Name: Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package Hawaiian Rolls; 1 tbsp cinnamon; ½ cup melted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup chopped pecans; ½ cup butter; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 30 reviews

If you adore warm, gooey, and irresistibly sweet treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe. It takes soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls and transforms them into heavenly cinnamon-spiced buns drenched in a luscious caramel pecan sauce. This recipe is the ultimate combination of sticky, buttery, nutty, and cinnamon-scented goodness all baked into one stunningly delicious batch that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a comforting indulgence.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat white marbled surface with a white wire rack holding a block of golden-brown Hawaiian rolls arranged in a 3 by 4 grid on the left side. To the right, there is a small round white bowl filled with chopped pecans, appearing medium to dark brown with a rough texture. Below the pecans, a white plate holds a rectangular slab of pale yellow butter with smooth edges. In the middle bottom, a small glass bowl contains thick, white heavy cream, shiny and smooth. To the left of the cream, a small white bowl has ground cinnamon, a fine reddish-brown powder. Next to the cinnamon, an even smaller white bowl is filled with white salt grains. On the far right, a larger white bowl is packed with light brown, moist-looking brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe keeps things beautifully simple with pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed and visually stunning treat. Each component plays an important role: from the soft Hawaiian rolls that provide a pillowy base, to the melted butter and brown sugar that meld into caramel perfection, and the pecans adding that much-needed crunch and nuttiness.

1 package Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, fluffy rolls are the perfect base for this sticky cinnamon bun transformation.

1 tablespoon cinnamon: Adds the warm, spicy kick that makes cinnamon buns so irresistible.
½ cup melted butter: Moistens and enriches the cinnamon filling inside the buns.
½ cup brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling and sauce.

¾ cup chopped pecans: Creates delightful crunch and nutty flavor in the sticky topping.
½ cup butter: Used to craft the luscious caramel sauce that seals the deal.
¾ cup brown sugar: Combined with butter to make the rich sauce that covers the buns.

¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the caramel.
½ cup heavy cream: Pours over the buns before baking to keep them moist and gooey.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Buns

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut a small X about 1 inch by 1 inch in the center of the top of each Hawaiian roll. Then slice the buns horizontally not all the way through but roughly two-thirds down so the top and bottom halves remain attached. This clever technique allows the sweet cinnamon filling to nestle perfectly inside without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and fragrant. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls, creating a delightful cinnamon swirl ready to be enveloped as you close the buns with their tops.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Pecan Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a delicious caramel sauce. Once it reaches that perfect sticky consistency, remove it from the heat to avoid burning. This sauce will be poured over the pecans to form a sticky, rich topping for the buns.

Step 4: Assemble Buns in Baking Dish

Scatter the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the nuts, ensuring an even layer that will create that signature sticky texture. Place each cinnamon-stuffed bun into the dish with the tops facing downward, pressing gently to submerge them slightly in the sauce.

Step 5: Add Cream and Bake

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the assembled buns, which helps keep them ultra-moist and gooey during baking. Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes, removing the foil after the first 15 minutes to let the tops get golden and the caramel bubble enticingly.

Step 6: Serve with a Stunning Flip

Once out of the oven, let the buns rest for 5 minutes. Then carefully place a serving tray over the pan and flip it so the sticky pecan caramel topping becomes the beautiful crown on your cinnamon buns. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top for extra decadence before digging in!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe

The image shows a collage of four photos depicting a dessert preparation. The top left photo shows a white wire cooling rack holding a grid of twelve shiny golden-brown soft buns with slight cracks at the top center of each. The top right photo shows a wooden spatula spreading thick, dark brown chocolate spread over a rectangular, light beige thin pastry sheet on a white marbled surface. The bottom left photo shows a white ceramic dish filled with chopped nuts covered by a smooth caramel sauce while a white spatula rests inside. The bottom right photo shows the same white ceramic dish layered with rectangular golden wafer crackers on top of the nuts and caramel, with a woman's hand pouring white cream from a small glass pitcher onto the wafers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the buns before serving. Freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can also complement the sticky sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon buns with a cozy cup of coffee or a steaming latte for a classic breakfast delight. They also shine alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the indulgence with some brightness and creaminess on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual cinnamon buns in mini ramekins layered with pecan caramel for a cute single-serving twist. Or slice the entire batch into squares and arrange on a platter with small bowls of extra caramel sauce and nuts for a fun, interactive brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The buns remain soft and sticky, ready to be enjoyed without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cinnamon buns once fully cooled by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the buns in a microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and gooey, or heat them gently in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-15 minutes. This helps refresh the texture and melts the caramel sauce perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While you can substitute with other soft rolls, Hawaiian rolls are recommended because their sweetness perfectly complements the cinnamon and caramel flavors in this recipe.

Is it necessary to cut the buns with scissors?

Using scissors to cut a small X and slice horizontally keeps the buns connected and allows the filling to seep in beautifully without making a mess, but you can also carefully use a knife if preferred.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds will work well and add different textures and flavors, but pecans provide that classic sticky bun nuttiness.

What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter, but heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest texture that makes the buns extra gooey and moist.

How sweet are these cinnamon buns?

They have a balanced sweetness with the caramel sauce and brown sugar, but not overly sugary—perfect for those who love indulgent yet not overwhelming desserts.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe is truly one of those magical recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The way the fluffy rolls soak up cinnamon sugar and then soak in sticky pecan caramel is pure bliss. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, I promise they’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead, dive in, and get ready to savor sticky, cinnamon-sugary happiness with every bite!

Hawaiian Roll Sticky Cinnamon Buns Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need