Easy Hawaiian Roll Cream Danishes

These quick and easy cream cheese danishes transform soft Hawaiian sweet rolls into bakery-style treats that are perfect for breakfast or a cozy brunch. With a creamy vanilla filling and a hint of cinnamon sugar, they are always a crowd favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients

• King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The sweetness and pillowy softness make the perfect pastry base Look for rolls that are fresh and well-packaged for the best result
• Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth texture Cream cheese keeps these danishes rich and tangy Use high-quality full-fat blocks for best flavor
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the filling Make sure it is fine so it dissolves easily
• Vanilla extract: Brings in warmth and roundness to the filling Pure vanilla gives best results
• Egg yolk: Gives the filling shine and helps set the texture Go for fresh eggs with vibrant yolks if possible
• Butter: Melted real butter adds golden color and deep flavor Choose unsalted so you control the salt
• Cinnamon sugar: Mix of sugar and cinnamon for a cozy topping Use fresh cinnamon for the brightest punch
• Powdered sugar: Lightly dusts the danishes for that classic bakery touch Sift to avoid lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze

Slice the Sweet Rolls:

Using a sharp serrated knife slice each Hawaiian roll halfway through to make a pocket but do not cut all the way If you are careful the filling stays neatly in the roll

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese granulated sugar vanilla extract and egg yolk Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until it is ultra-smooth and creamy with no lumps This smoothness gives the best mouthfeel

Fill the Rolls:

Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the pocket of each roll with the cream cheese mixture Try to get a generous dollop in each one without overfilling Place the filled rolls evenly on your prepared baking sheet

Brush with Butter:

Gently brush the tops of the filled rolls with melted butter Use a pastry brush for even coverage This is what helps the cinnamon sugar stick

Top with Cinnamon Sugar:

Immediately sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the buttered tops so it clings to every bit For extra flavor give them a little extra sprinkle

Bake:

Place the tray in your preheated oven Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden and the filling looks set

Cool and Dust:

Let the danishes cool for a few minutes so the filling firms up Finally dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a professional finish

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Storage Tips

Once completely cooled store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator They will keep fresh for three days To reheat just pop in a low oven for a few minutes or enjoy them cold

Ingredient Substitutions

No Hawaiian rolls You can use any soft enriched dinner roll or even brioche If you do not have cream cheese mascarpone makes a lovely substitute Add a few berries or swaps like lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy note

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm with strong coffee or a pot of tea For brunch I love to pair them with fruit salad and scrambled eggs for a well-rounded meal They are perfect for bridal showers or weekend guests too

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Cultural Notes

Danishes have European pastry roots but this shortcut version is a uniquely American twist using beloved Hawaiian rolls The slightly sweet bread makes these both nostalgic and modern and my relatives told me it reminded them of bakery visits growing up

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different brand of sweet rolls?

Yes, any soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls work well if Hawaiian rolls are unavailable.

→ Do the danishes need to be eaten warm?

They're best enjoyed slightly warm, but can also be served at room temperature for a delicious treat.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble and refrigerate the filled rolls ahead, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can substitute for cream cheese, offering a slightly different taste.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be sure not to overfill the pockets in the rolls and bake them close together to help support them.