Quick Hawaiian Roll Buns

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Quick buns with Hawaiian rolls and cream cheese inside. Makes a dozen in 25 minutes.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:45:36 GMT
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Turn plain Hawaiian rolls into fancy cream cheese-filled bites that seem like they're from a high-end bakery. This smart trick converts basic items into mouthwatering sweet rolls in just 25 minutes. Great for fancy breakfasts or a rich dessert, these cream cheese rolls blend store-bought ease with a homemade touch.

These rolls became what I'm known for at family get-togethers after catching my sister-in-law sneaking two into her handbag during our Christmas morning meal. They're so simple yet taste incredible, making regular mornings feel extra special.

Delicious Success Components

Kings Hawaiian Rolls give you that distinct sweet foundation that other breads just can't match

Cream cheese at room temperature makes for a velvety filling with no bumps

Salted butter cuts through the sweetness and adds a wonderful richness

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Sweet Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

Dark brown sugar adds rich caramel undertones throughout

Freshly ground cinnamon brings cozy warmth and that classic roll taste

Making Sweet Magic

Cut out the centers of each roll with a serrated knife, making ideal pockets for your filling.

Whip the softened cream cheese until it's totally smooth, then mix in the room temperature egg.

Heat butter just until it's melted, then stir in your cinnamon and sugar mix.

Squeeze cream cheese mixture into each hollowed roll, filling them almost completely.

Coat rolls with the cinnamon-butter blend, making sure they're covered evenly.

Cook until they turn golden, but keep an eye on them to keep their centers creamy.

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Experimenting with this recipe taught me that taking your time with the cream cheese filling really matters. One morning I was in a hurry and used cold cream cheese - the chunky mess showed me some steps just need proper time.

Perfect Companions

Make breakfast extra special by putting these cream cheese rolls next to some fresh berries and hot coffee. For brunch with friends, set them on a tiered plate with fruit on sticks and yogurt parfaits. During Christmas or Thanksgiving mornings, serve them alongside a festive coffee cake and cranberry mimosas for a real treat.

Tasty Twists

Change these rolls to fit any mood or event. Mix some orange zest into your cream cheese for a citrusy kick, or throw in tiny chocolate chips for a rich chocolate-cinnamon combo. Make fruit versions by adding a small spoonful of jam before baking, or go seasonal with pumpkin spice or maple pecan flavors.

Staying Fresh

Keep these rolls tasting great by storing them right. Put them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to two days, though they taste best if you eat them within a day. When you want to enjoy them, warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that gooey, just-baked feel.

Not Just For Morning

These handy rolls work great any time of day. They've become a hit at afternoon teas, book clubs, and late-night snack runs. Once, these rolls turned an ordinary family movie night into something really special, showing that sometimes the best moments aren't planned at all.

Breakfast Traditions

Make everyday mornings feel special with these cream cheese-stuffed goodies. They've become our go-to for first school days, holiday breakfasts, and good news celebrations. Just making these rolls brings the family together, creating bonding time over shared treats.

Expert Advice

Set rolls snugly together in your baking dish so they hold their shape while cooking

A pastry bag makes filling them neat and simple

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Easy Sweet Hawaiian Cream Cheese Rolls Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

Keep a close eye on baking time to maintain that creamy middle

My adventure with these Hawaiian cream cheese rolls has brought so many happy discoveries and shared moments. They've gone from just a simple recipe to a treasured part of our family customs, bringing happiness to countless gatherings. Just remember, it's not about getting everything perfect - it's about making sweet moments and memories around your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Prepare early?
Tastes best fresh, keeps 2 days chilled.
→ Extra toppings?
Add berries before throwing in the oven.
→ How to enjoy?
Best eaten warm for flavor and texture.
→ Filling too soft?
Pop the cream cheese into the fridge briefly.
→ Storage tips?
Store cold in the fridge up to 2 days.

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Buns

Fast cinnamon buns made with sweet Hawaiian rolls and a creamy filling. Done in about 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Rolls

01 1 pack (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
02 6 tbsp melted salted butter
03 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
04 2 tbsp brown sugar

→ Cream Cheese Filling

05 8 oz softened cream cheese
06 1 egg
07 2 tbsp white sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Turn the oven on to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Cut small openings in the tops of the rolls and scoop out some bread while keeping bottoms intact.

Step 03

Stir cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter together. Coat the insides of the rolls with the mix using a brush.

Step 04

Whip the cream cheese until it’s smooth, then mix in the sugar and egg until creamy and combined.

Step 05

Spoon the creamy filling into the rolls. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

  1. Fresh fruit makes a great topping
  2. Tastes best when warm
  3. Can keep in the fridge for up to 2 days

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Brush for pastry

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy ingredients
  • Includes eggs
  • Contains wheat flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~