.
4. Shareable, pull-apart style that makes them a party-ready treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the rolls:

• King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
• Salted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

For the cream cheese filling:

• 1 large egg
• 1 (8-ounce) brick full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

How to Make Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Prepare the rolls. Prepare the Hawaiian rolls by placing them into your prepared casserole dish. Use a small knife to carefully cut a small square in the top of each roll, but make sure you don’t cut all the way through to the bottom of the bread. Pull out a small amount of the bread and set it aside.

Make the butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Make the filling. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with an electric hand mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and egg, mixing until well incorporated.

Fill the rolls. Use a pastry brush to brush the mixture over the tops and insides of each roll. Make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies and be generous with the butter. Spoon generous heaps of the filling into the well of each roll.

Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are a deep golden color and the cream cheese filling has set. Let the rolls cool in the dish for about 5 minutes before slicing them into individual portions and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

1. Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
3. Serve with fresh fruit or coffee for a brunch-worthy spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until soft again.

More Hawaiian Roll Recipes

Boston Cream Pie Hawaiian Rolls

Cheesy Hawaiian Garlic Bread

Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Ham Sliders

Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Prep 10 minutesCook 15 minutesTotal 25 minutesMakes 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

• 1 12 Count Package King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 3 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 8-ounce brick full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Method

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the rolls. Prepare the Hawaiian rolls by placing them into your prepared casserole dish. Use a small knife to carefully cut a small square in the top of each roll, but make sure you don’t cut all the way through to the bottom of the bread. Pull out a small amount of the bread and set it aside.
3. Make the butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Use a pastry brush to brush the mixture over the tops and insides of each roll. Make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies and be generous with the butter.
4. Make the filling. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with an electric hand mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and egg, mixing until well incorporated.
5. Fill the rolls. Spoon generous heaps of the filling into the well of each roll.
6. Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are a deep golden color and the cream cheese filling has set. Let the rolls cool in the dish for about 5 minutes before slicing them into individual portions and serving warm.

Notes

• Storage Instructions: If you have leftover cream cheese cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. How can we reheat this dish? You can reheat larger portions in the oven or use the microwave for individual portions. Oven: Pop the cinnamon rolls into a baking dish and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed throughout. Microwave: Place the cinnamon roll onto a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds on high. <div class="