As I walked into the kitchen, the rich aroma of cinnamon and sweet, buttery goodness enveloped me like a warm hug. It’s amazing how a single dish can transform an ordinary day into something special, and that’s precisely what these Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls do. You might think they belong to the realm of fancy brunches or festive gatherings, but I promise, with their delightful cream cheese filling and a hint of vanilla, they can easily elevate your weeknight dinners or serve as a cozy after-school treat.
After discovering this recipe, I’ve bid farewell to boring fast food and embraced the comforting, satisfying flavors of homemade indulgence. Whether you’re seasoned in the kitchen or a newbie eager to impress, this simple yet crowd-pleasing dish offers the perfect blend of ease and taste. Just imagine pulling this golden, cinnamon-swirled creation from the oven, each bite soft and decadent—trust me, your family will be begging for seconds! Let’s dive into this unpretentious yet luxurious treat that promises joy with every mouthful.
Why will Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls amaze you?
Irresistible flavor: The rich blend of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering experience.
Quick and easy: With minimal prep time, even novice cooks can shine!
Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack anytime.
Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, they’ll be asking for your secret!
No-nonsense ingredients: Simple pantry staples combine for an unforgettable taste!
Transform your dessert game with these delicious rolls that elevate everyday moments. If you’re looking for more comforting treats to add to your repertoire, check out this delicious banana bread recipe.
Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Mixture
- Brown sugar – adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon – provides aromatic warmth, making these rolls a cozy treat.
- Butter – ensures moisture and richness, helping to create that ooey gooey texture.
- Salt – just a pinch elevates the sweetness and balances flavors.
For the Rolls
- Hawaiian rolls – their softness and slight sweetness are perfect for this delightful dish.
- Cream cheese – creates a luscious filling that melts beautifully for that heavenly gooeyness.
- Vanilla extract – a splash adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Glaze
- Confectioners sugar – used to create a sweet glaze that adds the final touch of sweetness to your rolls.
These Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are effortlessly made with these simple ingredients, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Get ready to savor the joy they bring!
How to Make Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly. This step ensures that your rolls come out perfect and don’t stick to the pan.
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Mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Then, add half of the softened butter to the mixture and stir until well combined, resembling a delicious paste.
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Prepare the Hawaiian rolls by cutting them into halves or quarters, depending on your desired size. This allows the creamy goodness to seep in while baking.
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Spread the softened cream cheese generously over each cut side of the rolls. The cream cheese will add that delightful tang and creaminess we all love.
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Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream-cheese-covered rolls, ensuring each piece gets its share of sweetness and spice.
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Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect color!
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Cool the rolls in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the gooeyness to reach its peak.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls?
Imagine gathering around the table, served with comforting sides that complement the sweetness of these heavenly rolls.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the cinnamon rolls beautifully. It’s a perfect way to start your meal!
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon creates a delightful savory element, cutting through the sweetness. This combination is sure to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts over the warm rolls, enhancing the gooeyness with a chilly contrast. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent and nostalgic all at once.
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Rich Coffee: A bold cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet, cinnamon-laden flavors. It offers a cozy, café-like vibe that elevates any brunch experience.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling some warm maple syrup onto the rolls amplifies their sweetness, creating an indulgent breakfast treat. Trust me, you’ll never go back!
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness to each bite of the rolls, amplifying their luxurious texture. Its simplicity allows the roll’s flavors to shine through.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Complement the rolls’ flavors with a spiced coffee infused with cinnamon. This pairing carries a theme that ties your brunch together in perfect harmony.
These pairings, from fresh elements to rich contrasts, will turn your meal into a delightful feast celebrating each ooey gooey morsel!
Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Roll Variations
Feel free to get creative with these rolls and transform them into a dish your family will adore!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts within the rolls for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that enhances every bite. The combination of soft rolls and crunchy nuts will bring a delightful contrast.
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Fruity Twist: Incorporate fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or strawberries, into the cream cheese spread for a fruity surprise that brightens the flavors. They’ll add a burst of juiciness to the soft, gooey texture.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese and cinnamon mixture before baking for a decadent, chocolatey twist that will have everyone begging for more. Imagine the richness chocolate brings—pure bliss!
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Coconut Cream: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the rolls. The coconut’s chewiness will add a new layer of texture you’ll love!
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Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a surprising, warm kick to balance the sweetness. It’s a delightful way to awaken your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing the ooey gooey goodness. You’ll still enjoy that delightful texture and flavor!
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Maple Glaze: Swap the confectioners sugar glaze with a maple syrup drizzle for a cozy, breakfast-inspired treat that brings warmth to your rolls. It’s an aromatic twist that’ll entice every family member!
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Creamy Peanut Butter: Spread smooth or chunky peanut butter along with the cream cheese for a rich, nutty taste that perfectly complements the cinnamon. This combination is a dream come true for nut butter lovers!
Let your taste buds explore with these variations and make this comforting dish your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic option for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the rolls and assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions until step 5, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This method keeps the rolls fresh and prevents them from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dish from the refrigerator, allow the rolls to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and then bake as directed. You’ll be rewarded with warm, gooey goodness that transforms your busy mornings or indulgent brunches into a homemade delight, all with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Enjoy your rolls fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their gooey texture.
Fridge: Refrigerate leftover rolls for up to 5 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cinnamon rolls for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they’re well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that fresh, warm experience.
Tips for the Best Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
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Perfect Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures a creamy mixture that spreads easily without messing up the rolls.
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Cinnamon Mix: Combine the cinnamon and brown sugar thoroughly. This prevents clumps and guarantees every bite of your rolls is balanced in flavor.
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Even Cream Cheese Spread: Spread the cream cheese evenly to avoid any sections that are dry. This will enhance the moisture of your Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls.
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Don’t Skip Cooling: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps the gooey filling set, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.
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Watch Closely While Baking: Ovens can vary, so start checking around 20 minutes. You want them golden brown, but take care not to overbake!
Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for Hawaiian rolls that are soft and fluffy with no dark spots. A fresh package will typically be squishy to the touch and free of any mold. The sweetness of the rolls is a key component that contributes to the overall flavor, so make sure they’re at their freshest!
What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Very! To keep your rolls fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep them for a while, freezing is your best bet.
Can I freeze the Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze, follow these steps: first, allow the rolls to completely cool after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or oven.
What should I do if my rolls come out dry or overcooked?
Oh no! If your rolls turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or an incorrect oven temperature. Always keep an eye on them during baking—start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. If they do overbake, consider serving them with a drizzle of a simple glaze or a scoop of ice cream to bring back some moisture!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you’re concerned about allergies, this recipe contains dairy (butter and cream cheese), gluten (Hawaiian rolls), and added sugars. For gluten-free versions, consider using gluten-free rolls available at your local grocery store. You can also substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese if you want to make it vegan-friendly. Always read labels for specific allergy information!

Heavenly Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- Mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl, then add half of the softened butter to the mixture.
- Prepare the Hawaiian rolls by cutting them into halves or quarters.
- Spread the softened cream cheese generously over each cut side of the rolls.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream-cheese-covered rolls.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool the rolls in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving.







