Name: Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12 Count Package) King's Hawaiian original sweet rolls; 6 tbsp Salted Butter, melted; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon; 8 oz Softened Cream Cheese; 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar; 1 Egg

I have to tell you, the Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those delightful treats that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The way the soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up that buttery cinnamon goodness, combined with the creamy, dreamy filling, makes this recipe an absolute winner for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. It s quick enough for a weekend morning but special enough to impress family and friends without breaking a sweat.

What I love most about this Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how approachable it is-no complicated dough or fancy equipment needed. You get all the flavor and sweetness packed into those little rolls that you can grab at your local store, making it perfect for when you want a homemade vibe without too much fuss. Trust me, once you try these, they ll become a regular request at your table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: Uses store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls, so no need to make dough from scratch.
Cream Cheese Filling: Adds a luscious richness that elevates these cinnamon rolls beyond the ordinary.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The brown sugar cinnamon butter glaze perfectly complements the soft rolls.
Versatile and Crowd Pleaser: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a special occasion brunch.

Twelve soft cinnamon rolls sit closely packed in a white baking dish, each roll showing a golden brown top layer covered with creamy, smooth white icing spread unevenly across the center. The rolls have a slightly crusty edge with visible dark cinnamon specks swirling through the dough. There is a light glaze and cinnamon dust residue on the bottom and sides of the dish. The rolls are square-shaped and arranged in a 3x4 grid on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that iconic sweet, soft, and gooey texture we all crave in cinnamon rolls. Each element plays a role in balancing flavors and textures perfectly.

King’s Hawaiian original sweet rolls: The foundation of this recipe; their signature softness and sweetness make the rolls irresistible.
Salted Butter: Use melted for easy spreading and for that rich buttery flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: The soul of any cinnamon roll; make sure to use fresh for the best aroma.
Softened Cream Cheese: So important to be soft for a smooth filling that blends easily.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without overpowering.
Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese filling, giving it a custardy texture.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how forgiving this recipe is, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to swap in your favorite spices, add fruit, or even adjust sweetness levels, these rolls handle it all like a champ.

Berry Addition: I like slipping in fresh strawberries or blueberries right on top of the cream cheese filling before baking-it adds a fresh, tangy contrast that’s delicious.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a great crunch and a cozy flavor from my experience.
Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter to make these suitable for vegan friends-I’ve tested it and still got rave reviews!
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture gives the rolls a warming depth I adore.

How to Make Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Prepare Your Rolls

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish-this helps the rolls bake evenly without sticking. Then grab your Kings Hawaiian rolls and carefully cut a small square into the top of each-don t cut all the way through! Pull out a bit of the bread from inside to make room for that luscious cream cheese filling. This part can be a little delicate, so go slow and keep the bottoms intact; that’s what holds the filling in.

Step 2: Mix and Brush the Cinnamon Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you get a smooth, spreadable glaze. Don t skimp here-the cinnamon butter is what gives the rolls that addictive flavor! Brush the mixture generously over the tops and inside each hollowed-out roll to ensure every bite is flavorful and buttery. Trust me, the more you brush, the better.

Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Cream Cheese Mixture

Take the softened cream cheese and beat it with a hand mixer until nice and smooth-this prevents any lumps in your filling. Mix in the granulated sugar and egg until the mixture feels creamy and holds together well. Using a spoon or small spatula, carefully fill each roll s cavity with the cream cheese mixture, filling them generously but avoiding overflow.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the filled rolls into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You ll know they re done when the tops turn a light golden brown and the cream cheese filling looks set but still soft. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual portions-that way, the filling won t spill everywhere, and you get those perfect cozy bites.

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Pro Tips for Making Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Don t Skip Softening the Cream Cheese: I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese makes mixing tough and the filling lumpy-give it at least 30 minutes on the counter.
Be Gentle When Hollowing: Pull out just enough bread to hold filling without biting into the bottom of the rolls to avoid leaking during baking.
Generously Brush Butter Mix: I always double-coat mine on both sides of the hollow and tops for an ultra-moist, flavorful roll.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the rolls cool slightly, or you ll end up with cream cheese filling everywhere-it s worth the wait.

How to Serve Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with a single cinnamon roll piece on it, topped with a thick layer of creamy white icing. The cinnamon roll has a golden brown, slightly crispy outer layer with soft, fluffy inner layers that show some swirls of cinnamon. A woman's hand holds a fork lifting a piece of cinnamon roll generously covered in smooth, glossy icing that drips slightly. In the background, there is a white plate filled with more cinnamon rolls with similar golden brown tops and a dollop of white icing on each. The surface beneath the plates is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey just before serving, but I ve also topped mine with fresh berries-especially strawberries-which add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Sometimes, a light sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans brings a delightful crunch and depth.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich latte for a perfect brunch vibe. On occasion, I ll serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to round out the meal if breakfast is the star occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday breakfasts, I like to arrange these rolls on a decorative platter and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for a fresh pop of color. Another fun idea is serving each roll in a mini individual ramekin-adds a touch of elegance and makes serving a breeze at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for about 2 days. When ready to eat, just let them come to room temperature or gently warm them up-still tastes surprisingly fresh and delicious!

Freezing

If I want to save rolls for later, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When thawing, I bring them to the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole batch in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10-12 minutes. This revives the softness and warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use other rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian for this recipe?

While King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their signature sweetness and softness, you can experiment with other sweet rolls or soft dinner rolls. Just note that the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but the recipe will still work well overall.
How soft should the cream cheese be before mixing?

The cream cheese should be room temperature and very soft, so it blends smoothly with the egg and sugar. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps and make filling difficult to spread, so I recommend leaving it out for at least 30 minutes before starting.
Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?

Yes! You can fill the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking, so they heat evenly.
What s the best way to avoid filling leaks during baking?

Be careful not to hollow out the rolls too deeply or cut through the bottom-it acts as a natural barrier holding in the cream cheese filling and keeps everything contained while baking.
Can I add fruit inside the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! Adding fresh small berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese before baking creates a lovely flavor contrast and delightful texture. Just be sure not to overload to keep the filling stable.

Final Thoughts

This Kings Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for when you want something special without fuss. It holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines the joy of comfort food with the simplicity of using store-bought ingredients. I encourage you to gather those sweet rolls, whip up the filling, and enjoy that gooey, flavorful magic fresh out of the oven-you and your loved ones will thank me later!