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Create irresistible breakfast treats by transforming King's Hawaiian rolls into cream cheese-stuffed cinnamon buns. This clever recipe combines soft, sweet Hawaiian bread with smooth cream cheese filling and warm cinnamon spice. It's the perfect solution when you want homemade cinnamon rolls without the lengthy prep time.
Last weekend I served these at a family brunch and everyone thought they came from a specialty bakery. The key is properly filling each roll and watching the bake time carefully.
Key Ingredients
- King's Hawaiian Rolls: The perfect sweet base for quick cinnamon rolls
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest filling
- Butter: Use quality butter for best flavor
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses notes
- Ground Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon provides the best aroma and taste
After testing multiple batches, using room temperature ingredients and properly hollowing the rolls are crucial for the best texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare Rolls:
- Using a sharp knife, hollow out each roll, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Gently press the walls to compact them. Save removed bread for breadcrumbs.
- 2. Make Glaze:
- Slowly melt butter over low heat. Whisk in brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth with no sugar granules. Keep warm but not hot.
- 3. Make Filling:
- Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and salt just until combined.
- 4. Assemble:
- Brush glaze inside hollowed rolls and on top edges. Fill each cavity 3/4 full with cream cheese mixture. Place rolls close together in baking pan.
- 5. Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven, checking after 12 minutes. Tops should be light golden. Filling will jiggle slightly but set as rolls cool.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve rolls on a rustic wooden board or tiered stand while still warm. Perfect accompaniments include:
- Fresh Coffee
- Hot Cocoa
- Warm Berry Sauce
- Crispy Bacon
- Fresh Fruit
- Vanilla Ice Cream
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to get these ready the night before?
- Yep, you can get them all set up, just don't bake them. Keep them in the fridge overnight, and then bake them when you're ready.
- → I can't seem to get King's Hawaiian rolls. What now?
- You can use any kind of soft dinner roll. King's Hawaiian's are just extra tasty because they're already a bit sweet.
- → Can I put other stuff on top?
- Totally! Some caramel sauce drizzled on top, chopped nuts, or fresh berries would be great before you serve them.
- → What's the best way to keep any extra rolls?
- Just put them in a container that seals tight, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm them up a little before you eat them.
- → Is freezing these rolls an option?
- Sure, you can freeze the rolls before you put any frosting on them for about a month. Let them thaw out overnight before you warm them up.