Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Soft and Fluffy : The dough is light, airy, and reminiscent of the iconic King’s Hawaiian bread.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss : The gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar create warm, comforting pockets of sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Glaze : A rich, tangy glaze ties everything together for an indulgent finish.
- Customizable : Add nuts, raisins, or extra spices to tailor them to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare the dough ahead of time for stress-free baking in the morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these rolls lies in their simple yet indulgent ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3–3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake these soft, sweet cinnamon rolls? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes , or until frothy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour and the remaining granulated sugar. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes , adding small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12x16 inches . Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each slice.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until they’re puffy and touching each other.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes , or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker glaze).
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-sugar bliss!
