These Quick & Easy Cinnamon Rolls offer a smart shortcut to a classic breakfast favorite. Using a package of store-bought Hawaiian sweet rolls and a few pantry staples, you can have warm, gooey cinnamon buns topped with cream cheese frosting in about 20 minutes. They deliver the cinnamon-sugar flavor everyone loves without the time-consuming steps of traditional yeast dough.
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Why We Love Quick And Easy Cinnamon Rolls
If you want warm, homemade-tasting cinnamon rolls without the time and effort of mixing, rising, and rolling dough, this recipe is a perfect hack. A single package of soft Hawaiian rolls becomes the base for gooey, cinnamony buns that everyone will enjoy.
- Each roll recreates the soft, ooey-gooey center of a classic cinnamon bun without yeast or kneading.
- Using store-bought sweet rolls saves time and makes these treats accessible any morning or for unexpected guests.
- The cream cheese frosting adds richness and tang to balance the brown sugar and cinnamon filling.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, so they’re ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunches.
- Easy to scale up to feed a crowd—double or triple the recipe as needed.
Ingredients For Easy Cinnamon Rolls
See the recipe card lower on the page for exact measurements and full details.
- Butter — salted works well.
- Ground cinnamon — for the warming flavor in the filling.
- Light brown sugar — swap dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
- Sweet Hawaiian rolls — a 12-pack of pre-baked rolls makes this quick.
- Cream cheese — softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Whole milk — or use half-and-half for a richer frosting.
- Powdered sugar — to sweeten and thicken the icing.
- Vanilla extract — a little boosts the frosting’s flavor.
How To Make Quick Cinnamon Rolls With Hawaiian Bread
This method eliminates yeast and proofing time. The pre-baked rolls absorb the warm cinnamon-butter mixture while baking, creating a soft, sticky interior similar to classic cinnamon rolls.
Follow the full quantities in the recipe card below when you make these.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Place the unopened pack of rolls into an 8×11-inch (or larger) baking dish; do not separate them. Poke 3–4 small holes in the top of each roll so the filling can soak in.
- Pour the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the rolls.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the tops are glossy.
- While the rolls bake, beat room-temperature cream cheese with milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth to make the frosting.
- Remove the rolls from the oven, spoon or pour the frosting over them while warm, and serve.
Recipe Notes, Tips & Variations For The BEST Cinnamon Rolls
- Keep the rolls together in the pan — separating them prevents the filling from pooling and soaking in.
- Poking holes in each roll helps the buttery cinnamon mixture penetrate the center for extra gooey texture.
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature before whisking to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Adjust frosting consistency by adding more milk to thin it or more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- If serving immediately, let the rolls rest 3–5 minutes before frosting so the icing partially melts. For make-ahead, cool completely before spreading frosting.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the frosting for extra spice or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are recommended because they’re soft and slightly sweet, but other soft dinner rolls or brioche rolls will work. Choose a tender roll that will absorb the cinnamon-butter mixture.
Freeze unfrosted, fully cooled rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently before frosting.
Baking warms the cinnamon-butter filling so it liquefies and sinks into the rolls, creating the soft, gooey texture and glossy topping you expect from a cinnamon roll.
How To Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls
Refrigerate/Leftovers
Cover cooled rolls with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on 50% microwave power for about 30–45 seconds, or until warmed through.
On the counter, covered, they will stay fresh for about 2 days.
Freeze
Freeze unfrosted, cooled rolls for up to one month in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before adding frosting.
Serving Suggestions
These quick cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleaser for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or casual gatherings. Serve them warm and let guests help themselves.
What To Serve With Easy Cinnamon Rolls For Breakfast
- Bacon, sausage, or ham
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Hashbrown casserole or roasted potatoes
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Baked oatmeal or muffins
- Coffee, tea, or milk
What To Serve With The Best Cinnamon Rolls For Brunch
- Quiche or savory tarts
- Muffins or danishes
- Breakfast casserole or baked egg cups
- Fruit-forward cocktails or mimosas
- Coffee and fresh orange juice
Like This Recipe?
If you try these rolls, please leave a review or share a photo to let others know how they turned out. Feedback helps refine the recipe and inspire variations.
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
12
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
These simple cinnamon rolls use pre-baked sweet rolls brushed with a cinnamon-butter mixture and finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick brunch treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 12-pack sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Heat briefly until the butter is fully melted and stir to combine.
- Place the pack of rolls in an 8×11-inch (or larger) baking dish without separating them. Poke 3–4 holes in each roll.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolls and bake about 15 minutes, until the filling bubbles.
- While baking, beat cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth to make the frosting.
- Remove rolls from the oven, spoon the frosting over them while warm, and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftover rolls in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly before serving. These are also delicious with an extra dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 171
Total Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g
