Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece with these King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls! We’re taking the already amazing King’s Hawaiian rolls and turning them into a gooey, cinnamon-sugar-drenched delight that’s perfect for weekend brunches, cozy mornings, or even an impressive dessert. Get ready for a taste of heaven!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly easy, even for beginner bakers! We’re using pre-made King’s Hawaiian rolls, which means less prep time and more time enjoying delicious cinnamon rolls. The combination of sweet cream cheese frosting and the delicate sweetness of the rolls creates a flavor balance that’s simply irresistible.
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🍯 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ☕ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 🥛 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🥛 2 cups powdered sugar
- 🥛 1/4 cup milk
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ Separate the rolls and place them in the prepared pan. Gently pull them apart slightly, making sure they’re touching but not overlapping too much.
3️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
4️⃣ Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolls, making sure to coat them well.
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and heated through.
6️⃣ While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
7️⃣ Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8️⃣ Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, generously frost the warm rolls with the cream cheese frosting.
9️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra gooey rolls, add a drizzle of melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- If you want a richer cinnamon flavor, use 3 teaspoons of cinnamon instead of 2.
- Don’t overbake the rolls – they should be golden brown but not overly hard.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the rolls bake evenly and the frosting doesn’t melt too much. A lower temperature might result in underbaked rolls, while a higher temperature could lead to burnt edges.
Crunch Factor
The cinnamon rolls themselves are soft and pillowy, offering a delightful contrast to the slightly crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even distribution of the cinnamon sugar, use a pastry brush to spread it over the rolls.
- To make the cream cheese frosting even smoother, add a tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of salt to the frosting for a subtle flavor enhancement.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cinnamon rolls make a wonderful gift! Package them in a pretty tin or basket lined with parchment paper. A simple ribbon and a festive card complete the look.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before pouring over the rolls.
🌟 Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the cream cheese frosting.
🌟 Maple Pecan: Drizzle maple syrup over the frosted rolls and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
🌟 Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing citrus twist.
Troubleshooting
- Rolls are dry: They were likely overbaked. Next time, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
- Frosting is too thick: Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Rolls are too brown: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) next time.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of rolls? While King’s Hawaiian rolls work best, you can experiment with other sweet rolls, but the result might vary.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the frosting ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the rolls when ready.
- What if I don’t have powdered sugar? Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch but the frosting’s texture might be slightly different.
- Do I have to use brown sugar? You can experiment with white sugar, but the brown sugar provides a richer flavor.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking pan.
Conclusion
These King’s Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us! We can’t wait to see your amazing cinnamon roll pictures!