Hawaiian Rolls Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This Hawaiian Rolls Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a shortcut dream! Soft Hawaiian rolls baked with cinnamon butter and glaze for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Knife for separating rolls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 pack Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 count
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Arrange the Rolls
- Place Hawaiian rolls into the baking dish. You can keep them connected for pull-apart style or slightly separate them for more glaze coverage.
Step 3: Make Cinnamon Butter Mixture
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly thick.
- The mixture should be pourable but rich and glossy.
Step 4: Coat the Rolls
- Drizzle the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the rolls. Use a spoon or brush to make sure it seeps between the rolls.
- This step is what creates that gooey, caramelized texture.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops are golden and the butter-sugar mixture is bubbling slightly around the edges.
- The aroma will be sweet, buttery, and irresistible.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Step 7: Finish and Glaze
- Remove rolls from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle glaze generously over warm rolls so it melts into the layers.
- For extra indulgence, use cream cheese frosting instead.
Step 8: Serve Warm
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey. Every bite should be soft, sweet, and slightly sticky in the best way.
Notes
- Use real butter for best flavor
- Don’t skimp on cinnamon mixture
- Bake just until golden—don’t overbake
- Pour glaze while rolls are warm
- Add extra cinnamon for stronger spice flavor