Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe is designed for 12 servings. Quantities can be adjusted proportionally, but cooking steps remain the same. Keep in mind that scaling may slightly affect texture.

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 9 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached for easy handling.
3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, 8 tablespoons of butter, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
4. Spread three-quarters of the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Carefully place the top halves back on.
5. Arrange the filled rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the rolls are warm and the topping is melted and fragrant.
7. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze: Beat the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cream cheese, remaining salt, vanilla extract, and confectioners sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
8. Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to rest for 5 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls.
9. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, sweet, and slightly spiced goodness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 262
• Total Fat: 13g (17% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (37% DV)
• Cholesterol: 31mg (10% DV)
• Sodium: 291mg (13% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
• Total Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g (6% DV)
• Calcium: 73mg (6% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 64mg (1% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation methods. Consult a medical professional if following a restricted diet.

The Story Behind Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, combining the soft, sweet texture of Hawaiian rolls with the rich, buttery cinnamon filling that has made cinnamon rolls a beloved breakfast staple for centuries. Hawaiian rolls themselves were created in the 1950s by the Hawaiian Bake Company, now known as King's Hawaiian, and quickly became famous for their slightly sweet, fluffy bread. By using these rolls as a base for cinnamon rolls, home bakers discovered a faster, easier way to achieve a rich, gooey treat without the need for yeast dough preparation from scratch.

Regional Variations and Local Touches

While cinnamon rolls are traditionally associated with the American Midwest and Scandinavian countries, the Hawaiian roll version reflects a distinctly West Coast and Hawaiian influence. In Hawaii, local bakers often incorporate tropical flavors such as pineapple or macadamia nuts, sometimes brushing the rolls with a hint of coconut milk. In mainland U.S. kitchens, the rolls are typically kept simple with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, but the soft, pillowy texture of the Hawaiian rolls provides a unique, melt-in-your-mouth experience that differentiates it from standard recipes.

How They Differ From Similar Desserts

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which are made from scratch with a yeast dough and require hours of rising, Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are much faster to prepare. The use of pre-packaged sweet rolls eliminates the long proofing time while still yielding a tender, airy interior. The ooey gooey factor comes from layering a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar-butter mixture both inside and on top of the rolls before baking, giving the final product a caramelized sweetness that standard cinnamon rolls may lack. Additionally, the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet rolls perfectly.

Where These Rolls Are Typically Served

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile. They are most commonly served as a breakfast or brunch treat, often appearing at family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and potlucks. Their visually appealing presentation makes them a popular choice for casual celebrations, such as baby showers or weekend brunch parties. Warmed slightly, they are also perfect for afternoon tea or coffee, offering a sweet indulgence that pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.

Fun Facts and Baking Tips

• The term "ooey gooey" is not just descriptiveit perfectly captures the texture contrast between the soft rolls and the buttery cinnamon filling.
• While most people use store-bought Hawaiian rolls, experimenting with homemade sweet rolls can make the dish even more decadent.
• Some bakers add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave for a few seconds, restoring their soft, gooey texture without drying them out.
• Despite their indulgent taste, this recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a favorite for busy mornings and last-minute entertaining.

In conclusion, Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a modern adaptation that merges convenience with indulgence. They showcase how a simple change in base bread can transform a traditional dessert into a luscious, uniquely soft, and sweet treat that delights both adults and children alike.

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