Have you ever craved warm, gooey, pull apart cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to spend hours making dough, waiting for it to rise, and cleaning a mountain of dishes? I have the most brilliant, life changing solution for you. These Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls are your secret weapon. By starting with a package of soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, you get all the irresistible flavor and texture of a bakery style treat in about 30 minutes flat. They’re the ultimate “cheat” that will make you look like a pastry pro, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings, last minute brunch guests, or a sweet family dessert that disappears in seconds.
Why You’ll Be Obsessed
- Unbelievably Fast: From package to plate in just over 30 minutes. No yeast, no kneading, no long rise times.
- Maximum Gooeyness: The genius method of slicing and stuffing the rolls creates layers of buttery cinnamon sugar in every single bite.
- Crowd Pleasing Fun: The pull apart nature makes them perfect for sharing (or not sharing; we don’t judge!).
- Foolproof & Forgiving: Using pre made rolls is the ultimate guarantee of success. It’s impossible to mess up!
Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling & Topping:
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
Step by Step Instructions
1Prep and Slice: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Take the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls and, using a long serrated bread knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected as one piece. Think of it like you’re making a giant, sweet sandwich.
2Make the Magic Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, 8 tablespoons of butter, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
3Assemble the Gooey Layers: Gently lift the top half of the rolls. Spread about three quarters (¾) of the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the bottom half.
Place the top half back on, like closing a book. Transfer the whole connected slab of rolls to your prepared baking dish.
Now, spread the remaining cinnamon butter over the very top of the rolls. This double layer is the key to maximum flavor!
4Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cinnamon sugar is bubbling around the edges. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for exactly 5 minutes. This lets them set just enough so the icing doesn’t completely melt away.
5Whip Up the Icing & Finish: While the rolls bake, make the icing. Using an electric hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat together the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, cream cheese, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until you have a thick, luscious glaze.
Drizzle or spread the icing generously over the warm (not piping hot) rolls. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
30 Minute Ooey Gooey Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter softened, divided
- 1/4 tsp salt divided
- 1 12 count pkg Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Horizontally slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping top and bottom connected.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, 8 tbsp butter, and 1/8 tsp salt into a paste.
- Spread ¾ of the cinnamon paste on the bottom roll half. Replace top. Place in dish. Spread remaining paste on top.
- Bake 18-20 mins until golden. Cool in pan for 5 mins.
- While baking, beat remaining 1 tbsp butter, cream cheese, 1/8 tsp salt, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar for icing.
- Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a long, serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cut through the rolls.
- Let the baked rolls cool for 5 minutes before icing so the glaze doesn't completely melt into them.
- For extra decadence, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
