Description
This Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls recipe transforms sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a delightful cinnamon swirl treat inspired by French toast. Soft cream cheese, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a rich custard coating create golden brown, flavorful rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Rolls and Filling
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Cinnamon Swirl
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup brown sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Custard Mixture
- â…” cup half and half
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside to use later.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. Set aside for coating the rolls after searing.
- Fill Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Spread softened cream cheese evenly on both the top and bottom halves of each roll. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon swirl paste over the cream cheese layers, then sandwich the top and bottom halves together. Place the filled rolls in the refrigerator and chill for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Dip Rolls: Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator. One at a time, dip each roll into the custard mixture for 15 to 30 seconds, making sure it is fully coated on all sides.
- Sear Rolls: Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat for about one minute. Add one cube of butter to the pan to melt. Place the custard-dipped rolls in the pan in batches, searing like French toast until golden brown on at least three sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel between batches to prevent burning the sugar.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: After searing, immediately transfer the rolls to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss them until fully coated.
- Serve: Place the coated cinnamon rolls on a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy this sweet, cinnamon-infused treat immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the filled rolls before dipping in custard to help them hold together during cooking.
- Use medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure the custard cooks through evenly.
- Wiping the pan between batches keeps the rolls from sticking and prevents burning the cinnamon sugar.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm the same day they are cooked.
