King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet and Soft Delight
If you love the buttery sweetness of King’s Hawaiian bread, you’re going to adore these King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Known for their soft, pillowy texture and sweet flavor, these cinnamon rolls combine the unique flavor of the iconic King’s Hawaiian bread with the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite!
For more amazing bread recipes, explore these Classic Cinnamon Rolls or check out our Best Sweet Rolls for Any Occasion.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
To create your own batch of King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients and instructions. The recipe is straightforward and delivers soft, sweet, and flavorful rolls that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120g) pineapple juice (this enhances the tropical flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups (540g) all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened for filling
- 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream, for the topping
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, optional, for the glaze
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, pineapple juice, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add the flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Roll the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the top.
- Shape the rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat. Once the rolls are done, pour the warm cream glaze over the rolls.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Advanced Techniques for Perfect King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
To make your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls even more irresistible, here are some advanced techniques you can use to enhance the texture and flavor.
Use a Stand Mixer
If you have a stand mixer, it will make the dough kneading process much easier. Simply use the dough hook to knead the dough on low speed for about 5-7 minutes. This will save time and give you a perfectly smooth dough.
Roll the Dough Evenly
When rolling out the dough, make sure to keep the thickness uniform. If one section is too thin, it could lead to uneven baking, and if it’s too thick, the rolls may not rise properly.
Add a Sweetened Cream Cheese Glaze
For an extra rich and tangy twist, consider making a cream cheese glaze instead of just using heavy cream. Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract to create a creamy topping.
Top with Coconut Flakes
For a tropical flavor, you can top the rolls with sweetened coconut flakes before baking. The flakes will toast slightly during baking, giving an added layer of flavor.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
To keep your King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips.
How to Store the Rolls
Once the rolls have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The rolls will stay soft and delicious, but they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
Freezing the Rolls
For longer storage, freeze the cinnamon rolls after they have completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave the rolls for 20-30 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Reheating Tips
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, simply reheat the rolls in the microwave or oven. If you’re reheating a whole batch, cover the rolls with foil to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
While King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat, there are a few substitutions that can accommodate different dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use includes xanthan gum to provide the right structure and elasticity. You may need to add extra moisture to the dough to achieve the same soft texture.
Vegan Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, use non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or oat milk), and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg).
Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free
For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute such as Stevia or Erythritol. Be mindful of the conversion ratio to ensure that the texture and sweetness of the rolls are balanced.
FAQs About King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
1. Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian bread?
While you can use regular dough for cinnamon rolls, the signature sweetness and softness of King’s Hawaiian bread are what make these rolls special. For the best result, stick to the original recipe.
2. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, place the dough in the fridge to chill overnight. The next morning, bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, you can freeze them in the baking dish before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, then bake as directed.
4. What should I do if the rolls don’t rise?
If your rolls don’t rise properly, it could be due to the yeast being expired or water that’s too hot or cold. Ensure the water is lukewarm (110°F/43°C) and that the yeast is active before adding it to the dough.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts on King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls bring the soft, sweet, and slightly tropical flavor of King’s Hawaiian bread to your favorite cinnamon roll recipe. With their pillowy texture and warm cinnamon sugar filling, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or simply for a sweet indulgence, these rolls will satisfy every craving. Try them out and enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat!