Oh, these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely to die for! If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with a tropical twist, then this recipe is definitely for you. Imagine a soft, fluffy dough infused with the sweetness of pineapple and coconut, and then swirled with rich cinnamon and sugar—can you just picture it? These rolls will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, and I promise they’ll disappear as quickly as you make them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. What sets them apart from your average cinnamon rolls is the addition of tropical ingredients like coconut and pineapple. The dough itself is light and fluffy, and the filling is perfectly balanced between sweet cinnamon and a hint of tropical flavor. Topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls are the perfect combination of comfort and paradise. You’ll be transported to a sunny beach with each bite!
Ingredients
Here’s a little preview of the ingredients you’ll need. Keep reading below for the full list!
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter
- Pineapple (crushed)
- Shredded coconut
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Cream cheese (for the glaze)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the full list, make sure to check the details below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan until it’s warm but not too hot (about 110°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the yeast sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the butter, eggs, and salt, and mix until combined. Gradually stir in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Once the dough is ready, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, sugar, and shredded coconut. For a tropical twist, drain and squeeze any excess liquid from the crushed pineapple and set it aside.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the dough, and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-coconut mixture evenly across the surface. Add a generous layer of crushed pineapple on top of the cinnamon filling.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll up the dough starting from the long edge, making a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into about 12 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, making sure they are slightly touching each other for that soft, pull-apart texture.
Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up a bit. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Be sure to keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking. While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the glaze.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If you want a thinner glaze, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam up after 5-10 minutes, it might be expired, and you’ll want to use a new packet.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the dough, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls.
- Add a Little Coconut Extract: For a stronger coconut flavor, you can add a few drops of coconut extract to the dough.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and let it rise in the morning before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Nuts: If you love the crunch of nuts, add chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, milk, and a flax egg instead of the regular ingredients to make this recipe vegan.
- Pineapple Substitute: If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you could substitute with a tropical fruit like mango or papaya, or even just stick to the classic cinnamon filling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are perfect as a standalone breakfast treat or dessert. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a tropical smoothie to complete the experience. They’d also go beautifully with a side of fresh fruit for a lighter, balanced meal. Serve them at a brunch with friends or as a special treat for the family—either way, they’ll be a hit!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5-10 minutes to get that fresh-baked taste again.
4 FAQs
- Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Once you’ve sliced the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking. - Can I make this recipe without coconut?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply leave it out and just use cinnamon and sugar for the filling. - Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze the night before and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before drizzling it on the rolls. - How can I make these rolls extra fluffy?
The key is to let the dough rise properly. Make sure you give it enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for the fluffiest rolls.
Conclusion
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a fun, tropical twist on a beloved classic. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and cinnamon in every bite is pure bliss, and the cream cheese glaze makes them even more irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face. Give them a try, and enjoy a taste of the tropics right in your own kitchen!
Print
Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls (3-4 servings above average) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a tropical twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a fluffy dough with pineapple and coconut, topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’ll fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup pineapple (crushed)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to 110°F and mix with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in flour to form dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1-1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix cinnamon, sugar, and shredded coconut in a small bowl. Drain pineapple.
- Roll the Dough: Roll out dough into a rectangle, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar-coconut mixture, and layer crushed pineapple.
- Slice the Rolls: Roll up dough into a log, slice into 12 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk for desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over rolls after they cool slightly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure yeast is fresh to get the perfect rise.
- Add Coconut Extract: For a stronger coconut flavor, use coconut extract in the dough.
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough the night before and refrigerate overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg