Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls

Introduction: What Are Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls?

Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls are the ultimate comfort food — a delicious fusion of pillowy sweet bread and rich cream cheese filling, lightly kissed with a warm cinnamon butter glaze. Made with iconic King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, these baked treats offer a golden, slightly crispy top with a creamy, decadent center.

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special breakfast, they’re simple to prepare but taste bakery-quality. The magic lies in the contrast: the soft, slightly sweet bread meets a tangy-sweet creaminess, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

Think of them as a shortcut cinnamon roll meets cheesecake — but with zero dough-making stress. Whether you serve them warm on a holiday morning or bring them to a potluck, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.

Looking for a way to turn everyday ingredients into a bakery-worthy masterpiece? Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls are your new go-to treat.For citrus lovers, these Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies are another creamy, tropical dessert you’ll love.

🍞 Why Use King’s Hawaiian Rolls?

There’s a reason why King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are a staple in so many kitchens — their soft, airy texture and subtly sweet flavor make them the perfect base for both savory and sweet creations. When used in Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls, they deliver an unmatched melt-in-your-mouth experience without the need for homemade dough.

These rolls hold their shape during baking, making them ideal for stuffing with cream cheese filling and brushing with cinnamon butter glaze. They absorb flavors beautifully while maintaining a light, chewy bite.

Whether you’re baking for a family brunch or a last-minute dessert, using King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls guarantees consistent, delicious results — and saves you precious time in the kitchen.

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls is delightfully simple, thanks to a short list of accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this irresistible dish to life:

🧾 Core Ingredients:

• 1 pack of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12-count): Soft, sweet, and ready to stuff.
• 6 tbsp salted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps brown the tops.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze with molasses depth.
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: For warm spice and nostalgic flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The creamy star of the filling.
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 1 large egg: Helps create a smooth, set filling when baked.

These customizable ideas turn a simple roll into a gourmet treat! If you enjoy fruity twists on baked treats, check out these Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Rolls for another indulgent variation

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

ou don’t need fancy equipment to make Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls — just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for keeping the rolls together while baking.
• Sharp knife or melon baller: To carve out the centers cleanly without tearing the rolls.
• Pastry brush: For evenly spreading the cinnamon butter glaze.
• Mixing bowls: One for the glaze, one for the cream cheese filling.
• Hand mixer or whisk: To beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
• Spoon or piping bag: For easy filling of each roll cavity.

With these essentials, you’re fully equipped to create bakery-style magic at home!

🥄 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Making Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls is easier than you think! Follow this detailed, foolproof guide to get them golden, gooey, and bakery-perfect every time.

🥣 Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Pan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

🍞 Step 2: Hollow Out the Rolls

• Keep the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls intact in the tray — don’t separate them.
• Using a sharp knife or spoon, carefully carve a small square in the top of each roll.
• Gently scoop out a portion of the inside bread, creating a cavity for the filling. Be careful not to go all the way through!

🧈 Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter Glaze

• In a small bowl, mix together:
  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• Generously brush this glaze over the tops and into the cavities of each roll.

🧀 Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
• Add 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 large egg; mix until creamy and well combined.
• Spoon or pipe the filling into each hollowed-out roll, filling nearly to the top.

🔥 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cream cheese filling is just set.
• Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
• If you like crispier tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
• Add a touch of vanilla extract to the filling for a deeper flavor.

Serve these warm and enjoy the magic of gooey, fluffy indulgence!

🧁 Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Elevate your rolls with one of these fun twists:

• Add a slice of fresh strawberry or blueberry on top before baking.
• Mix in lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy tang.
• Drizzle with vanilla glaze or caramel sauce after baking.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for crunch.

Flavor Variations & Toppings

One of the best things about Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls is how versatile they are. With just a few tweaks, you can turn this classic recipe into something new and exciting every time you make it.

🍓 Flavor Variations:

• Berry Cream Cheese Rolls: Add a fresh raspberry or sliced strawberry to the cream cheese filling before baking for a fruity burst. These pair beautifully with the sweet bread.
• Citrus Zest: Stir in lemon or orange zest to the filling for a tangy contrast that cuts the richness.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add 1–2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée to the filling for a fall-inspired twist.
• Nutella Swirl: Mix a tablespoon of Nutella into the filling for a chocolate-hazelnut spin.

🍯 Topping Ideas:

• Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
• Crushed Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle on top before baking for crunch and visual appeal.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical finish that complements the Hawaiian rolls beautifully.

Customize your rolls to suit the season or your cravings — the possibilities are endless!

🧊 Storage, Reheating & Food Safety Tips

Proper storage keeps these rolls fresh and food-safe.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in a preheated oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
• Do not leave out for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Considerations

While Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls are undeniably indulgent, there are ways to enjoy them more mindfully. A single roll can contain approximately 180–250 calories, depending on the amount of cream cheese filling and butter glaze used.

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per roll (estimated):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 20g

To make a lighter version:

• Use low-fat or whipped cream cheese
• Substitute stevia or coconut sugar for refined sugar
• Reduce the butter by 1–2 tablespoons
• Choose a whole wheat Hawaiian-style roll if available

🎉 When to Serve These Rolls

These Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls are perfect for:

• Holiday brunch tables (Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving)
• Potlucks or baby showers
• Lazy weekend breakfasts
• Late-night sweet cravings

Pair them with:

• Hot coffee or tea
• Cold milk or almond milk
• Mimosas for brunch!

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these baking blunders:

• Overstuffing the rolls, causing overflow
• Not sealing the edges properly
• Using cold cream cheese, which results in lumps
• Overbaking, which dries out the filling

🆚 Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls vs. Other Sweet Rolls

What makes these rolls better?

Feature	Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls	Cinnamon Rolls
Dough Texture	Pre-made, fluffy and sweet	Homemade, doughy
Time	25 min total	2–3 hours
Filling	Cream cheese-based	Cinnamon sugar
Best Use	Breakfast & dessert	Traditional breakfast

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Q2: What other fillings can I use?
Try chocolate ganache, nutella, or fruit preserves.

Q3: Can I use homemade Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely, just ensure the texture remains soft and airy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw and reheat before eating.

Q6: Are these good for potlucks or gifting?
Yes! They travel well and are a crowd-pleaser.

💡 Expert Tips & Hacks

• Use flavored cream cheese (like honey or berry) for a unique spin.
• Create a pull-apart version by cutting and mixing the rolls in a casserole format.
• Add mini chocolate chips inside for extra indulgence.
• Try baking in muffin tins for single-serve portions.

🔍 Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls bring together the best of both worlds: the convenience of pre-made Hawaiian rolls and the luscious joy of warm cream cheese filling. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between, this easy recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

If you’re new to baking or just need something quick and delicious — this one’s a keeper.