The holidays are full of delicious dishes, but what do you do with all those leftover rolls? If you’ve ever stared at a tray of Hawaiian rolls wondering how to give them new life, we’ve got you covered. This Shortcut Walnut and Cream Cheese Sticky Buns recipe transforms holiday leftovers into a warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
With just a few pantry staples, a touch of cream cheese, and the crunchy magic of California walnuts, these sticky buns come together in 30 minutes—making them a no-fuss option for cozy mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Semi-Homemade Simplicity: Using pre-made rolls saves time and effort, letting you focus on the fun part—eating!
- Holiday Waste No More: This recipe repurposes those extra rolls from your holiday feast into something entirely new and exciting.
- Crunchy Walnut Goodness: California walnuts take this dish to the next level with their rich flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these buns the night before for an effortless morning treat.
How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- Sticky Buns
- 1 (12-oz.) package Hawaiian rolls
- 6 oz. Cream cheese
- ½ C Butter, at room temperature
- ¼ C Brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- ¾ C California walnuts, roughly chopped, divided
- Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 2 oz. Cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ C Powdered sugar
- ½ tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp Milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dish:
– Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. - Assemble Rolls:
– Remove rolls from their package, keeping them in one large piece.
– Carefully slice rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms.
– Spread cream cheese evenly over the roll bottoms, then place the tops back on. - Make the Sticky Sauce:
– In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon.
– Spread 1/4 of the sticky sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
– Sprinkle with 1/4 of the walnuts. - Layer & Top:
– Place the cream cheese-filled rolls into the dish.
– Spread the remaining sticky sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining walnuts. - Bake
– Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden and the sauce is bubbling. Let cool slightly. - Make the Drizzle:
– While rolls are baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth
– Transfer to a small plastic bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle over the buns.
Pro Tip: Customize Your Sticky Buns
Want to mix it up? Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth, or sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a festive twist. Whatever you do, don’t forget the California walnuts—they’re the versatile ingredient that makes these buns irresistibly good.
Whether it’s the morning after your big holiday celebration or a cozy weekend brunch, these Shortcut Walnut and Cream Cheese Sticky Buns are sure to delight everyone around the table. Ready to make leftovers the best part of the holidays? Let’s bake!
