Name: Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls (12 count original size); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened and divided); 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for icing); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted for icing); 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1-2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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My kids discovered these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls on social media last month and begged me to make them. I was skeptical at first. How good could cinnamon rolls made from dinner rolls really be? But one rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided to give them a shot. Thirty minutes later, we had warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar heaven coming out of the oven. My daughter declared them better than traditional cinnamon rolls, and honestly, I had to agree.

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls take the beloved sweetness of Kings Hawaiian Rolls and transform them into bite-sized cinnamon roll perfection. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls pairs beautifully with layers of butter and brown sugar cinnamon filling. Each little roll gets sliced horizontally, creating double the surface area for all that gooey goodness.

The best part? You skip all the labor-intensive steps of traditional cinnamon rolls. No dough mixing, no rising time, no rolling and cutting. Just slice, butter, sprinkle, bake, and drizzle with icing. They bake in just 15 minutes and deliver that fresh-from-the-bakery experience without the bakery effort.

Why Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Work So Well

Kings Hawaiian Rolls bring a subtle sweetness that traditional bread dough lacks. That signature honey flavor creates a perfect foundation for the brown sugar and cinnamon filling. The texture stays incredibly soft even after baking, giving you that pull-apart tenderness everyone craves in cinnamon rolls.

The genius of this recipe lies in slicing the entire sheet of rolls horizontally before separating them. This technique creates a layered effect similar to traditional cinnamon rolls but in a fraction of the time. The butter and cinnamon sugar get trapped between the top and bottom halves, melting together as they bake.

Dark brown sugar makes a significant difference here. It contains more molasses than light brown sugar, which adds deeper caramel notes and creates that irresistible gooey filling. Combined with plenty of cinnamon, each bite delivers bold flavor without being overwhelming.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

1 package Kings Hawaiian Rolls, 12 count original size
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and divided
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup powdered sugar for icing
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for icing
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grab a sharp serrated knife and carefully slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the rolls attached to each other as one solid sheet. This takes a steady hand, but the rolls are forgiving if your cut is not perfectly even.

Lift the top sheet off and set it aside. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread one-quarter cup of the softened butter generously over the cut surface of the bottom rolls. Make sure to get butter into all the little gaps between rolls.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. Sprinkle about two-thirds of this mixture evenly over the buttered bottom layer. Reserve the remaining third for topping.

Place the top sheet of Hawaiian rolls over the brown sugar layer, matching them up with the bottom half. Spread the remaining one-quarter cup of softened butter over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle the reserved brown sugar cinnamon mixture over everything.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. The rolls should be hot throughout with the butter and sugar bubbling along the edges. The tops will turn golden brown and develop a slight crust while the centers stay soft and gooey.

While the rolls bake, make the icing. Combine the powdered sugar with the melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker icing that sits on top, use less milk. For a thinner glaze that soaks in, add more.

When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for just 2 minutes. Heat the icing in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make it pourable, then drizzle generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately while the icing melts into all the crevices.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use a serrated bread knife for the cleanest cut when slicing the rolls horizontally.
Let the butter soften at room temperature for easier spreading. Cold butter tears the delicate rolls.
Press down gently on the rolls after adding the top layer to help everything stick together.
Watch the rolls closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Make the icing while the rolls bake so you can drizzle it on immediately when they come out hot.

Delicious Variations to Try

Transform these into cream cheese rolls by spreading softened cream cheese over the bottom layer before adding the cinnamon sugar. The tangy cream cheese adds richness and creates an even more decadent treat.

Make them extra indulgent by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar mixture. The nuts add crunch and toasted flavor that complements the soft rolls beautifully.

For a seasonal twist, add a quarter teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture in fall, or use orange zest in the icing during winter holidays.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Light brown sugar works if dark brown is not available, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.
Salted butter can replace unsalted, but reduce or omit the salt in the icing.
Heavy cream instead of milk creates an even richer, thicker icing.
Maple extract or almond extract can replace vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Coconut sugar makes an interesting substitution for brown sugar with subtle caramel notes.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store leftover Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They also keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the texture firms up slightly when cold.

These rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap the entire pan tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 300 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. Make fresh icing to drizzle on top.

Serve these warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with hot coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a special brunch, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream on the side.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why did my rolls dry out?

Overbaking causes dryness. Hawaiian rolls bake quickly, so check them right at the 15-minute mark. The butter should be bubbling but the rolls should still look slightly pale rather than deep golden brown.

How do I slice the rolls evenly?

Use a long serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. Keep one hand pressed gently on top of the rolls to stabilize them while you cut. Take your time and the cut does not need to be perfect.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls completely, cover the pan with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to the baking time since they will start cold. Make the icing fresh after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brand of sweet rolls?

Kings Hawaiian Rolls work best because of their specific soft texture and subtle sweetness. Other brands may not deliver the same results. If you must substitute, look for rolls with similar softness and slight sweetness.

How many people do Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls serve?

One package of 12 Hawaiian rolls makes 12 individual cinnamon rolls, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on whether you serve them as a snack or part of a larger meal.

Do I need to separate the rolls before baking?

No, keep the rolls attached as one sheet throughout the entire process. This makes assembly much easier and helps them bake evenly. Pull them apart to serve after baking.

Can I make these without the icing?

Absolutely. The Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls taste delicious even without icing. The butter and brown sugar create plenty of sweetness on their own. The icing adds extra indulgence but is not essential.

What size baking dish works best?

A standard 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for one 12-count package of Hawaiian rolls. The rolls fit snugly without being cramped, allowing heat to circulate properly for even baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use two packages of Hawaiian rolls and double all other ingredients. Bake them in separate 9×13 pans or use a large roasting pan to accommodate both sheets of rolls side by side.

How long do these stay fresh?

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls taste best within the first day but stay reasonably fresh for 2 days at room temperature. Store them covered to prevent drying out. Reheat briefly in the microwave to refresh them.