Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are an irresistible shortcut version of the classic sticky buns—sweet, gooey, and buttery, with a soft and fluffy base. Made using store-bought Hawaiian rolls, this easy recipe creates a caramel-drizzled, nutty, and cinnamon-spiced delight in under 30 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these sticky buns are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses convenient, pre-made Hawaiian rolls for a quick prep
• Buttery, sticky caramel glaze in every bite
• Perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors
• No need to make dough from scratch
• Ideal for brunch, holidays, or weekend treats
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
• Great for making ahead and reheating

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-pack)
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Heavy cream
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, honey (or syrup), heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour half of the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
4. Without separating the Hawaiian rolls, slice the entire pack horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
5. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the dish, cut side up. Spread a thin layer of the remaining caramel mixture and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Add the top half of the rolls. Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the rolls, letting it soak into the bread.
7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
8. Let the sticky buns rest for a few minutes, then invert the entire dish onto a platter or cutting board to reveal the sticky topping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 sticky buns (1 per roll)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Roll Style: Add a cream cheese glaze on top after baking.
• Tropical Twist: Add crushed pineapple and coconut to the caramel sauce.
• Apple Pie Vibes: Mix diced apples with cinnamon and layer inside the rolls.
• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
• Chocolate Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers for an extra treat.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: Warm individual buns in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

Do I need to separate the rolls before baking?

No, keeping them connected helps retain their shape and makes it easier to pour on the caramel evenly.

Can I use other types of rolls?

Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness that enhances the sticky bun flavor.

Are the nuts optional?

Absolutely. Skip them if you prefer a nut-free version, or substitute with seeds or dried fruit.

Can I use light brown sugar?

Yes, but dark brown sugar adds a richer, deeper caramel flavor.

What’s the best way to flip the sticky buns?

Place a large tray or board over the baking dish and flip quickly but carefully. Use oven mitts for safety.

Can I add raisins or other fruit?

Yes, raisins, cranberries, or finely diced apples work well in the filling.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half if needed.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered for the final few minutes to caramelize the top and reduce excess moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just use two baking dishes and adjust the caramel amounts accordingly.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are the ultimate quick-fix indulgence—soft, sweet, and dripping with buttery caramel goodness. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a special weekend treat, these buns deliver all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional sticky buns with none of the fuss. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

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