King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves pillowy-soft, slightly sweet bread with a decadent surprise inside. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, fluffy roll, only to discover a light, creamy filling that melts in your mouth and transports you straight to a tropical paradise! This recipe is a lovingly homemade twist on the classic – blending the iconic softness and subtle pineapple tang of King’s Hawaiian rolls with a dreamy cream cheese and whipped cream filling. It’s perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you’re craving a bite-sized bliss that tastes like sunshine.

King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward pantry ingredients to bring these King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls to life – and every component makes a delicious difference! Each item works its magic to create tender bread, a luscious filling, or that irresistible finish.

All-purpose flour: Gives the rolls their beautiful structure and soft, chewy bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps feed the yeast for a lovely rise.
Active dry yeast: The essential ingredient for fluffy, bakery-style rolls with perfect lift!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Eggs: Add richness, moisture, and help bind everything together for a tender crumb.
Pineapple juice: The secret to authentic King’s Hawaiian flavor and tropical flair.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the dough for extra soft rolls.
Unsalted butter (melted): Provides delicious richness and creates a golden, tender crust.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that shines in both the dough and the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: The base of a light, fluffy cream filling reminiscent of a sweet cloud.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently and dusts the tops for a pretty finish.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling a rich, tangy base that pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls.

How to Make King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls

Step 1: Warm the Liquids

Start by gently warming the pineapple juice, whole milk, and melted butter together in a small saucepan until just warm to the touch – about 110°F is perfect. This cozy bath gives the yeast the perfect environment to work its bubbly magic later on, and infuses the dough with the unmistakable sweet-tart aroma of pineapple.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer, whisk together 2 cups of flour, the sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm liquid mixture, eggs, and vanilla. Use your spatula or dough hook to blend everything into a silky, smooth batter, then gradually add the rest of the flour a little at a time until a soft, slightly sticky dough takes shape.

Step 3: Knead for Fluffiness

Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface (or keep your dough hook spinning) for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that feels smooth, elastic, and just a bit tacky to the touch – this is the secret to those signature King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls with their pillowy, cloudlike crumb.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Watching it puff up feels so satisfying – it’s a sign that your rolls are going to be wonderfully soft and airy.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the risen dough to release any extra air, then divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and nestle them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again until fabulously puffy, around 30 to 45 minutes – this is what gives King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls their classic, lofty shape.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the rolls into the center of the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re gorgeously golden and the kitchen smells like a bakery in paradise. Let the rolls cool completely – this is important, so the filling doesn’t melt!

Step 7: Make the Cream Filling

For the dreamy filling, beat the cream cheese until ultra-smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese gently, making sure everything is fully combined and as fluffy as a Hawaiian cloud.

Step 8: Fill and Finish

Once the rolls are cool, cut a slit in the side of each one and either pipe or spoon the creamy filling inside. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style look and just a touch more sweetness. Cue the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls

Garnishes

Let King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls look as tempting as they taste with a final shower of powdered sugar right before serving. For extra flair, add a handful of toasted coconut flakes, a twist of lemon zest, or a few pieces of fresh pineapple on the serving platter. Each touch adds color and a hint of tropical allure that makes every roll even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls with a generous bowl of fresh tropical fruit salad, a frothy café au lait, or a platter of crispy bacon for a brunch that feels like an island escape. They’re also wonderful as part of a holiday dessert spread, alongside light mousse or tangy, fresh berries to balance their creamy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls station at your next brunch and let guests fill their own rolls with the cream (and maybe some extra add-ins like pineapple jam or chocolate chips!). Or nestle the finished rolls on a pretty cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar, for a centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream filling stays fresh and silky for up to three days, but the rolls are at their softest within the first day or two.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled rolls after baking. Just wrap them well and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, then fill with the cream right before serving for a treat that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

If you prefer your rolls slightly warm, gently reheat unfilled rolls in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes. Once filled, it’s best to serve them at room temperature so the cream stays fluffy and dreamy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and let it rise again before baking.

Do I have to use pineapple juice in the dough?

Pineapple juice gives King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls their signature flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute orange juice or even milk. The rolls will still be sweet and soft, though you’ll lose that original tropical vibe.

Is it okay to use store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls for the filling?

Yes, you can absolutely shortcut the recipe with store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls! Just slice, fill, and dust with powdered sugar for a quick and tasty dessert that feels homemade in half the time.

Can I add fruit or other flavors to the cream filling?

Definitely! Fold in a little crushed pineapple, lemon zest, or even mini chocolate chips to put your own spin on the classic cream filling. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, so your filling stays light and pipeable.

How do I make sure my rolls are super soft?

For the fluffiest King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls, don’t rush the rising times and make sure your dough is just a little tacky before baking. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose can also make the rolls even airier, if you like experimenting!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that brings equal parts nostalgia and new delight, these King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls are it! They’re surprisingly easy, always impressive, and absolutely delicious. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch – you’ll be dreaming about these sweet, creamy rolls long after the plate is empty.

King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of these King’s Hawaiian Cream Rolls, a delightful dessert that combines soft, sweet rolls with a luscious cream filling. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rolls:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (optional):

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm pineapple juice, milk, and butter. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add liquid mixture, eggs, and vanilla. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, let rise again, then bake until golden.
Make the Cream Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla, then fold into cream cheese.
Fill the Rolls: Cut a slit in each roll and fill with cream mixture. Dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

For a shortcut, use store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls and just prepare the cream filling.
Add crushed pineapple or lemon zest to the filling for a twist.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired