Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat

Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every single bite! Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mingling with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the rich creaminess of a decadent cream cheese frosting. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

While cinnamon rolls themselves have a long and delicious history, tracing back to Sweden and other parts of Europe, this particular twist is a more modern invention, born from the desire to infuse classic comfort food with the vibrant flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. Think of it as a culinary vacation, no plane ticket required!

What makes these Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, pillowy dough gives way to a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, punctuated by bursts of juicy pineapple. And then there’s the frosting – a luscious cream cheese dream that perfectly complements the warm spices and tropical fruit. People adore this dish because it’s both familiar and exciting, comforting and exotic. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a special treat to brighten any day. Get ready to bake up a batch of sunshine!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Filling:
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk, or pineapple juice (for a more Hawaiian flavor)
• For the Hawaiian Topping:
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
  • ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Gently stir to combine. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, salt, and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If you’re mixing by hand, use a sturdy spoon or your hands.
4. Knead the Dough: Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step, so be patient! A good rise will result in light and fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get all the way to the edges!
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent gaps and ensure even cinnamon distribution.
4. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. For even rolls, you can trim the ends of the log before slicing. To use dental floss, slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice. This method prevents the rolls from getting squished.
5. Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise is important for achieving that extra-soft texture.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This is essential for a smooth and creamy frosting.
2. Combine Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This will prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
4. Add Vanilla and Milk/Pineapple Juice: Add the vanilla extract and milk (or pineapple juice) to the frosting. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk or juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a tangier frosting, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice.

Adding the Hawaiian Topping and Frosting:

1. Drain the Pineapple: Make sure the crushed pineapple is well drained. You can press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the topping from making the cinnamon rolls soggy.
2. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts (if using), and shredded coconut (if using).
3. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls.
4. Add the Hawaiian Topping: Sprinkle the pineapple-macadamia-coconut mixture evenly over the frosted cinnamon rolls.
5. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve scrolled this far because something about these Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls has piqued your interest, right? And I’m here to tell you, that’s a very good instinct! This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe; it’s a tropical vacation for your taste buds, a sweet escape from the ordinary, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious package.

Why is this a must-try? Well, first, there’s the dough. It’s soft, pillowy, and perfectly sweet, providing the ideal canvas for the explosion of flavors to come. Then, we have the filling – that glorious combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of tropical magic that will have your kitchen smelling absolutely divine. But the real star of the show, the element that elevates these rolls from good to unforgettable, is the Hawaiian cream cheese frosting. It’s tangy, creamy, and infused with the bright, sunny flavors of pineapple and coconut. It’s the perfect complement to the warm, spiced rolls, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? These rolls are incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. Or, for a brunch gathering, arrange them beautifully on a platter and garnish with toasted coconut flakes and fresh pineapple chunks. They’re also fantastic with a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? Add chopped macadamia nuts to the filling for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor. Or, swap out the pineapple extract in the frosting for a splash of rum extract for a boozy twist. You could even incorporate some mashed banana into the dough for a richer, more tropical flavor. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that these Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls are something special. They’re the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in. They’re guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. I promise you, the results will be well worth the effort. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll love.

Don’t be shy – snap a picture of your finished rolls and tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy these little slices of paradise as much as I do! I’m confident that this recipe for Hawaiian Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls will become a new family favorite.