Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts

A stack of golden brown apple cider Hawaiian roll donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, some showing gooey apple filling inside, arranged on a green plate with fresh apples and a striped cloth in the background. The scene feels warm and inviting, suggesting a homemade treat ready to be enjoyed.

Description

Golden, pillowy Hawaiian rolls have been transformed into little apple cider-filled gems. Each roll is soft and fluffy, baked to a warm honeyed brown, then coated with melted butter and tossed in a sugar-cinnamon mix that glistens under the kitchen lights. The center of each “donut” reveals a sweet, gooey apple pie filling infused with cider — a rich, fruit-spiced surprise that contrasts beautifully with the tender, doughy bread. The crust offers a slight crispness thanks to the cinnamon sugar shell, giving way to the moist, buttery inside. Altogether, these treats combine cozy autumn flavors (apple, cider, cinnamon) with the comforting sweetness and texture of a soft roll, making them perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredient

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Separate Hawaiian rolls and cut a 1/2-inch slit in the side of each one. Use a finger or the end of a spoon to create a larger opening and a space large enough to fill each roll with about 1 tablespoon filling.
  3. Roughly chop apple pie filling and add to a bowl. Stir in 1 packet apple cider mix. Spoon filling into the prepared rolls.
  4. Melt 4 tablespoons butter and brush each roll on all sides with melted butter. Place rolls on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake rolls in the preheated oven until lightly toasted and golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, stir together remaining apple cider packet, sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow dish and melt remaining butter.
  7. Brush tops of rolls evenly with melted butter and coat each roll in sugar mixture.