Gooey Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe: Sweet Island Magic

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and butter waft through kitchens when making hawaiian rolls sticky buns.

Soft dough promises incredible texture and decadent flavor.

Pillowy bread meets rich caramel in this delightful treat that feels like a warm hug.

Mornings become magical with these irresistible pastries straight from the oven.

Layers of gooey goodness combine classic comfort with tropical inspiration.

Unexpected twists make this recipe stand out from standard breakfast fare.

Bakers of all skill levels can create something spectacular that will make everyone smile.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of these amazing rolls.

What Sets Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Apart

• Personalize the recipe by adding chopped pecans or experimenting with different nuts to match your taste preferences.
• Create a delicious breakfast or brunch dish that everyone from kids to adults will love, with minimal cooking skills required.
• Transform simple Hawaiian rolls into a gourmet-style dessert in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Ingredient Breakdown

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that provide the foundation for this sticky dessert, perfect for soaking up the caramel sauce.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream: Rich combination that creates a luxurious caramel-like sauce with deep, warm sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds smooth, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the sauce.

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty depth to the sticky buns, optional but recommended.
• Cinnamon, Brown Sugar: Warm spice blend that provides a classic sweet and aromatic coating for the rolls.
• Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the rolls and adds rich, golden flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Smooth, rich espresso balanced with sweet vanilla perfectly complements the sticky buns' caramel and cinnamon notes.
• Elegant bourbon-infused whipped cream adds depth and warmth, enhancing the rolls' decadent butterscotch-like sauce.
• Chilled coffee with toasted pecan undertones mirrors the buns' nutty crunch and sweet caramelized flavor profile.
• Aromatic chai tea blended with maple syrup creates a luxurious counterpoint to the sticky buns' rich, buttery texture.

Alternate Flavors for Sticky Bun Fans

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls: Replace standard Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls or homemade gluten-free bread to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and coconut oil for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies or school lunch restrictions.
• Vegan Hawaiian Buns: Use plant-based butter alternatives, coconut cream, and vegan-friendly rolls to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free sticky bun experience.

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Questions and Clarifications

• What are Hawaiian rolls?

Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet bread rolls originating from Hawaiian cuisine, typically made with ingredients like pineapple juice and milk, giving them a unique tender texture and subtle sweetness.

• Can I make this recipe without pecans?

Yes, you can easily omit pecans or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or skip nuts entirely without affecting the overall recipe’s deliciousness.

• How do I know when the sticky buns are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown tops and bubbling sticky sauce around the edges. The rolls should appear slightly crisp on top and have a rich, caramelized appearance when done.

• Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead preparation?

You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

How to Put Together Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Crank the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Sticky Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth and starts bubbling. Remove from heat and splash in vanilla extract. Pour this golden liquid evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Sprinkle Nutty Goodness

Scatter chopped pecans across the caramel sauce if desired.

Step 4: Slice and Arrange Rolls

Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the entire block connected. Gently nestle the bottom half into the caramel-coated baking dish.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon Magic

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Brush roll surfaces with melted butter. Generously dust the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the bottom roll layer. Crown with the top half of the rolls.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until tops turn golden and sauce bubbles excitedly.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Allow buns to rest for 5 minutes. Dramatically flip the entire dish onto a serving platter, letting the caramel cascade over the rolls. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips That Improve Your Sticky Bun Game

• Swap Nuts Easily: Replace pecans with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or skip nuts entirely for nut-free versions without compromising flavor.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Reduce brown sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if you prefer less intense sweetness, maintaining the caramel-like sauce's essence.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Let rolls sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even heating and prevent overly moist texture.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking for perfect sticky buns.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan butter to create a delicious plant-based alternative that tastes just as rich.

How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Warm at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, watching carefully to avoid toughening the texture.
• Allow buns to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness and bring out rich caramel flavors.

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian rolls become irresistible sticky buns with a caramel glaze that melts in your mouth. Warm, gooey comfort wraps around cinnamon-swirled dough, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of this morning treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans (optional)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Create a rich caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in brown sugar and heavy cream until the mixture becomes smooth and develops a glossy appearance.
3. Remove the caramel sauce from heat, incorporate vanilla extract, and distribute it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter chopped pecans over the sauce if desired.
4. Using a sharp knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally while keeping the entire block connected, maintaining the structural integrity of the rolls.
5. Gently place the bottom half of the roll block into the baking dish, positioning it directly on top of the caramel sauce.
6. Combine ground cinnamon with additional brown sugar in a small mixing bowl to create a fragrant spice blend.
7. Brush the exposed inner surfaces of the rolls with melted butter, then generously dust the bottom layer with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Carefully reposition the top half of the rolls, ensuring they align perfectly with the bottom layer.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the rolls to absorb the flavors and become tender.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the rolls develop a golden-brown surface and the caramel sauce begins to bubble.
11. Allow the buns to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then skillfully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, ensuring the caramel sauce cascades over the rolls.
12. Serve the sticky buns while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the gooey, aromatic treat.

Notes

• Always use fresh Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and softness in your sticky buns.
• Consider toasting pecans before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Allow the sticky sauce to cool slightly before pouring to prevent burning and ensure even distribution across the baking dish.
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds as a delicious alternative to pecans for varied crunch and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg