Ingredients
| ✓ | Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|
Utensils Used
🔪 Sharp knife or serrated knife • 🥣 Medium mixing bowl • 🥄 Electric hand mixer or stand mixer • 📏 Measuring cups and spoons • 🧈 Rubber spatula • 🍽️ 9x13 inch baking dish • 🧁 Small offset spatula • 📜 Parchment paper • 🧊 Wire cooling rack • 🧴 Pastry brush (optional)
Nutritional Values Per Serving
Select Portions:
Current Portions: 1
Amount per serving (2 rolls with frosting)
Calories 385
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18 g (23%)
Protein 5 g (10%)
Total Carbohydrate 52 g (19%)
Dietary Fiber 1 g (4%)
Total Sugars 29 g (58%)
Sodium 320 mg (14%)
Vitamin A (12%)
Vitamin C (0%)
Calcium (6%)
Iron (8%)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup very soft unsalted butter, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. The mixture should be soft but not runny.
✨ Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature—this ensures the sugar dissolves slightly and creates that signature gooey texture.
Keep the rolls connected in their original cluster. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a deep "X" or a grid pattern into the top of each roll, cutting about ¾ of the way down without separating the rolls completely. You're creating pockets for the filling to seep into.
✨ Pro Tip: A serrated knife works best—it cuts through the soft rolls without squashing them. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat pockets.
Using a small offset spatula or a butter knife, generously spread the cinnamon butter mixture into every cut and crevice of the rolls. Don't be shy—really work it in there. Some filling should peek out from the tops; that's the caramelized part later.
✨ Pro Tip: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon butter to brush over the tops after baking for extra richness.
Place the filled rolls in a 9x13 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
✨ Pro Tip: Cover the dish loosely with foil if your kitchen is cool; this helps the butter soften further.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown on top and the cinnamon filling is bubbly and caramelized around the edges. The kitchen should smell like a Cinnabon bakery at this point.
✨ Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until combined, then add 1 tablespoon milk or cream to reach a pourable consistency.
✨ Pro Tip: For authentic Cinnabon flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and let it come to room temperature naturally—no microwaving!
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5-7 minutes—just enough so they're warm but not scorching. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, letting it cascade into all the nooks and crannies. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
✨ Pro Tip: For the ultimate experience, serve within 30 minutes of frosting. If you have leftovers, reheat briefly and add fresh frosting.
What is this recipe?
These Copycat Cinnabon Delights Hawaiian Rolls are a brilliant fusion of two beloved baked goods: the iconic, gooey cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon and the soft, subtly sweet Hawaiian rolls. Instead of traditional yeast dough that requires rising time, this clever recipe uses store-bought Hawaiian rolls as the base, transforming them into bite-sized cinnamon pull-aparts. Each roll is generously stuffed with a rich cinnamon-brown butter mixture, baked until caramelized, then drizzled with tangy cream cheese frosting. The result is a crowd-pleasing treat that delivers all the nostalgic flavor of Cinnabon in about half the time—perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever cinnamon roll cravings strike.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Incredibly Quick: No yeast, no kneading, no rising—ready in under an hour from start to finish.
- Foolproof for Bakers of Any Level: Even beginner bakers can achieve perfect, bakery-quality results every time.
- Intense Cinnabon Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and cream cheese frosting captures that signature taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes them ideal for gatherings—everyone can just grab one.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
Transform this recipe
Here are creative ways to customize your Copycat Cinnabon Delights Hawaiian Rolls:
- Add Mix-Ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips between the rolls before baking.
- Change the Spice Profile: Add pumpkin pie spice for fall, or a pinch of cloves and allspice for warmth.
- Fruit-Infused Version: Dollop a little raspberry jam or apple butter into the cuts before adding the cinnamon filling.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap half the cream cheese frosting for salted caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Breakfast Casserole Style: Pour a simple egg custard over the filled rolls and bake for a cinnamon roll bread pudding.
Variations and substitutions
Need to adapt the recipe? Here are smart substitutions that work beautifully:
| Original Ingredient | Best Substitution |
|---|---|
| King's Hawaiian Rolls | Any soft sweet dinner rolls or brioche rolls work well. |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (just omit the added pinch of salt). |
| Brown sugar | Coconut sugar for less refined option, or maple sugar for flavor. |
| Cream cheese | Mascarpone cheese for even richer frosting, or dairy-free cream cheese. |
| Powdered sugar | Blend granulated sugar with 1 tbsp cornstarch per cup in a high-speed blender. |
Serving suggestions
Make your Copycat Cinnabon Delights Hawaiian Rolls part of an unforgettable spread:
- Classic Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit salad for balance.
- Holiday Morning: Pair with a hot cup of spiced coffee or homemade hot cocoa for Christmas morning magic.
- Dessert Board: Include them on a dessert charcuterie board with fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Split a warm roll and fill with vanilla bean ice cream for an epic dessert.
- After-School Treat: Serve with a cold glass of milk—the classic combination for good reason.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Cinnabon Delights Hawaiian Rolls
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can, but Hawaiian rolls are recommended because their natural sweetness complements the cinnamon filling perfectly. If using plain dinner rolls, consider adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the filling to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the bread.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. For best results, add a little extra cream cheese frosting after reheating to restore that fresh-baked taste.
Can I freeze these Cinnabon Delights?
Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted baked rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh frosting. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls; just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time when ready to bake.
Why did my cinnamon filling leak out everywhere?
A little leakage is normal and creates delicious caramelized edges! However, if too much leaks, your butter was likely too warm or you overfilled. Next time, chill the filled rolls for 10 minutes before baking to firm up the butter, and ensure your cuts aren't too deep (stop about ¾ of the way down).
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free sweet rolls or gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls at specialty stores or online. The filling and frosting are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredient labels, especially for vanilla extract and powdered sugar which can sometimes contain gluten-based additives.
How do I get that authentic Cinnabon frosting flavor?
The secret is using high-quality cream cheese (full-fat), real butter (not margarine), and a touch of lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid. Cinnabon's frosting has a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness. Add ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice to your frosting and whip it for a full 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Looking for more irresistible cinnamon roll-inspired recipes? Try our recipe: Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cupcakes with Chili Cream Cheese Frosting
Want to learn more about the history and science of cinnamon rolls and how they became a global phenomenon? Check out this trusted guide: The History of Cinnamon Rolls (King Arthur Baking) .
