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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Tropical Treat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

These Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious tropical twist on a classic favorite. Soft, sweet, and loaded with a cinnamon-sugar, pineapple, and coconut filling, they’re topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a cozy, fragrant treat with a taste of the islands.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • ½ cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare dough: Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
  6. Drain pineapple: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy filling.
  7. Mix filling: Gently fold the drained pineapple and shredded coconut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and set aside.
  8. Roll dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
  9. Spread filling: Evenly spread the prepared filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
  10. Shape rolls: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
  11. Slice rolls: Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  12. Second rise: Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  13. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  14. Bake rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  15. Cool rolls: Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 10-15 minutes in the baking dish before frosting.
  16. Make glaze: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating on low, then add milk and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Adjust milk to desired consistency.
  17. Glaze rolls: Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  18. Serve: Enjoy the Hawaiian cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure pineapple is well-drained to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
  • Use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on preference.
  • Warm milk should be between 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For a fluffier texture, ensure the dough has risen fully during both rising stages.
  • Use dental floss for cleaner, even cuts of the cinnamon roll slices without squashing the dough.
  • Adjust icing consistency by adding milk one tablespoon at a time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat rolls gently before serving to restore softness.

Keywords: Hawaiian cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, tropical cinnamon rolls, pineapple cinnamon rolls, coconut cinnamon rolls, cream cheese glaze

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/hawaiian-cinnamon-rolls-the-ultimate-tropical-treat-recipe/