Making Cinnamon Rolls with Hawaiian Rolls
Making Cinnamon Rolls with Hawaiian Rolls is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $5.22 total, $0.44 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
- 2/3 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)
- 12 rolls Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (store‑bought, pre‑baked package)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, for frosting)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 pinch Salt (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the rolls.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Make Cinnamon Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Rolls
Arrange the 12 Hawaiian rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spread most of the cinnamon‑butter mixture evenly between the rolls, reserving a small amount to drizzle on top after baking.
Time: PT3M
Bake Rolls
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the butter is bubbling.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, 4 tbsp softened butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 cup sifted powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Time: PT5M
Frost Warm Rolls
Remove the rolls from the oven. While still warm, spread the cream‑cheese frosting over the top of the rolls, allowing the glaze to drip down the sides.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, vegetable shortening
- Instead of Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar, white sugar mixed with molasses
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon sugar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Dinner rolls, store‑bought brioche rolls
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Mascarpone, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste, almond extract (use less)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners' sugar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spread the cinnamon‑butter mixture evenly between the rolls to ensure every bite is flavored.
- Do not overbake; watch for a light golden color after 20 minutes.
- Frost the rolls while they are still warm so the frosting drips deliciously.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter for a smoother cinnamon‑butter spread.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle a tiny bit of granulated sugar on top before baking.
Troubleshooting
Rolls are soggy after baking
Increase bake time by 5‑7 minutes or bake on a wire rack to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Frosting is too runny
Add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
Frosting is too thick
Stir in a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream to loosen it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cinnamon‑butter mixture and cream‑cheese frosting up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated; bring to room temperature before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cinnamon rolls in American cuisine?
Cinnamon rolls originated from Swedish kanelbullar, brought to the United States by Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th century. Over time they became a beloved American breakfast and brunch staple, especially in the Midwest and the South, where they are often served with a sweet glaze or cream‑cheese frosting.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon rolls in the United States?
In the American South, cinnamon rolls are frequently topped with a rich cream‑cheese frosting, while in the Midwest they are often glazed with a simple sugar‑butter icing. Some New England bakeries add raisins or nuts, and in the Pacific Northwest a drizzle of caramel is popular.
How are cinnamon rolls traditionally served in American households?
Cinnamon rolls are typically served warm for breakfast or brunch, often alongside coffee or tea. They may be sliced in half and buttered, or left whole to be pulled apart, and are sometimes accompanied by fresh fruit or a side of yogurt.
What occasions or celebrations are cinnamon rolls associated with in American culture?
Cinnamon rolls are a common treat for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), and family gatherings. They are also a popular offering at church potlucks and school bake sales.
How does this easy cinnamon roll recipe fit into the broader American bakery tradition?
This recipe reflects the American trend of simplifying classic bakery items by using store‑bought dough, allowing home cooks to achieve bakery‑quality flavor with minimal effort. It showcases the American love for indulgent, sweet breakfast pastries that can be prepared quickly.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic cinnamon rolls versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional cinnamon rolls use yeasted sweet dough, butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a simple glaze. Acceptable substitutes include pre‑made rolls (like Hawaiian rolls) for the dough, margarine for butter, and cream‑cheese frosting in place of a glaze, as used in this recipe.
What other American dishes pair well with these easy cinnamon rolls?
These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside quiche, avocado toast, or a mimosa cocktail.
What makes this cinnamon roll recipe special or unique in American cuisine?
The recipe eliminates the need for yeast dough, cutting preparation time dramatically while still delivering the classic buttery, cinnamon‑spiced flavor. Using Hawaiian rolls adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture that distinguishes it from traditional rolled dough.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making these easy cinnamon rolls?
Common mistakes include over‑spreading the cinnamon butter, which can make the rolls soggy, and over‑baking, which dries them out. Also, frosting the rolls while they are too hot can cause the frosting to melt completely and run off the tray.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and keep the cinnamon‑butter spread on them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, then frost while warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes specializes in home‑cooking tutorials that cover a wide range of cuisines, skill levels, and meal types, offering clear, step‑by‑step videos that make everyday cooking approachable for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes focuses on practical, ingredient‑flexible recipes that use readily available grocery items, often providing shortcuts like using store‑bought dough, whereas many other channels emphasize from‑scratch techniques or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
