Hawaiian Rolls are irresistibly soft, tender, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re incredibly versatile, whether you’re using them for a slider, as a side dish, or simply to snack on. This homemade version is far fresher and tastier than anything you’ll find in the store. And best of all, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make these fluffy rolls from scratch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Pineapple juice (for sweetness and flavor)
All-purpose flour
Salt
Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if using). Stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough begins to form. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close together so they’ll bake into soft, pull-apart rolls.
6. Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
7. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have finished rising, bake them for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Add Butter
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter to give them a beautiful, shiny finish and an extra rich flavor.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a rising time of 1.5–2 hours and a baking time of 20–25 minutes, totaling approximately 2.5–3 hours from start to finish.
Variations
Add coconut: For a tropical twist, mix in some shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Use whole wheat flour: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option with a nuttier flavor.
Use bread flour: For even fluffier rolls, you can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour for better structure and chew.
Smaller rolls: Shape the dough into mini rolls and bake them for about 12-15 minutes for a bite-sized version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled Hawaiian rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds per roll for that soft, just-baked texture.
FAQs
How do I make sure the rolls stay soft?
The pineapple juice and milk help keep the rolls soft and tender, while the honey and sugar contribute to the moist texture. Baking the rolls in a tightly packed pan also helps them stay soft.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw, rise, and bake as usual.
Can I make these rolls without pineapple juice?
Pineapple juice is key to achieving the unique sweetness and flavor of Hawaiian rolls. However, if you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute with orange juice for a similar fruity flavor.
Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls may be due to under-proofing, using too much flour, or not kneading the dough enough. Ensure you allow enough time for the dough to rise fully and handle it gently during shaping.
Can I make this recipe by hand?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. Just make sure to knead for at least 8–10 minutes to develop the gluten.
How can I make my Hawaiian rolls sweeter?
If you like sweeter rolls, increase the amount of sugar or honey slightly in the dough or brush the rolls with honey butter after baking.
Can I add butter to the dough?
Yes! For an extra rich flavor, you can mix a little extra melted butter into the dough itself, in addition to brushing it on top after baking.
Conclusion
Homemade Hawaiian Rolls are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their sweet, soft texture and buttery flavor will make them a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re using them for sandwiches, sliders, or as a comforting side, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.
Hawaiian Rolls are soft, sweet, and buttery dinner rolls with a fluffy texture and mild tropical flavor. Made with pineapple juice and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or served warm with butter.
Ingredients
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup pineapple juice
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if using). Mix well.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape into smooth balls and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brush hot rolls with melted butter and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use pineapple juice for authentic Hawaiian flavor; orange juice can be substituted in a pinch.Brush rolls with honey butter for a sweeter finish.Use bread flour for fluffier texture or substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.Rolls can be frozen after shaping for future baking—just thaw, rise, and bake as directed.Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
