Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
What Makes These Hawaiian Roll Cream Danishes Special
There’s something magical about taking store-bought Hawaiian rolls and transforming them into gourmet-tasting pastries. The natural sweetness of the rolls pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling, while the cinnamon-butter coating adds warmth and depth. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of flavors that makes these easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes absolutely irresistible.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy pastry skills or complicated techniques. This recipe proves that extraordinary treats can come from the simplest ingredients and methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rolls:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls (original package)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes won’t stick and will have beautiful golden edges.
Creating the Perfect Cavities
Place the Hawaiian rolls in your prepared baking dish, keeping them connected as one unit. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut a square opening in the top of each roll, cutting about three-quarters of the way down. The key is to create a generous pocket without cutting completely through the bottom.
Gently remove the cut bread pieces and most of the soft interior, creating hollow chambers that will hold your creamy filling. Save those bread pieces – they make excellent croutons or breadcrumbs for other recipes!
The Magical Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will create a beautiful caramelized coating that makes these easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes taste like they came from a high-end bakery.
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each roll – inside the cavities, on top, and around the sides. Don’t hold back here; this butter mixture is what gives the rolls their incredible flavor and gorgeous golden color.
Crafting the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese must be at room temperature for this to work properly – cold cream cheese will create lumps that won’t disappear.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is silky smooth. The consistency should be creamy enough to spoon easily but thick enough to hold its shape.
Assembly and Baking
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, fill each roll cavity with the cream cheese mixture, mounding it slightly above the rim. The filling will settle and set as it bakes, creating that perfect cheesecake-like texture.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The tops should have a beautiful golden hue that signals they’re perfectly done.
The Finishing Touch
Allow the easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period lets the filling set while keeping the pastries warm and inviting.
If you’re adding the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes? Check out these amazing options from our recipe collection:
- Perfect Breakfast Sides: Discover perfect sides that pair wonderfully with these danishes
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- Irresistible Desserts: Explore more irresistible desserts for your sweet tooth
- Breakfast Favorites: Browse our collection of breakfast favorites for more morning inspiration
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Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Matters: Room temperature ingredients are crucial for smooth mixing. Take your cream cheese and egg out of the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in lots of filling, overfilling can cause overflow and messy results. Aim for a generous mound that sits just above the rim.
Check for Doneness: The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking will cause the cream cheese to become grainy.
Serve Warm: These easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is creamy and the rolls are at their most tender.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently rewarmed in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the cream cheese filling up to one day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.
Delicious Variations
Berry Bliss: Add fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist on your easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pastries.
Citrus Burst: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the butter mixture before baking for added texture.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of these easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes lies in their simplicity and the quality of ingredients. King’s Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet, soft base that doesn’t require any rising or complicated dough work. The cream cheese filling mimics the taste of expensive bakery danishes, while the cinnamon-butter coating creates depth and richness.
This recipe proves that impressive breakfast treats don’t require professional training or hours of preparation. In just 30 minutes, you can create pastries that rival those from upscale bakeries, all while using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
These easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes have become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. They’re perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary.
The combination of sweet, soft rolls with rich cream cheese filling creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting guests or just wanting to make an ordinary morning feel special, these danishes deliver every time.
So grab a package of Hawaiian rolls and get ready to create bakery-quality pastries in your own kitchen. Your taste buds – and anyone lucky enough to share them with you – will thank you for discovering these incredible easy Hawaiian roll cream danishes.
