Name: Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 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 (soft, gently packed); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 ounces cream cheese (softened); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (preferably whole milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

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I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite sweet treat—the Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe! This recipe magically transforms a simple pack of sweet Hawaiian rolls into the fluffiest, most buttery, and insanely aromatic cinnamon rolls you'll ever taste. It’s so easy to whip up, yet the result feels wonderfully indulgent, like a homemade bakery delight right from your own kitchen. Every bite is a soft, gooey hug with just the right amount of cinnamon spice and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts on your tongue. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy snack moment.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

I absolutely adore the flavor profile of these cinnamon rolls. The sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls provide a tender base that’s buttery and slightly tangy on their own, and when combined with the deep warmth of cinnamon and rich brown sugar butter, it’s an explosion of comforting flavor. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect tangy sweetness that balances the enriching buttery layers. It’s such a lovely contrast of textures and tastes in every bite—soft rolls, gooey cinnamon layers, and creamy frosting—that I find totally irresistible.

One of the things I appreciate most is how effortless this recipe is. Since it uses pre-made Hawaiian rolls, there’s no dough to knead or wait to rise, which cuts down a lot of time and hassle. I can prepare these cinnamon rolls from start to finish in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests or a lazy weekend treat. They stand out because they are both convenient and indulgent. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a family breakfast, or a sweet party snack, these rolls bring warmth, smiles, and an unmistakable tropical twist that’s hard to find in a typical cinnamon roll.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white marbled surface holds a pack of golden brown Hawaiian rolls wrapped in bright orange plastic on the top left. Surrounding it are eight small white bowls each containing an ingredient: light to medium brown powdery brown sugar in the top right bowl; dark to light reddish-brown cinnamon mixed with a bit of white salt in the top middle right bowl; pure white milk in the center bowl; dark brown vanilla in the middle left bowl; thick white cream cheese mostly flat with some texture in the middle bottom left bowl; bright white powdered sugar with a fine texture in the bottom left bowl; and two pale yellow sticks of butter placed side by side in the bottom right bowl. Each ingredient stands out clearly on the smooth white bowls with the soft light enhancing their textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for building the tasty layers and that luscious glaze that makes this recipe so special. Each component contributes deliciously— from the soft Hawaiian rolls that form the base, to the cinnamon sugar butter that gives it a rich, caramelized taste, and the cream cheese glaze that finishes it with smooth sweetness and a touch of tang.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: The soft, fluffy base that makes these cinnamon rolls uniquely tender and sweet.
Unsalted butter: Used softened for spreading and mixing, it adds richness and buttery texture throughout.
Light brown sugar: Gently packed to create that deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the rolls with warm, aromatic flavor.
Salt: Just a touch to balance and enhance all the sweet goodness.
Cream cheese: Softened to make the glaze perfectly smooth, adding tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: For the sweet, fluffy frosting that coats the rolls.
Milk (whole preferred): Adds moisture to the glaze for the perfect spreadable consistency.
Vanilla extract: Delivers subtle warmth and depth to the cream cheese glaze.

Directions

Step 1: Start by greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Then, spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on the bottom of the pan. I find that using a small plastic bag like a mitten helps me spread the butter smoothly without any mess. Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prep the butter mixture.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 8 tablespoons (one stick) of softened butter, the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the small pinch of salt. Beat everything together with a hand mixer until you get a thick, smooth, and creamy cinnamon butter blend that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 3: Carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, but keep the pieces connected so you can spread butter inside. Place the bottom half of the rolls, face-up, into the prepared pan. Spread just under half of your cinnamon butter mixture evenly over this bottom layer.

Step 4: Next, lay the top half of the rolls back over the bottom and spread the remaining cinnamon butter on the top and sides of the rolls. Make sure all parts except the bottom get coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with buttery cinnamon flavor.

Step 5: Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. You want a light golden color on top, indicating those sugary layers have caramelized beautifully. While the rolls bake, it’s the perfect time to whip up your cream cheese glaze.

Step 6: For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened butter together until completely smooth. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Continue mixing until you have a luscious, light, and fluffy frosting that’s dreamy to spread.

Step 7: When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool just for a minute. Then generously spoon the cream cheese glaze all over, making sure to fill every crack and crevice. If you want extra icing, wait a bit longer for the rolls to cool and apply a second layer. Dive in warm and enjoy every gooey bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 deliciously shareable servings, perfect for a crowd or to savor over a couple of days. Prep time is a quick 10 minutes since there’s no dough rising involved, and bake time is just 11 to 13 minutes. Add about 5 minutes to mix the cinnamon butter and cream cheese glaze, so the total active time is around 28 minutes. There’s a very brief cooling time post-baking to let the rolls set before glazing, making this a speedy and satisfying treat.

How to Serve This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

The image shows four steps of making a cinnamon butter roll dish on a white marbled surface. The first part is a white bowl with a mixture of light brown sugar, a medium brown cinnamon powder, and a stick of pale yellow butter. The second part shows the same white bowl with the light brown cinnamon butter mix now smooth and creamy, being stirred with a black spatula. The third part shows a flat layer of a soft light tan roll spread evenly with half the cinnamon butter mixture, which is smooth and rich brown in color. The fourth part shows twelve fluffy golden brown roll tops arranged in a white baking dish, covering the cinnamon butter spread beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cinnamon rolls warm, fresh out of the oven with the cream cheese glaze still melty and soft. They’re perfect alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or creamy chai tea for a comforting breakfast or mid-morning snack. If I’m serving a brunch spread, I pair them with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a bright contrast to the rich rolls.

For a more festive presentation, I like to garnish the glazed rolls with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds, which add a delightful crunch and nutty depth. If you’re serving these at a party or holiday gathering, place them on a pretty platter with a drizzle of extra glaze and a dusting of cinnamon on top—it makes them look as gorgeous as they taste. They also pair beautifully with mimosas or a sparkling apple cider for celebrations.

If you have leftovers (not that they usually last long!), I recommend warming them briefly in the microwave just before serving to bring back that soft, gooey texture. You can enjoy them as is, at room temperature, or reheated—whatever you prefer, they taste amazing every way.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is how versatile it is! If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall or use a mix of cinnamon and cardamom for an exotic twist. For a little extra texture, try adding chopped macadamia nuts or even a swirl of pineapple preserves to channel more of those Hawaiian vibes.

If you need to accommodate dietary preferences, the rolls can be made vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based buttery spread and using a vegan cream cheese alternative for the glaze. For gluten-free options, I recommend experimenting with gluten-free sweet rolls, though the texture may differ slightly from the original Hawaiian rolls. I’ve found that gently adjusting the glaze with a bit more milk helps maintain a smooth finish.

For a hands-off approach, you might bake the rolls in individual ramekins for portion control or even try warming the glazed rolls in an air fryer for a crispier top layer. These tweaks make the recipe fun to customize while still delivering that classic cinnamon roll comfort.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is a safer bet, and the rolls will keep well for about 4 days. I usually line the container with parchment paper separating the layers so they don’t stick together and become messy.

Freezing

Yes, these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! I like to freeze them before glazing by wrapping the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This way, you can pull them out and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Alternatively, you can freeze fully baked and glazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To enjoy these cinnamon rolls warm again, I recommend reheating in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds per roll or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid high heat settings or prolonged reheating to prevent drying them out. If iced, you can add a dab of fresh cream cheese frosting after warming to refresh the glaze’s creaminess and softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

You definitely can, but the unique sweet and tender texture of Hawaiian rolls really elevates this cinnamon roll experience. Regular rolls might be denser or less sweet, so consider adding a touch of extra sugar to your cinnamon butter if you use them. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Do I have to slice the rolls horizontally, or can I separate them completely?

It’s best to slice them horizontally but keep the rolls connected as one slab. This allows the cinnamon butter to soak into both halves evenly and helps keep the rolls soft and moist while baking. Separating them entirely could make the rolls bake unevenly or dry out the edges.

Can I prepare the cinnamon butter mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the butter mixture and store it in the fridge up to a day before assembling your rolls. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading. It’s a great time-saver if you want to prep ahead for a busy morning.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze? Can I substitute something else?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. It won’t have the tangy richness of cream cheese but will still add sweetness and moisture. Alternatively, mascarpone cheese works as a great cream cheese substitute in the glaze.

How can I make these cinnamon rolls more kid-friendly?

Kids usually love these rolls just as they are, but you can personalize them by adding chocolate chips or mini marshmallows between the layers before baking. Another fun idea is to use colored sprinkles on top of the cream cheese glaze right after frosting for a festive treat that’s perfect for birthdays or special occasions.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe because it truly brings joy with every bite. It’s one of those recipes I return to time and time again whenever I crave something sweet, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls make every moment feel a little brighter and more special. Happy baking, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe