These Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are a delightful twist on traditional sticky buns, combining the fluffy sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with a caramelized, nutty topping. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or as an indulgent treat, they come together effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Made with pre-packaged Hawaiian rolls, they save time without sacrificing flavor.
Delightfully Sweet and Buttery: The sticky caramel glaze paired with soft, pillowy rolls is irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From festive gatherings to weekend mornings, these buns are a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips.

Ingredients

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

Hawaiian sweet rolls
Butter
Brown sugar
Honey
Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
Cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and honey. Let the mixture simmer until it forms a caramel-like consistency.
Pour the caramel mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle chopped nuts and cinnamon (if using) over the caramel layer.
Arrange the Hawaiian rolls, top-down, into the baking dish. Press gently so they absorb some of the caramel.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the sticky buns onto a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s: Add chocolate chips to the caramel layer for a rich, gooey addition.
Tropical Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut alongside the nuts for an extra tropical flair.
Spiced Up: Mix nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice with the caramel for a warm, spiced flavor.
No Nuts: Skip the nuts for a nut-free version, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm the buns in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, homemade rolls work perfectly; just ensure they are soft and slightly sweet for the best results.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the buns and caramel layer, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.

3. What other toppings can I add?

Try dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a sweet-and-salty combo.

4. Can I freeze these sticky buns?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat directly from frozen in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

5. Do I need to grease the baking dish?

No need to grease the dish; the butter in the caramel prevents sticking.

6. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly?

Work quickly while pouring and assembling, or keep the caramel warm over low heat.

7. Can I reduce the sugar content?

You can cut back on the brown sugar or substitute it with coconut sugar for a slightly less sweet option.

8. What type of nuts work best?

Pecans and walnuts are classics, but almonds or macadamia nuts also work well.

9. Are Hawaiian rolls gluten-free?

Most Hawaiian rolls contain gluten, but gluten-free options are available at specialty stores.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves sweet, buttery, and nutty treats. Their quick preparation and adaptability make them a go-to choice for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or just because. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, these sticky buns are sure to become a favorite!