Name: Hawaiian Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: ½ cup pineapple juice, canned, room temperature; ½ cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110°f; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 6 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 ¾ – 4 cups bread flour; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Hawaiian rolls are a delightful treat that exude warmth and comfort with every fluffy bite. These soft, lightly sweet rolls, reminiscent of a tropical paradise, are perfect for soaking up savory bites or even acting as a sweet snack on their own. The combination of pineapple juice and buttery goodness creates a subtle sweetness that sets them apart from the typical dinner roll. There’s an undeniable charm in pulling apart these golden, pillowy rolls, and oh, the smell that wafts through your kitchen while they bake!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Hawaiian Rolls

Growing up, Hawaiian rolls were always a special treat at family gatherings; their slight sweetness and cloud-like texture would have everyone reaching for seconds. Maybe it was my love for the beach or just a simple appreciation for soft baked goods, but these rolls promised a little slice of paradise with every meal. Trust me, once you discover how easy this Hawaiian rolls recipe is, you’ll find them popping up at your tables often—nothing beats homemade!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From start to finish, this recipe takes just a few hours, with less than 30 minutes of actual hands-on time.
Irresistible Flavor: A unique blend of pineapple juice and buttery richness gives the rolls a flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls come out golden brown and beautifully puffy, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for any occasion, they can be served warm on a dinner table, at potlucks, or as a delightful breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free flour for a fantastic alternative, making these rolls accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup pineapple juice, canned, room temperature: The star of the recipe, this juice infuses the rolls with subtle tropical sweetness. If fresh is available, feel free to substitute.
½ cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110°F: This helps activate the yeast. Skim or almond milk could work, but they may slightly alter the texture.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and tender texture. Make sure it’s unsalted for optimal control over the saltiness.
6 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the savory flavors and aids browning. Always use granulated sugar—brown sugar may change the sweetness profile.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar: A touch of molasses in brown sugar deepens the sweetness. If you don’t have it, use an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs help with the rise and richness of the rolls. Always use room temperature for better incorporation.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a hint of vanilla accentuates all the great flavors. Stick to real vanilla, if possible!
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: We’re using instant yeast for ease. If you’re using active dry yeast, allow it to bloom in warm water for 5 minutes before use.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: You’ll mix this in early to help the dough come together. It’s great for a soft base.
3 ¾ – 4 cups bread flour: The backbone of the rolls, bread flour provides structure with high protein content. All-purpose flour could work too, but won’t yield the same chewiness.
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt: This enhances flavors and balances sweetness, so don’t skip it!
1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water: This egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful, shiny finish.
1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushed on after baking, it adds extra flavor and richness.

How to Make Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ½ cup of pineapple juice, ½ cup of warm milk, 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 2 large room temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast. Stir until well blended.
Incorporate Flours: Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and start mixing in 3 cups of the bread flour until a rough dough begins to form. Then, mix in 1 ½ teaspoons of fine sea salt.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining bread flour until the dough feels slightly sticky but manageable. Knead for 4-5 minutes with a stand mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand until it turns smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, then cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 ½ hours, until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Once risen, punch the dough down gently and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the dough at the bottom to create tension.
Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring they have a little space between them for expansion. Brush the tops with the egg wash. Cover again and let rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy and touching.
Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and fragrant.
Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Let them cool slightly before serving, and then enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Hawaiian rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. For freezing, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, storing them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once frozen, but brushing with melted butter will refresh their delightful flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and milk, to ensure a smooth dough that rises well.
If your dough is too sticky, it’s okay to sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
Kneading is crucial for gluten development, which gives the rolls their structure and fluffiness.
For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking.
If you plan on making these rolls ahead of time, you can shape them and place them in the fridge overnight before the second rise.
Experiment by adding flavors like cinnamon or coconut to give a twist to the classic recipe.

Hawaiian rolls are truly a treat that everyone will love! They make a perfect side for any meal or a sweet breakfast option. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or use these rolls for sliders—think teriyaki chicken or pulled pork! Whatever you decide, just know that every batch will be a crowd-pleaser and an invitation to enjoy simple, delicious homemade goodness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these Hawaiian rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then place them in the fridge overnight before the second rise. Simply let them sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, and they’ll be ready to bake.

What’s the difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast?

Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn’t need to be activated in warm water first, unlike active dry yeast which requires blooming. If you substitute active dry yeast, be sure to let it sit in warm water for about 5 minutes until frothy before mixing it in with the other ingredients.

How can I achieve the best texture for my rolls?

Kneading the dough well is key to developing the gluten that gives these rolls their fluffy texture. Be patient and don’t rush this step! Additionally, making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature can result in a better rise and texture.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can use all-purpose flour if you want, but your rolls may be a bit softer and won’t have the same chewiness. If possible, go for bread flour to achieve that classic Hawaiian roll texture.