Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon

These easy cream cheese cinnamon rolls use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls for a shortcut treat that feels like homemade bakery magic. Instead of making dough from scratch you fill the pillowy rolls with a creamy cinnamon sugar filling and bake until golden for a gooey morning sweet that always disappears fast at my table.

I whipped these up for a holiday brunch the first time when I was short on time. Now my family requests them just about every weekend because they are so simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: Twelve count pack is ideal for soft pillowy texture and sweet flavor I always look for rolls that are still soft and fresh feeling in the bag
• Salted butter: Brings rich flavor to the cinnamon sugar topping Use cultured or European style butter for extra depth
• Brown sugar: Gives caramel warmth to the cinnamon swirl Look for dark brown for more molasses notes
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice boost Choose a fresh batch for strongest aroma and flavor
• Cream cheese: Full fat block style makes the filling ultra creamy Always soften completely before mixing to avoid lumps
• Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the filling Organic cane sugar works beautifully if you have it
• Large egg: This helps bind the cream cheese mixture and gives structure Use pasture raised or local eggs if possible for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish

Grease a nine by thirteen inch pan generously with butter to prevent sticking This step also adds flavor to the outside of each roll

Make space in the rolls

Use a sharp paring knife to cut a square in the top of each roll Gently pull out a little bread from the middle but keep the bottoms and sides intact so they hold the filling

Make the cinnamon butter

In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and ground cinnamon Stir until it forms a syrupy mixture Brush this inside each hollowed roll as well as over the tops so the whole surface is flavored

Mix the cream cheese filling

With a hand mixer beat softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth Add granulated sugar and crack in the egg Beat again until creamy and glossy Try not to over mix so the filling stays thick

Fill and bake

Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each roll Press it down gently so it fills the space right to the edges Place the filled rolls in the baking dish and bake at three seventy five degrees for about fifteen minutes until the tops are golden and the filling just sets

Serve warm

Let the rolls cool a few minutes They are at their best when still warm and the center is velvety soft

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The cream cheese filling is my favorite part Its richness reminds me of my grandma’s cheesecake and every time I bake these I think about her famous Sunday breakfasts

Storage Tips

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge These stay soft and tasty for up to three days You can rewarm in the microwave for fifteen seconds or bake at a low oven until hot

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian rolls try any soft sweet dinner rolls Avoid crusty bread which dries out You can swap in dairy free cream cheese and a plant based butter for a vegan version or try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a caramel note

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are amazing with coffee or tea Serve them as a brunch centerpiece or alongside scrambled eggs for a sweet meets savory breakfast Kids love adding their own toppings like mini chocolate chips or sliced strawberries before baking

A Touch of History

Cinnamon rolls date back to Sweden but this quick version feels modern thanks to the shortcut rolls King’s Hawaiian brings a unique island sweetness and the combo of cream cheese filling gives a nod to American bakery classics

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Remove just enough bread to create a cavity, but avoid breaking the bottom. This helps hold the filling and prevents sogginess while baking.

→ Can I prepare these rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for the best texture and warmth.

→ What other fillings work well with these rolls?

Fruit jams, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts mix well with the cream cheese filling for added flavor and texture.

→ Do I need to use King’s Hawaiian brand rolls?

While King’s Hawaiian rolls give the best sweetness and texture, other soft, sweet dinner rolls work as a substitute.

→ How can I make the filling extra creamy?

Use room temperature cream cheese and thoroughly beat with sugar and egg to achieve a very smooth, creamy texture.

→ Are there any suggested toppings?

Try dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling with glaze, or topping with fresh berries before baking for added sweetness and flavor.