King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

King’s Hawaiian Style Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread (or substitute with 3-4 cups King’s Hawaiian bread, cut into small cubes or 3 cups all-purpose flour)

• 1/2 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve.

2. Sprinkle yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

2. Add melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.

3. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 7-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently.

2. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.

Step 5: Add the Filling

1. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch border around edges.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

1. Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

2. Pinch the seams to seal.

3. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

1. While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

2. Adjust milk to reach desired consistency (thick but pourable).

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

1. Remove rolls from oven and drizzle with glaze while warm.

2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Extra Soft Rolls:

• Use King’s Hawaiian sweet bread cubes in the dough or swap some of the flour with it to get that iconic soft, sweet texture.

• Don’t skip the second rise; it makes the rolls fluffier.

• Brush the dough lightly with melted butter before rolling up for a richer flavor.

Would you like me to help you with a shortcut version using King’s Hawaiian bread as the base, or want a recipe for a homemade Hawaiian sweet bread from scratch?