Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Imagine the heavenly pairing of pillowy-soft sweet rolls, luscious pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a swirl of cinnamon icing melting tempting rivers down warm baked edges. That’s exactly what you get with Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls: a cozy treat born for fall cravings and holiday brunches, but dangerously irresistible any time of the year! Whether you’re new to baking or a brunch enthusiast, this recipe brings a touch of magic to your kitchen. Think gooey, gently spiced pumpkin filling, fluffy bread, and the kind of aroma that guarantees every guest floating into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of these Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, from silky cream cheese to fragrant cinnamon. Gather these staples, and you’re halfway to bakery-worthy results with barely any fuss!

• Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet, tender rolls are the perfect base—light enough to soak in flavor without getting soggy.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich, luscious moisture, ensuring every bite is decadently soft.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with a touch of caramel warmth and helps the cinnamon stick.
• Cinnamon: Both mixed into the butter and filling, it brings that classic, cozy spice note throughout.
• Cream Cheese: Softened and creamy, this is the heart of your pumpkin danish filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling, balancing the tang of cream cheese and squash.
• Large Egg: Adds richness and sets the cheesecake-like filling as it bakes.
• Pumpkin Puree: The key seasonal ingredient—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie mix!
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor of both the filling and the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for a thick, glossy icing to drizzle on top.
• Milk: Thins the icing just enough for perfect drizzling.

How to Make Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Butter

Let’s start by infusing those Hawaiian rolls with luscious, aromatic melted butter. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and most of the cinnamon—just enough heat for everything to blend into a caramel-y magic potion. This is your secret backstage pass to next-level flavor!

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray, then nestle in your Hawaiian rolls. Using a small knife, gently cut out the center of each roll, creating little wells for the filling, but don’t cut all the way to the bottom—the last thing you want is your precious creamy filling escaping! Brush the rolls all over (yes, the tops and sides) with your cinnamon butter.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, remaining cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Once smooth, whisk in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is glossy and completely combined. This dreamy pumpkin cheesecake mixture gives Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls their signature flavor and creaminess!

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Spoon a generous heap of pumpkin filling into the waiting centers of each Hawaiian roll, then slide the dish into your preheated 375 degree oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes—keep watch, as every oven is unique and you want them set in the middle but not overdone. The golden scent of baked spiced rolls will let you know you’re on the right track!

Step 5: Mix and Drizzle the Icing

While your Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a thick but pourable icing. Pour into a zip-top bag, snip off the end, and generously drizzle over the warm rolls for that bakery-worthy finish. Serve while gooey and warm!

How to Serve Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls

Garnishes

A classic glaze is all you need, but if you’re feeling festive, try a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a few shavings of white chocolate on top of each roll. These simple finishing touches make Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls look as special as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls do fabulously next to fresh fruit salad, a cup of robust coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. For a more savory spread, pair them with a bright spinach omelet or crispy bacon—the sweet and savory balance will make your breakfast table unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls straight from the pan for casual family brunches, or arrange individual rolls on a wooden board with little bowls of extra glaze and autumnal fruit. For potlucks or holiday parties, pop them in festive cupcake wrappers and add a tiny edible leaf for a charming touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll keep moist and soft, but you may want to gently reheat before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Freezing

Freeze the baked and cooled rolls (without icing) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, add icing after they’re thawed and reheated. You can also freeze unbaked, filled rolls and bake directly from frozen—just add a bit of extra time in the oven!

Reheating

Warm Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or zap them individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For bonus points, add fresh drizzle of icing before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade rolls instead of store-bought Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! If you love to bake bread, homemade sweet rolls or even soft dinner rolls make a wonderful base for Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls. Just try to match the size so your filling-to-roll ratio stays perfect.

Is it possible to make these in advance?

You can prep the rolls the day before up through filling them, then cover tightly and chill. In the morning, simply bake, ice, and bask in the compliments.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You can substitute well-mashed butternut squash or sweet potato puree in a pinch—they’ll offer a similar creamy, earthy sweetness in your Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls.

Can I skip the icing or use something else?

Of course! While the icing adds a classic bakery finish, you can try drizzling with caramel sauce, a light maple glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a different twist.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The centers should be just set (not wobbly) and the tops lightly golden. Start checking at 15 minutes; if your filling puffs slightly and springs back, your Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls are ready!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a fall brunch, treating yourself to a cozy weekend bake, or dazzling your family with something special, you can’t go wrong with Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls. Dive in—this recipe is absolutely worth sharing and savoring!

Print