Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls that have become a beloved treat worldwide. Originating from Hawaii, these rolls are slightly enriched with pineapple juice, which adds a subtle tropical sweetness and helps create their signature tender texture. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, dinner sides, or even breakfast, these rolls are versatile, delicious, and irresistibly soft.
Making Hawaiian rolls from scratch is incredibly satisfying because the aroma of fresh, warm bread fills your kitchen. They have a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory fillings like ham and cheese, pulled pork, or even simple butter. The light, pillowy texture sets them apart from regular dinner rolls, making them a favorite for holidays, gatherings, or everyday meals.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because the rolls are buttery, soft, and lightly sweet—perfect for any occasion. The tropical hint of pineapple juice adds a unique flavor, while the homemade version allows control over sweetness, texture, and size. These rolls always impress guests and make any meal feel special.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This recipe is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls that melt in your mouth. They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or slider parties. Homemade Hawaiian rolls are superior to store-bought versions in flavor, texture, and freshness.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Bread / Side Dish
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / American
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per roll
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Optional: melted butter for brushing
Cooking Directions
Prepare the Dough
Combine yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Add egg, butter, pineapple juice, flour, and salt to form a soft dough. Let rise until doubled.
Shape the Rolls
Divide dough into 12 pieces, shape into rolls, and place on a greased baking pan. Let rise again.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, pineapple juice, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead until soft, elastic dough forms.
Step 3: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Step 5: Arrange rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter while still warm.
Step 8: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve
Serve Sweet Hawaiian Rolls warm with butter for breakfast, use them as slider buns for sandwiches, or pair with soups, stews, or holiday meals. They’re versatile enough for both sweet and savory pairings.
Recipe Tips
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Brush with butter immediately after baking for a soft, shiny crust.
- Ensure rolls are evenly sized for uniform baking.
- Slightly underbake for an extra soft interior; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Variations
Honey-Glazed Hawaiian Rolls
Mix honey with melted butter for brushing to add extra sweetness.
Stuffed Rolls
Fill rolls with ham, cheese, or chocolate before shaping for stuffed versions.
Whole Wheat Hawaiian Rolls
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier variation.
Coconut Flavor
Add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
Freezing and Storage
Freezing
Cool rolls completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Storage
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or greased baking pan
- Pastry brush for butter
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any meal or occasion. With the subtle flavor of pineapple juice and a buttery golden crust, these rolls are perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or enjoying fresh from the oven. Easy to make and highly versatile, this recipe allows you to enjoy homemade Hawaiian rolls that are far superior to store-bought versions. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or casual meals, these rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, sweet bread.
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls that have become a beloved treat worldwide. Originating from Hawaii, these rolls are slightly enriched with pineapple juice, which adds a subtle tropical sweetness and helps create their signature tender texture. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, dinner sides, or even breakfast, these rolls are versatile, delicious, and irresistibly soft.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, pineapple juice, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead until soft, elastic dough forms.
-
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
-
Arrange rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter while still warm.
-
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
