* Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot (about 2 inches deep).
* Heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep the rolls
* Separate the Hawaiian rolls.
* You can leave them whole or cut each in half for smaller bites.
3. Fry
* Carefully place 3–4 rolls into the hot oil.
* Fry 30–45 seconds per side until golden brown.
* Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Cinnamon sugar coat
* Mix sugar + cinnamon in a bowl.
* While warm, toss each fried roll in the mixture until coated.
5. Make the glaze
* Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
* Add a splash more milk if you want it thinner.
6. Finish
* Drizzle glaze generously over the warm rolls.
5/9 Edited to
... Read moreI recently tried making deep-fried King’s Hawaiian Rolls with cinnamon sugar and a vanilla glaze, and I must say, it turned out to be a delightful treat that is both simple and addictive. Using King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls provides a soft, fluffy base that crisps up beautifully when fried, creating a wonderful contrast of textures.
One tip I learned is to ensure the oil is heated to the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C), to get that perfect golden brown finish without being too greasy. Frying the rolls for just 30 to 45 seconds per side cooked them quickly while keeping them light and fluffy inside. It's important to keep an eye on them so they don't overcook.
After frying, tossing the warm rolls in cinnamon sugar really brings out a lovely sweetness and warmth that complements the rich dough perfectly. I also customized the glaze by adding a little more vanilla extract for a deeper flavor and used heavy cream instead of milk for a creamier consistency. Drizzling the glaze generously over the warm rolls makes them irresistibly gooey and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
This recipe is fantastic as a quick dessert or an indulgent snack during gatherings. You can also experiment by cutting the rolls in halves or quarters before frying if you prefer smaller, bite-sized portions. Overall, this dish combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla with the unique soft texture of Hawaiian rolls in a fun, easy-to-make deep-fried dessert.
If you love monkey bread or cinnamon bread, this recipe gives you a quick way to enjoy similar flavors with less effort and mess. It’s definitely become a favorite in my household, and I think it will be in yours too. Give it a try and enjoy this sweet, warm treat!