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Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls with Toasted Coconut and Almonds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion

Description

Delight in these Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls—a tropical twist on the classic cinnamon roll featuring a sweet pineapple curd filling combined with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Soft, fluffy dough is rolled with a luscious pineapple and brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting garnished with toasted coconut and almonds. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 package instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup pineapple curd
  • 1/4 cup pineapple, minced and drained (optional)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR coconut extract OR rum extract
  • 1/4 cup almonds (Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds preferred, optional)

Frosting and Garnish

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup toasted coconut
  • 1/3 cup almonds (Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds, chopped)

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare wet mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine sugar, butter, water, and milk. Heat in the microwave on high for about 1 minute 30 seconds until the mixture is hot and the butter nearly melted. Gradually add this warm liquid mixture to the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
  3. Preheat oven for rising: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) as a warm place for dough rising later.
  4. Knead the dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook on the lowest setting, knead the dough for 4 minutes until elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  5. Roll and fill the dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×9 inch rectangle. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple curd, minced pineapple (if using), brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, ground ginger, vanilla or alternative extract. Spread this filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with almonds if desired. Roll the dough tightly along the long side, then cut into 12 even portions using dental floss for clean cuts.
  6. Proof the rolls: Place the rolls into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover gently with aluminum foil. Turn off the oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the dough to puff up.
  7. Bake the rolls: Remove foil and turn oven on to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls uncovered for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown.
  8. Prepare frosting and serve: While rolls cool for a few minutes, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting over warm rolls, then garnish with toasted coconut and chopped almonds. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Using dental floss to cut the rolls helps maintain their shape and prevents dough compression.
  • Optional pineapple pieces add extra texture and pineapple flavor inside the rolls.
  • For variety, use vanilla, coconut, or rum extract in the filling to customize the flavor profile.
  • If you don’t have Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds, substitute with regular toasted almonds or omit.
  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting so the cream cheese icing does not melt off completely.
  • Pineapple curd can be store-bought or homemade; ensure it’s thick enough to spread easily.