Grandma’s King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something heartwarming and nostalgic about recipes that come straight from Grandma’s kitchen—and these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are no exception. Soft, buttery, and dripping with a sweet cinnamon glaze, these rolls are a tribute to the comfort of home and the joy of simple pleasures. Made with the signature sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing, this quick and easy treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big on flavor while keeping things effortless. Whether you’re making them for a lazy Sunday morning or bringing a dish to share at a family brunch, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls offer a shortcut to homemade delight without compromising on flavor. Here’s why these rolls will quickly become one of your go-to treats:

1. Quick and Easy – Made with store-bought sweet rolls, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
2. Unbelievably Soft – The King’s Hawaiian rolls bake up tender and pillowy every time.
3. Classic Flavor – Brown sugar and cinnamon melt together into a rich, gooey topping.
4. Irresistible Icing – A velvety cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
5. Crowd-Pleaser – These are perfect for serving at brunches, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
6. Minimal Cleanup – Fewer dishes, more enjoyment—what’s not to love?

Preparation and Cooking Time

This recipe is perfect when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes homemade. Here’s a quick look at how long it will take:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooling and Icing Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to pull off this wonderfully comforting treat:

• 1 package (12 oz) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a warm tray of cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy in no time:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and arrange the Hawaiian rolls in it, keeping them closely packed together.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until fully blended.
4. Add the Topping: Spoon the cinnamon mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, making sure each one gets a coating of the buttery sugar blend.
5. Bake: Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
6. Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Drizzle and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for just a couple of minutes. Then drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top while they’re still warm. Serve immediately for maximum gooey goodness.

How to Serve

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the icing has just melted into the rolls and every bite feels like a hug from Grandma.

• Serve with a hot beverage like coffee, spiced chai, or hot cocoa.
• Add a fruit platter or eggs to balance the sweetness for brunch.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pecans if you’d like to dress them up.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This makes the icing smooth and easy to drizzle.
• Double the Topping: Love extra gooey rolls? Make 1.5x or 2x the butter-sugar-cinnamon mix.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes—overbaking can dry them out.
• Make Ahead: You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temp before baking.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds per roll.
• Freezing is not ideal due to the icing, but you can freeze the rolls before icing and add the glaze after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sweet roll?
Yes, but King’s Hawaiian adds a unique flavor and texture. Any soft, slightly sweet roll can work.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make a dairy-free version.

What if I want more filling?
Slice the rolls in half horizontally, spread half the cinnamon butter mixture in between, then reassemble and pour the rest on top.

Conclusion

Grandma’s King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of old-fashioned charm and modern convenience. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll get all the comfort and flavor of a homemade cinnamon roll, without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking up a quick treat or making Sunday brunch a little sweeter, this recipe is sure to win hearts—just like Grandma used to make.

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