Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are sweet, soft, gooey, and finished with a tangy cream cheese glaze. They come together quickly and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
author’s note
Gooey Cinnamon Rolls in Just 30 Minutes!
I first saw a version of these rolls online and adapted the method to make them extra gooey and flavorful. I increased the cinnamon-sugar filling, used softened butter rather than melted, and finished the warm rolls with a tangy cream cheese glaze instead of a thick frosting. They’re a quick, family-friendly treat that kids love tearing apart and adults love serving when time is limited.
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls — 12-count package; use fresh rolls for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter — 9 tablespoons total, softened to room temperature (do not melt); divided.
- Light brown sugar — 2/3 cup, gently packed.
- Ground cinnamon — 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste).
- Salt — pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) to balance the sweetness.
- Cream cheese — 2 ounces, softened for a smooth glaze.
- Powdered sugar — 1/2 cup for the glaze; add more for thicker icing.
- Milk — 2 tablespoons (whole milk recommended) to thin the glaze as needed.
- Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon for flavor in the glaze.
How To Make Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat and prepare: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter across the bottom of the pan.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of softened butter, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and about 1/8 teaspoon salt. Beat until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Assemble the rolls: Slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally so you have a connected bottom and top layer. Place the bottom half in the prepared pan. Spread just under half of the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the bottom halves. Place the top half of the rolls back on and spread the remaining butter mixture over the top and sides—coat all parts except the bottom.
- Bake: Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the filling is bubbling and gooey.
- Glaze: While the rolls bake, beat 2 ounces softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons softened butter until smooth. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Beat until the glaze is smooth and slightly fluffy. When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about a minute, then spoon the glaze over the warm rolls so it seeps into the crevices. Optionally add a second thin layer once the rolls cool a bit more.
Recipe Tips
- Use softened butter, not melted: Soft butter spreads evenly and helps the filling set correctly.
- Coat evenly: Spread the butter-sugar mixture on all exposed surfaces of the rolls except the bottom for the best gooey result.
- Choose fresh, soft rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls will give you the ideal tender texture.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the rolls as soon as they’re lightly golden to keep them soft and gooey.
- Glaze while warm: Spread the cream cheese glaze when the rolls are slightly cooled so it adheres and melts into the nooks.
- Serve warm: These taste best warm, right after glazing.
Storage
Leftover Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls?
These are best eaten fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate: Allow the rolls to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Reheat: Warm briefly in the microwave before serving to restore the gooey texture.
More Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness:
Desserts
Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Desserts
Cinnamon Roll Popcorn
Desserts
Cinnamon Bread
Breakfast
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Chelsea Lords
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Hand mixer (or stand mixer)
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 12-count package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, softened to room temperature (do not melt)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, gently packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Cinnamon Rolls
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan and spread 1 tablespoon softened butter across the bottom. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 8 tablespoons softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until thick and smooth.
- Slice the slab of rolls horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half in the pan and spread just under half of the butter-sugar mixture over it. Put the top half back on and spread the remaining mixture over the top and sides (leave the bottom uncoated).
- Bake 11–13 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Prepare the glaze while the rolls bake.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt; mix until silky and slightly fluffy.
- Let the rolls cool for a minute after baking, then spoon the glaze over them so it fills the crevices. Optionally add another thin layer after they cool a bit more. Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Use brick-style, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Soften it (unwrapped) briefly in the microwave if needed to avoid lumps.
Note 2: Let butter sit at room temperature for about an hour, or heat carefully in short microwave bursts (5 seconds at a time) until soft but not melted.
Storage: These are best fresh. For leftovers, cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 roll | Calories: 268 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sugar: 21 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Final step! If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comments section to let others know how it turned out.