The Sweetest Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe Ever Made

Warm, gooey Hawaiian rolls sticky buns promise a sweet morning surprise that’ll melt in your mouth.

Soft, pillowy dough whispers comfort with each tender bite.

Pulling apart layers of caramelized goodness, revealing golden swirls that sparkle with sugary magic.

Rich buttery notes dance alongside hints of tropical sweetness, creating an irresistible breakfast treat.

Memories of weekend mornings flood back when these rolls emerge from the oven, golden and steaming.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, turning an ordinary breakfast into a celebration.

The kitchen will fill with an aroma so tempting that everyone will rush to the table, eager to savor these delectable rolls.

Why Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Are Sticky Sweet Perfection

• Transform Hawaiian Rolls: Elevate classic rolls into a decadent dessert that combines sweet, gooey caramel with soft, pillowy bread for an irresistible treat.
• Super Quick Preparation: Takes just minutes to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, creating an instant crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table with its warm, inviting aroma and irresistible sticky-sweet goodness.
• Genius Shortcut Baking: Uses pre-made Hawaiian rolls as a clever base, cutting down preparation time while ensuring a consistently soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

What You’ll Need For Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet base that provides the perfect foundation for a delightful sticky bun texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and creates the signature sticky glaze.
• Butter: Brings richness, helps create a smooth caramel sauce, and adds incredible flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that gives classic sticky bun warmth.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavor profile.

• Pecans: Crunchy nutty element that provides texture contrast to the soft rolls.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, luxurious caramel sauce and adds richness.

How To Make Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring every corner is well-coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and let it bubble and combine until smooth and golden. Pour this luxurious caramel mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Sprinkle Nutty Goodness

Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer, creating a delightful crunchy foundation for your sticky buns.

Step 4: Arrange Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully place Hawaiian rolls side by side in the baking dish, nestling them into the caramel and nut base.

Step 5: Mix Decadent Topping

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Step 6: Drizzle and Coat

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the Hawaiian rolls, ensuring each roll gets a generous coating of the sweet, spiced mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel and nuts to drip over the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet goodness!

Pro Tips For Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Boost Sweetness Naturally: Drizzle extra honey or maple syrup over the rolls for a deeper caramel-like flavor that complements the Hawaiian bread's inherent sweetness.
• Customize Nut Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking to add texture and create a delightful nutty contrast with the soft rolls.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to save time during busy mornings.
• Dairy-Free Conversion: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets without compromising the rich, gooey texture.
• Glaze Perfection Trick: Let the sticky buns cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, allowing the caramel sauce to slightly thicken and cling beautifully to each roll.

How To Store And Reheat Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm chilled buns at 300F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
• Microwave Option: Zap individual buns for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze cooled buns in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

What Goes Well With Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Latte: The creamy, sweet notes of a vanilla latte beautifully complement the sticky, caramelized sweetness of these Hawaiian rolls, creating a harmonious breakfast or brunch treat.
• Match with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy cinnamon-infused whipped cream adds a delicate spice that enhances the rolls' rich, gooey texture and buttery flavor.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Berry Compote: A bright, tangy berry compote cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the sticky buns.
• Enjoy with Toasted Pecan Sprinkle: Crushed, lightly toasted pecans scattered on top add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the overall flavor profile of these decadent rolls.

Flavorful Twists On Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts over the rolls before baking for a Hawaiian-inspired texture and flavor boost.
• Pineapple Caramel Swirl: Mix crushed pineapple into the caramel sauce and drizzle between roll layers to add a tangy tropical sweetness.
• Rum-Infused Glaze: Incorporate a splash of dark rum into the caramel sauce for an adult version with deep, rich undertones.
• Nutmeg Spice Blend: Dust the rolls with a mixture of ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger to create warm, aromatic notes that complement the sweet base.

FAQs About Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

• What makes Hawaiian rolls special for this sticky bun recipe?

Hawaiian rolls have a unique sweetness and soft, pillowy texture that perfectly complements the caramel-like sticky glaze, creating a more indulgent and flavorful dessert compared to traditional bread.

• Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even rising and baking.

• Are Hawaiian rolls different from regular dinner rolls?

Hawaiian rolls are typically sweeter, slightly denser, and have a richer flavor due to ingredients like pineapple juice and butter, which give them their distinct taste and golden color compared to standard dinner rolls.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these sticky buns?

No special equipment is needed. A standard 9×13-inch baking dish, measuring cups, and basic mixing tools are all you’ll require to create these delicious sticky buns.

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe

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

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Description

Sweet Southern Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns merge classic comfort with tropical charm, creating a delightful breakfast pastry that melts in your mouth. Warm, gooey caramel and buttery rolls promise a delectable morning treat you’ll crave again and again.

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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

Sticky Sauce Ingredients:

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

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans

Preparation Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring even heat distribution for optimal baking. Thoroughly coat the rectangular baking vessel with a thin layer of fat to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Hawaiian rolls in a snug, uniform pattern within the prepared dish, creating a foundation for the sweet transformation.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan, incorporating brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a rich, glossy caramel-like consistency.
4. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously across the buttery sugar base, creating a crunchy textural element that will complement the soft rolls.
5. Drizzle the warm, decadent sugar-butter mixture evenly over the arranged rolls, ensuring each piece becomes saturated with the sweet coating.
6. Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon, adding depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, allowing the rolls to transform into a golden, glistening delicacy.
8. Bake until the edges turn a rich, caramelized brown and the rolls puff up with a tempting aroma, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of careful monitoring.
9. Remove from the oven and let the sticky buns rest for a few moments, allowing the caramel to set and intensify in flavor.
10. Invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, revealing the pecan-studded, caramel-coated Hawaiian rolls in all their indulgent glory.

Notes

• Roll bottoms can become soggy, so briefly toast Hawaiian rolls before assembling to maintain a crisp texture.
• Swap traditional butter with coconut oil for a lighter, tropical twist that enhances the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
• Consider preparing the sticky buns the night before and refrigerating overnight for deeper caramel flavor development and convenient morning baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg