Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe: A Tropical Twist

Soft, pillowy hawaiian rolls become the secret weapon in these decadent sticky buns that melt in your mouth.

Warm spices and sweet caramel create a heavenly combination that beckons you to the kitchen.

These rolls bring together comfort and indulgence in every single bite.

The simple ingredients transform an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.

Layers of buttery goodness and tender dough promise a morning treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cinnamon and brown sugar weave their magic, turning humble rolls into a spectacular morning sensation.

Prepare to be delighted by this irresistible breakfast masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Make Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Step By Step

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen companion to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for delicious magic. Gently coat your baking vessel with a light layer of grease to ensure a smooth release later.

  • Dough Transformation

Separate each fluffy Hawaiian roll and slice them in half horizontally, creating soft, pillowy platforms ready for sweet indulgence.

  • Caramel Foundation

In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, allowing them to dance and combine into a rich, golden nectar. Pour this liquid gold into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

  • Nutty Sprinkle

Scatter chopped pecans across the caramel base, creating a crunchy landscape that will add delightful texture to each heavenly bite.

  • Roll Assembly

Nestle the halved Hawaiian rolls into the caramel-pecan paradise, cut sides facing down. They’ll soak up the sweet, buttery essence.

  • Final Touch

Drizzle any remaining caramel over the rolls, ensuring every crevice is kissed with sugary goodness.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let it transform for 15-20 minutes, until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the caramel bubbles with excitement.

  • Serving Celebration

Carefully flip the entire creation onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel and pecans to cascade over the rolls in a mouthwatering display.

Tips To Tweak Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

  • Heavenly Hawaiian Hack: Swap store-bought Hawaiian rolls for homemade soft rolls to elevate the texture and add a personal touch to your sticky buns.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for a stress-free morning treat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls or make your own gluten-free version using a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Nut-Free Twist: Replace chopped pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch that works perfectly for those with nut allergies or preferences.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or add a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that will make these sticky buns truly unforgettable.

Ways To Serve Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

  • Breakfast Bliss Plate: Serve these gooey rolls alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent morning feast that balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Display the sticky buns on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh mint leaves, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that wows guests.
  • Dessert Companion: Pair these warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Party Platter Charm: Cut rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at potlucks, brunches, or casual gatherings, making them perfect finger food for social events.

Keep Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Fresh And Tasty

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful sticky buns in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire recipe the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow ingredients to reach room temperature.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual rolls or the entire batch in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen sticky buns maintain top quality for 2-3 weeks when sealed properly.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain soft, gooey texture. Individual rolls can also be microwaved for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Into Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

For the Base:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Pillowy soft bread that provides the perfect sweet foundation for these delectable sticky buns.
  • Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that helps create a luscious coating and adds deep flavor complexity.
For the Caramel and Coating:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like sweetness that creates the signature sticky glaze.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds silky richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious caramel sauce.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the caramel's depth.
For the Topping and Seasoning:
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, spicy notes that complement the sweet caramel perfectly.
  • Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to contrast the soft rolls.
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy caramel that clings beautifully to the rolls.

Gear You’ll Need For Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns

  • Large mixing bowl: A spacious container for combining ingredients with ease.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending butter, sugar, and other wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides the ideal space for baking and serving these sticky buns.
  • Pastry brush: Helps evenly spread melted butter or glaze across the rolls.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for cutting dough and creating clean, even rolls.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients and dough.
Print
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Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Mouthwatering hawaiian rolls sticky buns combine sweet tropical notes with classic bakery comfort. Pillowy dough and caramel glaze create an irresistible breakfast or dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for the sweet creation.
  2. Base Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, blending brown sugar until a smooth, glossy caramel forms, creating a rich foundation for the sticky buns.
  3. Pecan Layering: Scatter chopped pecans across the caramel base, establishing a crunchy textural element that will enhance the overall sensory experience.
  4. Roll Arrangement: Nestle Hawaiian rolls closely together in the prepared dish, ensuring they are snugly positioned to absorb the caramel decadence.
  5. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle the warm caramel mixture over the rolls, guaranteeing complete coverage and allowing the sweet syrup to seep between each roll.
  6. Spice Accent: Sprinkle ground cinnamon across the surface, introducing a warm, aromatic dimension to the developing flavor profile.
  7. Baking Transformation: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the rolls to bake until edges turn a deep golden brown and the tops become gloriously puffy, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  8. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter, revealing the gleaming, pecan-studded sticky buns in all their caramelized splendor.

Notes

  • Preheat Precisely: Maintain consistent oven temperature around 350°F to ensure even caramelization and roll texture without burning.
  • Choose Quality Rolls: Select fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls that are sturdy enough to absorb the caramel sauce without becoming soggy or falling apart.
  • Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soft during baking.
  • Caramel Coating Technique: Pour warm sugar-butter mixture slowly and evenly, allowing it to penetrate between rolls for maximum flavor distribution and glossy finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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