Easy Hawaiian Roll Cream Danishes

These Easy Hawaiian Roll Cream Danishes are my go to treat when I want something special but fuss free for breakfast or brunch. Using prepared King’s Hawaiian rolls as the base lets you whip up rich creamy danishes in almost no time with minimal effort but truly crave worthy results. If you have ever craved a bakery style treat fresh from your own oven this is your moment.

Every time I make these the sweet aroma reminds me of lazy weekend mornings when my nieces would race to the kitchen eager to help stuff and sprinkle the little rolls. They always disappear even before they cool.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The slight sweetness and pillowy texture give that signature Danish flavor and are ready to use straight from the package
• Cream Cheese: It must be softened so it whips smoothly and gives that creamy tangy base
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough for balanced flavor
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for the richest bakery style notes
• Egg Yolk: Binds the cream cheese mix for silkiness and helps with browning
• Butter: Melted for brushing onto the rolls to bring a bakery shine and added richness
• Cinnamon Sugar: Freshly mixed for best aroma adds warmth and a sweet spicy shell
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting brings a classic bakery finish and extra sweetness

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment and heat your oven to 350 F so you get even browning with no sticking

Prepare the Rolls:

Take each Hawaiian roll and use a sharp serrated knife to slice just halfway through the top to make a small but deep pocket. This will hold your filling neatly

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl combine softened cream cheese granulated sugar vanilla extract and the egg yolk. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer or very sturdy spoon. Beat until it looks fluffy and totally smooth

Fill the Rolls:

Either spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each roll pocket. Pack the filling generously but try not to overfill or it can spill out during baking

Brush and Sprinkle:

Arrange filled rolls spaced neatly on your prepared sheet. Brush the tops gently with plenty of melted butter so they will bake up golden and glossy then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on every roll

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. You are looking for an evenly golden top the filling should look a little puffed and set

Cool and Dust:

Let the danishes cool a few minutes out of the oven so the filling can firm up slightly. Right before serving finish with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar

Save it

Cream cheese is always my favorite in this recipe. Sometimes I even tuck in a few mini chocolate chips for a surprise. My family likes a big pile of these on the breakfast table during holidays and they always ask for extras to take home.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the freshest taste reheat danishes in a toaster oven at low heat so the filling stays creamy. These can also be frozen once baked just thaw before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the cream cheese with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt cream for a subtle twist. If you have only plain rolls not sweet ones add an extra splash of vanilla and a sprinkle of sugar to the filling. Any soft dinner roll works but sweet ones bake up closest to classic danish flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with fresh berries or a fruit compote. Try offering a side of extra cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey at the table. These also make a fun dessert served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Cultural Context

Classic danishes are a bakery favorite that can be traced back to Danish immigrants in America. The shortcut of using Hawaiian rolls brings the tradition home but keeps it simple. You get all that creamy spiced center but without rolling or folding dough.

Save it

Whip up these danishes any morning you want bakery style indulgence without fuss. They will vanish almost instantly—make a double batch if you hope to have leftovers!

FAQ sur la recette

→ What makes Hawaiian rolls ideal for this treat?

Hawaiian rolls are soft, sweet, and hold the creamy filling well while staying pillowy after baking.

→ Can I use another type of bread?

Brioche or soft dinner rolls work, but may not have the same subtle sweetness as Hawaiian rolls.

→ How do I stop the filling from leaking?

Cut shallow pockets and avoid overfilling to keep the cream cheese inside while baking.

→ Is it possible to prepare these in advance?

You can assemble them ahead, but bake fresh for best taste and texture. Reheat if needed.

→ What can I use instead of powdered sugar?

Try a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a light honey drizzle as alternative toppings.