Soft, pillowy, and packed with tropical flavor, these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls take the classic cinnamon roll to the next level! Imagine fluffy rolls infused with a hint of pineapple, swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar, and topped with a rich coconut glaze. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re on a warm island getaway. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Twist on a Classic: The perfect balance of sweet pineapple, warm cinnamon, and creamy coconut.
Soft and Fluffy: Made with a tender, buttery dough that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend treat or a holiday brunch, these cinnamon rolls steal the show.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning!
Irresistible Glaze: A coconut-infused glaze takes these rolls to the next level.
Ingredients in Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Pineapple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor to the dough.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for a soft, fluffy dough.
Yeast: Helps the dough rise to perfection.
Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Eggs: Create a soft texture and help bind the dough.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: The classic, warm filling we all love.
Crushed Pineapple: A juicy addition for extra island flavor.
Coconut Milk: Used in the glaze for a creamy, tropical finish.
Powdered Sugar: The key to a smooth and sweet glaze.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: Warm the pineapple juice and mix it with yeast. Let it sit until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture, then knead until smooth.
Let It Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Drain crushed pineapple to remove excess moisture.
Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and pineapple. Roll it up tightly and slice into even rolls.
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and coconut milk until smooth.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy!
How to Serve Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
With Extra Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added crunch.
With Fresh Pineapple: Serve alongside fresh pineapple slices for an extra tropical touch.
Warm with Coffee: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
As a Holiday Brunch Dish: These rolls make the perfect centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or a tropical-themed breakfast!
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Pineapple Carefully: If using fresh pineapple instead of canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning!
Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked rolls, then thaw and bake when needed.
Knead Until Smooth: A well-kneaded dough creates the softest, fluffiest rolls.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow rolls to cool for a few minutes before glazing so the icing doesn’t melt too much.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of pineapple juice in the dough?
A1: Yes, but pineapple juice adds a unique tropical flavor that makes these rolls special.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prepare them the night before and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A4: Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake when ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Microwave for 15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Q6: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A6: Yes! Chopped macadamia nuts or golden raisins would be great additions.
Q7: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A7: Yes, but reduce the rise time since instant yeast works faster.
Q8: What can I substitute for coconut milk in the glaze?
A8: Heavy cream or regular milk will work, but coconut milk enhances the tropical flavor.
Q9: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A9: Yes! Use the dough setting, then follow the instructions from rolling out the dough.
Q10: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A10: Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls bring a tropical twist to a beloved classic, making them a must-try for any cinnamon roll lover. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these soft, sweet, and slightly tangy rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you think—Aloha and happy baking!
Print
Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, dipped in a creamy custard, and pan-fried to golden perfection. These indulgent treats are like a cross between cinnamon rolls and French toast—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For Custard:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
For Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
For Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling & Sugar Coating:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until a thick paste forms. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
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Assemble Rolls:
- Cut Hawaiian rolls in half. Spread softened cream cheese on both sides.
- Drizzle the cinnamon filling over the cream cheese and sandwich the rolls back together.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
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Make Custard & Dip Rolls:
- In a large bowl, whisk together half and half, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Dip each chilled roll into the custard mixture for 15-30 seconds, ensuring they are well coated but not soggy.
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Cook Rolls:
- Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add a cube of butter and pan-fry rolls in batches until golden brown on at least three sides (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
- Wipe the pan with a paper towel between batches to prevent burnt sugar.
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Coat & Serve:
- Toss warm rolls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel or maple syrup.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg