Why You’ll Love Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls Recipe
These rolls are soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet without being overpowering. They bake up golden on top and tender inside, making them great for both savory meals and sweet spreads. They are also perfect for making ahead, serving with dinner, or turning into mini sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3 teaspoons instant yeast
¾ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 whole eggs, room temperature
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup whole milk, lukewarm
¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 whole egg
2 teaspoons milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
In a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk until just combined.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, pineapple juice, lukewarm milk, and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for 5 minutes.
Gradually add the softened butter while mixing, then continue kneading for 2 more minutes, or until the dough comes together.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let it proof for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 15 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
Arrange the dough balls in a greased or lined 9 x 13-inch baking dish in 5 rows by 3. Cover and let them rest for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Make the egg wash by whisking together 1 egg and 2 teaspoons milk. Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush the warm rolls with melted butter. Let cool for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 15 rolls
Prep time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Variations
Add a little orange zest to the dough for a brighter citrus flavor.
Use these rolls for ham and cheese sliders, pulled chicken sandwiches, or breakfast sandwiches.
Sprinkle the tops with a small amount of flaky salt after brushing with butter for a sweet-salty finish.
For a richer roll, brush with honey butter instead of plain melted butter after baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To reheat, warm rolls in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for about 10 to 15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes. You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but active dry yeast should be activated in the lukewarm milk first before adding it to the dough.
Why is pineapple juice used in Hawaiian rolls?
Pineapple juice adds sweetness, moisture, and a light fruity flavor that gives the rolls their classic Hawaiian-style taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and proof the rolls before baking.
Why didn’t my rolls rise?
The yeast may be expired, the liquid may have been too hot, or the room may have been too cold.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the rolls will be less sweet and may have a slightly different texture.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes. Bread flour will make the rolls slightly chewier while still soft.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The tops should be golden brown, and the rolls should sound slightly hollow when tapped.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes. Freeze them after baking and cooling completely.
What can I serve with Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls?
They pair well with butter, honey, roasted meats, soups, holiday dinners, and sandwich fillings.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a subtle pineapple flavor. Whether served warm with dinner or used for sliders, these homemade rolls are a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Sweet Hawaiian Bread Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet Hawaiian bread rolls enriched with pineapple juice and butter, perfect for dinner or sliders.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 3 tsps instant yeast
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 whole eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 whole egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tsps milk (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt until combined.
- Create a well in the center and add eggs, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook, knead on low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add softened butter and continue mixing for 2 more minutes until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Divide into 15 equal portions and shape into balls. Arrange in a greased or lined 9 x 13-inch baking dish (5 by 3 layout). Cover and let rise again for about 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix egg and milk for the egg wash and brush over the rolls. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Cool for 5–7 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure liquids are lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If pineapple juice is unavailable, orange juice can be used for a slightly different flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- These rolls are great for sliders or served with butter and jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
