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Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls: A Tropical Twist on a Classic

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian, Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, fluffy, and infused with tropical flavors, these Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls elevate the classic treat! Hints of pineapple, coconut, and brown sugar make these rolls irresistibly gooey—perfect for breakfast or a special dessert.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice, warmed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 1/4 tsp (7g) instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crushed pineapple

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

    1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
    2. Add warmed pineapple juice and milk, eggs, and melted butter.
    3. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
    4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

    1. In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut flakes.
    2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
    3. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
    4. Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon-coconut mixture over the buttered dough.

Shape the Rolls:

    1. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
    2. Cut into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
    3. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze:

    1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
    3. Top with crushed pineapple if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure liquids are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
  • For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped macadamia nuts to the filling.
  • These rolls can be prepared a day in advance; refrigerate after shaping and bake the next day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 70g)
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg